Welcome to the Variety Australia Entertainment 50 – the inaugural list highlighting the talented individuals and industry organisations who play a crucial role in producing successful content in Australia’s entertainment industry.
This list celebrates the creators behind innovative and original content for Australian and global audiences.
In the spotlight are producers, directors, writers and executives, and the list was curated by the Mediaweek team.
Criteria for the Variety Australia Entertainment 50
Recognition: Honouring individuals or entities whose work has garnered widespread acclaim and acknowledgement within the industry.
Commercial: Assessing projects that have demonstrated strong commercial success, reflecting the financial impact on the industry.
Viewership: Celebrating content that has captivated audiences through ratings and/or engagement metrics.
Volume: Highlighting the output of creators.
Cultural/social impact: Acknowledging the transformative power of the media in shaping conversations and leaving a cultural footprint.
These categories ensure a well-rounded assessment of nominees, focusing not only on commercial success but also on the broader influence content has on Australian culture.
Every day this week, we’ll countdown the names on the list releasing more each day until we reveal who’s in the number one position at the Mediaweek 100 lunch.
Howard Myers-Rifai
Head of Unscripted Originals, Foxtel Group
Howard Myers-Rifai continues to drive the success of Foxtel Group’s ambitious unscripted originals slate.
Under his guidance, Foxtel Group has delivered compelling programming from the multi-award winning Gogglebox Australia to Real Housewives of Sydney.
He was the driving force behind Binge’s successful FBoy Island.
Myers focuses on a blend of high-quality local storytelling, strategic partnerships and creativity, and is an instrumental influence across development, commissioning and production.
Chris Irvine
Head of Commercial and Production, SBS
Chris Irvine oversees all production, financing, and commercial aspects of SBS, including its diverse slate of TV and online content.
With a focus on both domestic and international distribution, Irvine plays a key role in championing SBS Originals and supporting co-productions that reflect Australia’s multicultural society.
His strategic leadership extends from managing greenlight processes to fostering relationships with global partners, positioning SBS as a unique broadcaster committed to diverse storytelling.
Sam Strauss
Writer and Executive Producer, Picking Scabs
Sam Strauss is the co-founder of Picking Scabs, a joint venture with See-Saw Films.
In 2024, Strauss – who wrote and executive produced Nine Perfect Strangers and The End – has been one of the key driving forces behind the TV adaptation of The Last Anniversary, a six-part series for Binge (Australia) and the BBC (UK).
As writer and executive producer of the series, based on Liane Moriarty’s famous novel, it will feature Teresa Palmer and Miranda Richardson in leading roles.
In 2023, Samantha was the showrunner, head writer and executive producer of Apple Cider Vinegar, a six-part limited series for Netflix, starring Kaitlyn Dever and Alycia Debnam-Carey.
Imogen Banks
Producer, Kindling Pictures
Imogen Banks, through Kindling Pictures, has solidified her reputation for creating thought-provoking Australian drama.
An award-winning producer, she’s known for creating Offspring, Puberty Blues, The Beautiful Lie, Sisters and Tangle.
Banks recently created Bad Behaviour, a series that explores the psychological impact of teenage friendships and is gaining critical acclaim.
Her expertise in crafting authentic stories with strong character development has made her one of Australia’s most-respected producers, bringing a new wave of distinctive, high-quality storytelling to screens both locally and globally.
Joanna Werner
Producer, Werner Film Productions
Joanna Werner is the founder of Werner Film Productions, an independent film and television production company known for creating impactful, award-winning content.
She continues to make waves with hit series Surviving Summer, now filming its second season for Netflix.
The show topped charts in more than 42 countries, including the US, UK, and Brazil.
Other standout projects include The Family Law and Secret City, a political thriller that gained international attention.
Werner’s productions have been recognized with numerous industry accolades, including Logie Awards and AACTA nominations.
Her success attracted BBC Studios who acquired Werner Film productions earlier in 2024.
Sarah Lambert
Writer, producer and director, Lantern Pictures
Sarah Lambert, an acclaimed writer and director, has been at the forefront of developing impactful storytelling on screen for years.
She recently joined Andrew Lambert and Jane Manning to create Lantern Pictures.
Lambert’s The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart, which premiered on Amazon Prime, was praised for its emotional depth and powerful performances.
She is currently developing a new drama series based on a bestselling novel, with a focus on complex female characters and intricate narratives, further cementing her reputation as a leading creative force in Australian TV.
John and Dan Edwards
Founders and producers, Roadshow Rough Diamond
Between them John and Dan Edwards have produced some of Australia’s most iconic drama. These include Romper Stomper, Puberty Blues, Gallipolli, Offspring, Paper Giants: The Birth of Cleo, and Australian Gangster.
In 2024, the duo brought new series of Bump, Human Error and Plum to the screen continuing their focus on quality drama with national and international appeal.
Their work as such successful and prolific producers has seen them win many awards including Logies, AFI and AACTAs.
Marta Dusseldorp
Founder and producer, Archipelago Productions
Marta Dusseldorp is one of Australia’s most-acclaimed actresses with a wealth of success in film, TV and on stage.
Through her production company Archipelago Productions, Dusseldorp created and starred in the hugely successful and AACTA-nominated Bay of Fires, which is currently filming its second season for ABC.
Poppy Stockell
Director, writer and producer
Stockell is an award-winning writer, director and producer with a love for telling stories that explore human identity, culture and a dose of humour.
Stockell has written, produced and directed for all the major television networks in Australia.
In 2024 she directed the SBS series Triple Oh! and The Art Of Sex for ABC.
Her debut feature documentary, John Farnham – Finding The Voice is the highest-grossing Australian documentary of all time and following this recently Stockwell co-authored the best-selling John Farnham, The Voice Inside.
Majella Hay
Head of Unscripted, Seven Network
Majella Hay has recently expanded her role as Director of Content, Unscripted, for the Seven Network, where she oversees the creative direction of tentpole shows including The Voice Australia, My Kitchen Rules, and Farmer Wants a Wife.
Hay’s influence has been critical in refreshing the network’s entertainment slate, integrating new revenue opportunities and innovative production approaches.
Soon to come from Hay are the much-anticipated Once In A Lifetime, featuring Dr Chris Brown and Stranded On Honeymoon Island.
MORE TO COME…