LEANNE TONKES - FOUNDER & HEAD OF CONTENT
Known for her passion and tenacity, Leanne is a producer who thrives on telling uniquely entertaining stories with global appeal that focus on elevating female creatives.
Her latest production, the Screen Australia supported feature MY MELBOURNE, was directed by four first-time feature directors under the mentorship of legendary Indian directors Kabir Khan, Imtiaz Ali, Rima Das and Onir.
In 2018 Leanne produced Mairi Cameron’s AACTA nominated debut feature THE SECOND, which made history as Australian streaming service STAN’s first Original commissioned feature. Her other credits include Stephen Lance’s directorial debut, MY MISTRESS, starring the internationally acclaimed French actress Emmanuelle Béart, AFI Award winning Harrison Gilbertson and Rachael Blake and THIS IS DESMONDO RAY! – a critically acclaimed web series and Winner of the Web Series World Cup in 2018.
In 2019 Leanne participated in INSIDE PICTURES, a high profile, highly selective, international film business and leadership skills development program for industry executives supported by Creative Europe and Screen Skills (UK)
Leanne’s relentless advocacy for gender equality, diversity and inclusion led her to become a founding board member of the Melbourne Women in Film Festival, which she now Chairs as she continues to champion the careers of female and under-represented storytellers.
MELISSA RUSSO - PRODUCER & HEAD OF DEVELOPMENT
Following the success of the record-breaking film TOGETHER at Sundance, Melissa Russo has firmly established herself as a rising producer in the Australian film industry. During a 12-month producer placement supported by Vic Screen, Melissa played a key associate producer role on TOGETHER, starring Dave Franco and Alison Brie. The film was acquired by Neon for $17 million after a competitive bidding war at Sundance 2025.
Melissa also served as Associate Producer on SON OF A DONKEY, a Netflix Original Series produced by Princess Pictures.
Melissa has worked on a range of projects across live-action and animation, collaborating with companies like Princess Pictures, Mind Blowing Films, and Sense & Centsability. She has also worked across development on projects which include the feature adaptation of the Audible Original LONELY HARTS CLUB.
Passionate about championing underrepresented voices in film, Melissa is a board member of Women in Film and Television Victoria. Before becoming a producer, she gained valuable experience in distribution and festival coordinator, working with the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne for multiple years.
Melissa is driven by a deep commitment to telling evocative and meaningful stories that resonate with global audiences.