Sydney Film School is fortunate to be infused with passionate, committed and experienced filmmakers. We believe the best way to learn is to learn from mentors who have been successful in their chosen disciplines.
Our mentors are selected for their practical experience in the film industry, as well as their ability to teach and communicate the concepts that offer our students professional perspectives on how to reach their goals. They are devoted to assisting our students through their assignments and production processes, and to ensuring that each one feels part of the community that is Sydney Film School.
SIMON HUNTER
EXECUTIVE CHAIR
Simon Hunter began his career as a screenwriter and producer. He wrote Twisted Tales: Bonus Mileage, produced by Australian icon Bryan Brown for the Nine Network Australia. Simon's screenplay secured Academy Award winner Geoffrey Rush to star in the episode.
ASHLEY CURRY
DIRECTOR OF WATERLOO STUDIOS
Ashley Curry came to Sydney Film School with over 5 years of marketing experience and another 5 years of design experience. He started his journey with SAS as Marketing Manager, moving into Recruitment and Admissions and now oversees the daily running of the school as Director of Waterloo Studios.
ERIN GOOD
PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT
Erin Good is an award-winning writer, director and producer. Good's work has been nominated for over 60 awards, including two Australian Director's Guild award nominations and one Australian Director's Guild Award win.
TSU SHAN CHAMBERS
PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT
CJ JOHNSON
SCREEN STORYTELLING
LES PARROTT
CINEMATOGRAPHY
Starting his career in the UK as a clapper loader, Les progressed through focus pulling to camera operation, working on films including Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey and The Beatles’ Let It Be.
SAM FREEMAN
POST-PRODUCTION
Sam’s teaching style draws from over a decade of experience in film, television and video production in Australia and overseas with a focus on creative problem-solving and the technical nuances of filmmaking.
NICK BOLTON
SCREEN BUSINESS
Nick is a regional filmmaker based on the South Coast of NSW, working across film, documentary and commercial. He has been recognised onto the Screen Practitioner program by Screen NSW and SPA, and was nominated for Best Producer of the Year Short Film at the 2023 SPA Awards.
MARK BARNARD
PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT
Mark Barnard is a television professional with over 35 years experience in just about every genre and style. He has worked internationally for many high profile employers, most recently for ABC Kids, CBeebies (UK) and Beach House (Singapore/Aust).
LEAH PELLINKHOF
DIRECTING FOR SCREEN
Leah Pellinkhof is a trained and experienced director, film and theatre maker, writer, cinematographer, editor, intimacy coordinator and arts educator. Her extensive resume covers over 20 years as an arts educator and award winning film & theatre maker.
JASON PERINI
DIRECTING FOR SCREEN
Jason Perini is a director, writer and actor. In 2016, Jason wrote and directed his short film ‘The New Empress’. The short stars Maggie Gyllenhaal and was produced by Dana Brunetti as part of the Jameson First Shot project. The film premiered at Paramount Pictures Studios in Los Angeles.
CAMERON LYON
COURSE MANAGER
Cameron Lyon is the Course Manager for the Bachelor of Screen Production for Sydney Film School and Excelsia College.