Thursday 12th March | 6.30 – 8.00pm | $20 (Paid-Up Friends of Geelong Waterfront Film $15) | GMHBA Head Office, 60 Moorabool Street, Geelong | Casual Networking from 6.00pm with drinks and nibbles thanks to our friends at Centre Stage. 6.30pm sharp start.
This event is proudly brought to you by:
Julie Peters is a trailblazing veteran of the Australian media industry whose 50-year career at the ABC began in 1971 as a cable-puller for The Kamahl Show. Over five decades, she mastered the technical evolution of broadcasting—from black-and-white 16mm film to the digital era—serving as a camera operator, lighting director, and technical producer for iconic programs including Countdown, The Big Gig, and The Doug Anthony Allstars.
Broadcasting Change from Behind the Camera
Presenter: Julie Peters
In the 1990s, Peters made history as the first person to openly transition at the ABC. Beyond her technical credits, she is a dedicated advocate for gender diversity, running “Lighting for Women” courses funded by Women in Film and Television (WIFT) and the Australian Film Commission to address industry gender imbalances.
Known as an “accidental archivist,” Peters has spent decades preserving rare trans-related media, providing filmmakers with authentic historical records often ignored by mainstream cinema. Today, she continues to demystify trans stereotypes through specialist tutorials at Deakin and La Trobe universities. Her legacy combines technical mastery with a lifelong commitment to ensuring gender-diverse individuals can lead healthy, visible lives both behind and in front of the camera.
Within WIFT, Julie has contributed to education and industry events, addressing gender imbalances through practical training. Her notable initiative, Lighting for Women, targeted technical gender disparity, empowering women to take on roles behind the camera. Julie’s career reflects a dedication to both craft and advocacy, blending technical mastery with social impact.
Jesse Leaman
Lessons from a Director
Presenter: Jesse Leaman – Writer-Director
Jesse Samos Leaman is an Australian Writer-Director whose Spanish heritage and personal experiences, including living with a mild tic disorder, help shape his commitment to telling authentic stories and amplifying underrepresented voices.
His debut short film Lorne, starring Guy Pearce, screened at top festivals and won multiple awards before a successful Omeleto release. His next short, Mad Martha, is on SBS On Demand and has received international awards for direction and cinematography.
His documentary Mother of Chooks screened at major festivals worldwide and won a Jury Citation Award at the Thomas Edison Film Festival.
Mother of Chooks will be screened in Geelong on Thursday 9th April at the Pivotonian.
Jesse has also directed music videos for artists like Masked Wolf and Didirri, earning awards at ARFF Barcelona and the International Music Video Awards, as well as an ADG nomination for Didirri’s Often Broken
Jesse crafts visually striking, emotionally resonant films. He is developing his debut feature with Taylor Adams, following Lorne’s success.
Navigating the Gate Keepers!
How to really secure streaming deals and unlock global audiences.
Presenter: David Greenwood – Centre Stage
David Greenwood OAM is a respected theatre producer, educator, and community leader based in Geelong, Victoria. As the Managing Director of CentreStage, David has spent more than 15 years building pathways for young people and emerging artists to access high-quality training, professional opportunities, and meaningful connections within the performing arts industry.
David’s work spans large-scale musical theatre productions, talent development, education programs, and community-led initiatives, with a strong focus on inclusion, accessibility, and regional representation. He is also an experienced small business owner, having employed dozens of staff and contractors across creative and education settings.
In recognition of his contribution to small business and the arts, David was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 2024. He continues to champion inclusive leadership, youth opportunity, and the vital role the arts play in community wellbeing, particularly in regional Victoria.
