Chosen from seven participating states, the emerging producers will work with Bus Stop’s in-house producer, Dianna La Grassa, to help realise a slate of 18 inclusively made short films, being produced through Bus Stop Films’ Accessible Film Studies Program.

The successful applicants are:

  • Kate Maude (ACT) – Kate Maude is a Canberra-based producer, writer, and actress, known for Starry Eyed and The Cost of Money. Kate is passionate about creating art that allows us to share in the human experience.
  • Joel Ludemann (NSW) – Joel Ludemann is a producer, writer and director with a passion for comedy, seen in his web-series Tales From 88, various music videos and commercial work. He is an avid home cook, rock climber and cat enthusiast.
  • Dana Bradshaw (NSW) – Dana is a Bundjalung woman currently based in Wangal country in Sydney. She has produced multiple programs for ABC and made her directorial debut with ABC documentary Looking Black in 2022. She is passionate about producing films that focus on human connection and highlight diverse stories.
  • Sarah Carroll (NSW) – Sarah Carroll (she/they) is an award-winning Pasifika queer and neurodiverse writer, performer and producer working on Dharug Land. Sarah strives to champion for underrepresented voices to be heard and create works that uplift and engage audiences in new and exciting ways – usually with lots of sparkle and sass.
  • Chidiebube Uba (NSW) – Chidiebube Uba is an Igbo-Nigerian, Sydney based, artist and emerging screen producer. Having completed a Bachelor of Communication at Western Sydney University (2019), she delved into further creative practice development and study at the Australian Film Television and Radio School (2022 MAS: Producing). Chidiebube’s evolving practice intersects community engagement and visual, moving art and exhibition as well as arts programming.
  • Harry Sabulis (QLD) – Harry Sabulis (he/him/his) is a Brisbane based writer and producer, with a passion for telling queer stories, including recent projects Lumber and Road to Pride. An openly gay man and a second-generation Australian with Lithuanian and Belarusian heritage, Harry is dedicated to telling emotional and inspiring stories from underrepresented communities; to shine a light on difficult and challenging topics that are often left untold on our screens.
  • Mariah Gates (SA) – Mariah Gates is a Canadian-born actor, writer, and producer residing in South Australia. She is driven by a passion for creative pursuits that promote inclusivity, sustainable practices, and mental health advocacy, all while fostering community and contributing to a healthier planet.
  • Sarah Williams (WA) – Sarah Williams is an emerging producer who is keen to produce content that uplifts and empowers. Sarah is passionate about filmmaking and believes the filmmaking process should be inclusive. She is excited to be working on the Inclusive Producers Attachment, assisting in bringing diverse stories to the screen.
  • Baris Ulusoy (VIC) – Baris Ulusoy develops drama and factual content with the view to capture the diverse faces of the Australian identity, through creative and compelling storytelling. With a strong passion for inclusive filmmaking practices in community-based filmmaking.
  • Olivia Bilic (TAS) – Olivia Bilic is a producer and writer based in lutruwita (Tasmania) Australia. She has a specific interest in producing work that centres the experiences of underrepresented Australians.

The ten roles are generously supported by Screen NSW, Screen Queensland, South Australian Film Corporation, VicScreen, Screen Tasmania, Screen Canberra and Screenwest. These seven agencies represent the seven states where Bus Stop Films’ delivers its Accessible Film Studies Program.

The cohort will gain professional skills development in inclusive filmmaking by attending Bus Stop’s Inclusion in Action workshop and be part of a network of producers passionate about inclusive filmmaking. The program will equip participants with skills in producing films inclusively, supporting people with disabilities on productions and producing content through a lens of inclusion, diversity and accessibility.

The program encouraged applications from producers from regional, CALD, Deaf/Disabled, First Nations and LGBTQI+ communities to apply.

Producer Dianna La Grassa says: “It was incredible to see such an uptake for this attachment and the commitment to inclusive filmmaking from talented emerging Producers from across the country. I am so excited to be mentoring and working with these individuals and working together to bring a slate of 18 inclusively made films together.”

Bus Stop Films acknowledges the support and encouragement of Screen Producers Australia to establish the initiative.

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