Blake Fonti

Blake Fonti is an emerging creative in the filmmaking industry, largely specialising in directing, writing and editing. Having begun making amateur film projects with friends in childhood, and watching behind-the-scenes documentaries, Blake’s been long-passionate about the ways narrative stories can be executed for engagement.

He is never afraid to tackle highly ambitious projects and is passionate about working collaboratively to strengthen the material. He is determined to bring a stylishness, yet versatility to his work that allows a balance of boldness with grounded sincerity and is committed to realising memorable stories moving into the industry.

Wabaam Ram

As writer of Dead or a Lie I helped to develop the narrative, gags and subtext of the film alongside the director, Blake, and then turn all of that into an actual script. What initially interested me in the film was the ambition and tone. I’ve always loved stories that exist in a heightened reality, unafraid to twist the rules of the world in service of the story.

For a film like Dead or a Lie, with so many moving pieces, it can be hard to make things flow well. Because of this we segmented the writing process, at first focusing on the main narrative and emotional beats and then incorporating jokes wherever they fit.

Jasper Griffin

Jasper is an aspirant Producer based in Melbourne Australia. A recent graduate at Swinburne University of Technology with a bachelors degree in Film and Television (Honours,) Jasper is looking to bolster his portfolio with unique stories that push the boundaries of filmmaking.

With a creative vision behind all choices in the production process, as well as establishing and maintaining a rock solid creative bond with all heads of department, Jasper looks to find success in the industry through collaborating with filmmakers who share his creative and eclectic vision.

Sebastien Trucchi

An aspiring Cinematographer and member of the Camera Team, Sebastien undertook the role of Director of Photography on Dead or a Lie. Working closely with the rest of the crew, he brought a unique style to the film hoping to further the creative and wild energy of the world of Dead or a Lie. Sebastien's always looking for what could be the best composition with anything he shoots, and is hoping to build upon that ability further now being a post-graduate of the Swinburne Film and Television Honours Degree. Beyond the camera, Sebastien is also a keen editor and uses his post-skills to figure out what shots may suit the flow of a scene the best. Having to come up with new shots on the spot to problem solve, Sebastien is always ready to approach shooting a scene in a creative and innovative way.

Michael Polazzon

Michael is an aspiring creative in the sound department, with a passion for sound recording and a love of filmmaking. He served as Sound Recordist and Sound Designer on Dead Or A Lie.

Michael aspires to continue working as a freelance sound recordist, providing quality recordings to many more projects to come. Always a positive energy on set, Michael loves working with cast and crew alike to bring new and exciting stories to the screen.

Lachlan Salvatore

Lachlan Salvatore is an aspiring editor with a passion for the vast storytelling potential of the role. With experience in motion-graphics, visual effects and animation, Lachie’s determined to explore the role with ardent curiosity and appreciation for the collaborative process.

The applications of mixed-media and the ever-shifting mediums of video production see Lachie excited to embrace traditional filmmaking studies developed in the Swinburne Bachelor of Film and Television to service unconventional ideas, mediums and tones.

Anabelle Harkin Strain

Belle Strain is an aspiring production designer with a keen focus on costume. Using her passion for visual storytelling and world-building, Belle aims to create worlds and enhance characters through her work in film and television. Her creative practice focuses on exploring how costume, colour, detail and texture can communicate characters and relationships, as well as establishing a unique world in which the stories can be brought to life. Belle is particularly interested in the representation of women on screen, using visual design to challenge traditional gender stereotypes, instead creating nuanced portrayals of strong female characters.