06/10/2026
MEET THE JUDGES | BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN
With over 100 submissions received for the inaugural Essential Screen Skills (ESS) Awards, the judging process has now concluded!
Students and teachers keep an eye on your inbox later this week.
We are honoured to have an outstanding panel of industry professionals and highly commended film and drama educators coming together to review the incredible work submitted by Queensland’s emerging Year 10–12 filmmakers.
Introducing our Best Production Design judges:
Jon Dowding - Award-winning production designer and educator, with four decades of industry experience and credits including Mad Max, The Blue Lagoon, Roadgames and Hercules Returns.
Matt Puttland APDG- Award-winning production designer and one of Australia’s most sought-after film and television designers, with credits including Territory, The Artful Dodger, Predestination and The Portable Door.
Kelsey Hall - Film, Television and New Media educator, industry professional and Co-President of ATOM Qld, with extensive experience supporting the next generation of screen practitioners.
We are incredibly grateful to Jon, Matt and Kelsey for sharing their expertise and time to help recognise the talented young filmmakers who submitted their work to the ESS Awards.
The ESS Awards celebrate Queensland’s emerging screen practitioners and connect the next generation of filmmakers with the industry professionals who can help shape their futures.
ESS Awards: 14 November 2026
Stay tuned as we introduce more of our incredible ESS Awards judges across the categories.
