Unveiling Our Vision for the film industry

Amy Friesen traded the sunny climes of Queensland for the snowy peaks of Vancouver, where she launched her career in film. After attending acting and film schools in Brisbane, Los Angeles, and Vancouver, she earned her first writing and producing credit with the documentary Paths of Dust and Hope, filmed on location in Mozambique.

Since returning to her native Australia, Amy has expanded her producing and writing slate with numerous short films, features, and documentaries. Her work has earned accolades, including a Best Comedy Finalist award for The Cookie at both the Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) and the Far South Film Festival. She has also produced and directed with production houses Why Documentaries and Yesterday Stories, focusing on social impact issues and amplifying the voices of marginalised communities.

As the owner of Freestyle Films, Amy leads a team of dedicated filmmakers who share her passion for crafting unique narratives that leave a lasting impression. Blending innovation with expertise, they bring stories to life with creative vision and technical precision. Furthermore, Amy has lent her passion for film to help establish and produce the Hervey Bay Film Festival and the Fraser Shorts Film Festival.

 A humanitarian at heart, Amy aspires to one day write and produce a feature film that showcases the most unlikely cultural heroes of our time.

Peter Pan studied TV Production at TAFE and Digital Film at SAE. He spent eight years working in a Sydney-based video production and event company before relocating to Laos to establish a media company. Peter has had the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects, including video production, film, design, live event production for corporate, local and international organisations, and government clients. With over 20 years of hands-on experience, Peter has developed a deep understanding of the technical and creative aspects of filmmaking and live production . He is honored to be a part of Screen Fraser Coast.

Sam believes every frame tells a story. From his first camera to studying a Bachelor of Film & TV at JMC Academy, his goal has always been to pursue his passion for regional storytelling through visual media. Aspiring to become a broadcast director, he is focused on building a creative network that empowers local talent and contributes to the growth of the Australian film industry. Sam is committed to youth involvement on the Fraser Coast and aim to elevate young filmmakers, giving them a chance to thrive.

Kevin Friesen hails from the Canadian prairies, but found himself head first in an acting/stuntman career by the age of 21, in Vancouver BC. What was supposed to be a long and successful acting career for Kevin, was sneakily intercepted by an unknown skill and passion for directing, perhaps coming out of his own personal understanding as an actor. He quickly learned the ropes working as a director with Boldfish Entertainment on corporate videos and gained further experience on the documentary Paths of Dust and Hope, shot in Mozambique. Kevin later shot and directed corporate videos and short films in Sydney and Siem Reap and after a short film school in Newcastle, directed his finalist awarded short film, The Cookie. Whether it’s acting, directing, writing or just running a few cables on set, Kevin loves the film industry and is keen to see it grow in regional areas making it accessible to the regional communities.  Kevin is known to get 3am script ideas which he pens down and is looking forward to sinking his teeth into a good ‘ole action film in the near future.

Elsie Green is a multidisciplinary strategist and creative practitioner whose work sits at the intersection of community, culture and storytelling. She currently serves as an Indigenous Banking Specialist with the Commonwealth Bank, where she advocates for accessible, culturally responsive systems for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across regional and remote Australia. Her role centres on translating complex institutional processes into human-centred outcomes, a skill she brings directly into screen and arts governance.

With a background in graphic design, photography and large-scale event coordination, Elsie has produced visual and narrative work for tourism bodies, national conferences and community organisations. Her practice is grounded in ethical representation, strong stakeholder engagement and a commitment to amplifying under-represented voices. She has collaborated with broadcasters including Tourism Australia & Tourism Queensland, NITV, SBS and the ABC, and is recognised for culturally authentic content development.

Elsie is currently undertaking postgraduate studies in neuroscience, informing her interest in perception, audience experience and the cognitive impact of visual media. On the Screen Fraser Coast committee, she contributes strategic insight, industry liaison experience and a focus on inclusive storytelling that reflects the region’s diverse communities.