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MEET THE TEAM
MARIA TRAN
FOUNDER/ CEO
Maria Tran is a Vietnamese-Australian actor, filmmaker, and martial artist who has won multiple awards for her work in film, TV, stage, and performance. She also specializes in fight action choreography and is the founder of Phoenix Eye Films, a female-led production company based in both Australia and the US. She has a background in psychology, filmmaking, and working with culturally diverse communities. She is known for her international action blockbusters such as "Fist of the Dragon" & "Death Mist" in China and "Tracer" in Vietnam.
ELIZABETH H. VU
WRITER/ PRODUCER
Elizabeth H. Vu has an impressive portfolio of short films, including "Mr Ghost," "The Radio Singer," "The Equivalent of X," "Level One," and "Under the Bed". Her work extends to feature films, such as "The Perception," which stars Eric Roberts and has received multiple awards. Collaborating closely with Phoenix Eye Films, she has written projects like "Roses" and the web series "Mai Bich Planet." Elizabeth also penned the award-winning film 'Echo 8,' and her recent film, "Wake," starring Fivel Stewart, has been picked up by Film Seekers.
TAKASHI HARA
CREATIVE PRODUCER/ DIRECTOR
Takashi Hara, a multi-talented Japanese artist, excels in acting, filmmaking, and martial arts. He has honed his skills in voice, singing, ballet, Japanese traditional dance, and various martial arts styles. Takashi won the 2015 Wushu Championship and has worked on numerous films in Sydney since moving to Australia in 2016. Collaborating with his wife, Maria Tran, their films have received awards, and their action feature film "ECHO 8" has won 19 international film awards. Takashi also teaches acting, co-founded the "ACTING FOR MINDFULNESS" collective, and is involved in theatre productions. His dedication has earned him recognition and prominence in the Japanese and Australian arts scenes.
THUY NGUYEN
FILMMAKER
Thuy Nguyen is a developing filmmaker from Western Sydney known for producing documentaries about social justice, diversity and inclusion issues. Her documentary works include Ankara Pride (2019), produced for Blacktown Shorts as part of the Blacktown Arts Magnify Festival and Against The Grain (2017), produced for Diversity Arts Australia as part of the Diverse Screens Project. Films by Thuy Nguyen have been featured in VAMFF’s (Melbourne Fashion Festival) Fashion Film Festival, Adelaide Fringe Festival, Miami Fashion Film Festival, Milan Fashion Film Festival, and nominated for best director, best editor, winning best student film at the Made In The West Film Festival.
QUYEN CHUNG
ART DIRECTOR/ ASSOCIATE PRODUCER
Quyen Chung is a creative artist based in Liverpool, Sydney, Australia. She specializes in producing, art directing, and production assistance. Quyen also has experience in clothes making, wardrobe alterations, and costume designing. She holds a Visual Arts Diploma, which has expanded her knowledge in painting, drawing, printing, and sculpting. Quyen has made valuable contributions to the Art department of Channel 7's show "Fat Pizza: Back in Business" Season 2, where she was involved in prop-handling, set design, and costume alterations. Currently, she is making her debut as an Art Director in an independent action featured film titled "Echo 8".
ADAM MCPHILBIN
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY/ COLORIST
Adam McPhilbin is a dynamic filmmaker based in Liverpool, Sydney. With expertise as a Cinematographer, Camera Operator, Camera Assistant, Editor, Colourist, and Visual Effects Compositor, Adam's versatile skills shine through his work. Graduating from AFTRS in 2016, he has built an impressive career. Notable projects in Adam's portfolio include ABC iView's Nightwalkers (2019). His clients range from Google and Lovefrankie KIIS FM to Ubisoft and Foxtel. He also contributes to local media arts organizations like Curiousworks, Milkcrate Theatre, and Phoenix Eye. With experience as a camera operator for ABC's Carla and Lisa's Countdown of Australian Art and as a camera intern for Fat Pizza Back In Business season 1, Adam advanced to become the Director of Photography for the 7Mate TV series 'Local Council'. Adam McPhilbin's extensive experience and talent make him a valuable asset in the world of filmmaking.
ADRIAN CASTRO
FILMMAKER
Adrian is a writer, director, and editor from Sydney with a South American Indigenous heritage. He recently completed the series NIGHTWALKERS (2019) for ABC iView, part of the Digital First Comedy Initiative with Create NSW. His first feature film, HIDDEN PEAKS (2018), is distributed on iTunes by Gravitas Pictures. In 2017, Adrian wrote and directed the three-part micro-series TIGER COPS for ABC iView, a homage to 80s Hong Kong action cinema. He graduated from the School of Visual Arts in 1993, and his short film DJANGO: SILVER BULLETS, SILVER DAWN screened at A Night of Horror International Film Festival in 2010. He has also completed several martial arts action shorts, including ENTER THE DOJO (2012), GAFFA (2013), HITGIRLS (2013), and ENTER THE DOJO 2 (2014).
OUR ASSOCIATE ARTISTS
SAHAR POURNAZARI
FILMMAKER
DAVID HONG
FILMMAKER
MERRYN O'SULLIVAN
ART DIRECTOR
PAUL PHAM
CINEMATOGRAPHER/ VFX ARTIST
ALVON A JNR
CAMERA OPERATOR
MONIKKA ELIAH
WRITER
DAVID VUONG
FILMMAKER
AMIT PAL BHARATH
FILMMAKER/ VOX POP ARTIST
LEVON JANOYAN
FILMMAKER
ANDREW NGUYEN
PHOTOGRAPHER
EMILY BUI
FILMMAKER
JACK NGU
FILMMAKER
SONNY YNG
FILMMAKER
VY PHAM
MARKETING CONSULTANT & TRANSLATOR
CECILIA HEEJUNG
BUSINESS CONSULTANT/ ARTIST
REGINA LEE
FILMMAKER
RICCARDO CICCONE
FILMMAKER
TEK THAI
FILMMAKER
MATTHEW TAKET
FILMMAKER
AVIDAN TRAN
CAMERA OPERATOR
VICTOR CHEN
FILMMAKER/ MARTIAL ARTIST
JALEN ONEAL
FILMMAKER/ GRIP
TONY 'KNINE' BENTAJADO
FILMMAKER
ANTHONY GIOVANNI ELIAS
CAMERA & PRODUCTION ASSISTANT
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