Film Victoria honours screen professionals

Documentary producer Sonya Pemberton and post production expert John Fleming were recently honoured in the 2015 Film Victoria Screen Leader Awards.

This is the fourth year of the industry event that recognises leading screen professionals.

“The Screen Leader Awards are our way of recognising the outstanding individuals who play an important role in inspiring filmmakers and contribute to the ongoing success of the Victorian and Australian Screen industry,” CEO Jenni Tosi said.

FilmVic also announcted two new awards starting in 2016: The Film Victoria – Fred Schepisi Award for Achievement in Directing, and the Jan Sardi Award for Achievement in Screenwriting.

Sonya Pemberton – recipient of the 2015 Jill Robb Award for Outstanding Leadership, Achievement and Service to the Victorian Screen Industry.

Sonya’s passion for creating compelling content for local and international audiences has seen her write, direct and produce over 60 hours of the best science documentary programming available, with the added capacity to promote awareness and change on a range of social issues.

Sonya joined forces with Australia’s largest independent production company CJZ in 2011 to create Genepool Productions. Under Sonya’s guidance Jabbed: Love, Fear and Vaccines broke SBS viewership records in 2013 and was awarded a 2012 Emmy, a 2014 Eureka Prize and a Jackson Hole Science Media Award, among others.

Her credits also include Nova, Catching Cancer, Immortal, Tales of the Unexpected and Crude: The Incredible Journey of Oil and most recently Uranium -Twisting the Dragon’s Tail, a landmark science and history series which screened on SBS earlier this year.

John Fleming – recipient of the 2015 John Howie Award for Outstanding Leadership, Achievement and Service to the Victorian Screen Industry.

John’s commitment to the film industry spans more than 30 years and is reflected in his many years of service in the post production sector. He was at the forefront of the analogue to digital revolution, which saw him guide countless film and television productions through this transition. John is known for developing the staff under his guidance at Digital Pictures Melbourne and its various incarnations, in addition to supporting early career directors and producers, by ensuring their short or first feature films received the best post production finish possible.

A passionate advocate for the screen industry, John has generously given his time to the industry through active leadership and roles on the AusFilm Board, SPAA Council, SSAV Committee and Melbourne Film Office Advisory Board.