Build
Create
Advocate
Facilitate
#INCLUSIVE FILMMAKING
Bus Stop Films is a disability led award-winning non-profit social enterprise, in operation since its history making Tropfest win in 2009. Global leaders in inclusive filmmaking, we have a national footprint providing services to individuals with disability and others from marginalised communities. We work to build skills, confidence and social connections through our Accessible Filmmaking Programs. Our dedicated Bus Stop Employment team supports the d/Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent community to access employment across the arts and media sectors while working with employers to build their confidence in inclusive employment within a production life cycle. Around this we create amazing, entertaining films that make you laugh, cry and swoon!
At Bus Stop Films we use filmmaking and the film industry to change community attitudes globally around the rights and contribution to society of and by people with disability.
Get on board the bus and become part of #inclusivefilmmaking changing lives and minds, one film at a time.
We Lead With Kindness
Our purpose
We believe creativity can change lives, open minds, and unlock possibilities. We believe in using creativity to enact social justice outcomes towards a more fair and just world.
Our Mission
We lead inclusive filmmaking on both sides of the camera through education, content creation, employment, and advocacy, with a focus on those with a disability and other traditionally under-
represented groups.
Our values
Excellence
Resilience
Respect
Authenticity
Equality
All the latest news from Bus Stops Films with exciting new programs and events
SYSTEMIC CHANGE THROUGH ADVOCACY
"We believe creativity can change lives, open minds and unlock possibilities.”
As a dynamic social enterprise, we use filmmaking and the film industry to enact meaningful social justice outcomes towards a more just, equitable and sustainable world. Advocating for people living with disability and other marginalised groups is core to our ethos and the focus of our programs, films and employment strategies.
Our work has global impact, showcasing the power of #inclusivefilmmaking on the lives of people living with disability around the world. Through lobbying government, policy submissions and events such as the Driving Change: Disability Employment Summit, we are actively seeking systemic change to ensure our community has equal access to employment, storytelling and audience engagement. We are proud members of the Australian Federation of Disability Organisations, Screen Producers Australia and the Unstereotype Alliance. We are a certified social enterprise through People and Planet First.
Bus Stop Films wouldn’t happen without amazing supporters, encouraging partners, dedicated sponsors and a team of big thinkers.
Bus Stop Films is run by a group of passionate and dedicated individuals who understand the power of filmmaking and education. Everyone on the team gives their time and resources to make our films, workshops and advocacy events possible.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Chief Operating Officer and Head of Screen
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
General Manager, Partnerships, Events & Fundraising
General Manager, Programs
General Manager, People and Culture
Services and Support Manager
Client Relationship Manager, Employment
Client Relationship Manager, Production and Distribution
Marketing and Events Manager
Program Delivery Manager, NSW and ACT
Program Delivery Manager, VIC, QLD, WA, TAS, NT
Grant Writer, Partnerships, Events & Fundraising
Candidate Development and Training Coordinator
Corporate Services Administrator
Corporate Services Administrator
Digital & Content Marketing Coordinator
Meet our incredible Board
Chair
Peter is Chairman of Bus Stop Films and Nine Entertainment, and Executive Chairman of Quantium. A former CEO of both Foxtel and News Corp Australia, his career also includes 16 years at Boston Consulting Group and Deputy Chair of the ABC.
Human Resource Executive
Kate is Chief People Officer at Optus, bringing extensive People and Culture leadership experience across telecommunications, banking and technology. Her career includes senior roles at Goldman Sachs, Westpac and Macquarie Group. Kate is a member of Chief Executive Women and a Director of Bus Stop Films.
Lawyer and Business Leader
Trent is Co-Founder of EMT Partners, based between Melbourne and California. With a background in Commercial Law and Merchant Banking, his career spans lawyer, manager, strategy advisor and investor, focused on cross-border deals between Asia, Australia and the United States.
Leading Marketing Executive
Jo is Chief Marketing Officer at Commonwealth Bank of Australia, bringing 20+ years of global experience in digital, marketing and communications. Previously CMO of the Qantas Group, she has also held roles at Optus, British Telecom and Google.
Media and Entertainment Law Specialist
Fiona Stuart is a corporate, media and entertainment law specialist with 20 years of experience in television, film and content licensing. Her career includes senior legal roles at Foxtel, Matchbox Pictures, Hoyts Group and Screentime Entertainment, with expertise spanning production finance, intellectual property and commercial law.
Advocate and Creative
Emily is an advocate, writer, actor, producer and speaker celebrated for her storytelling and comedic voice. Her work spans award-winning podcasts, short films and live shows, with a focus on disability and queer representation across screen, performance and educational content for government and non-profit organisations.
Business Leader and Coach
Brian Maguire is a Chartered Accountant and Founder of Absolute Clarity Communications, a business coaching and mentoring practice he has led since 2001. With over 30 years of corporate, commercial and not-for-profit experience, Brian is a founding member of the International Association of Coaches.
Screen and Creative Arts Leader
Kyas is a Bundjalung woman and respected screen industry leader, championing First Nations and underrepresented voices. The first First Nations person to head an Australian screen funding body, she is the former Head of Screen NSW and Head of Commissioning and Programming at NITV.
Helping us to amplify the voices of our community and the work of the Bus.
Patron
Ms Sam Mostyn AC was sworn in as Australia's 28th Governor-General on 1 July 2024. A businesswoman and community leader, she has an exceptional record of service across business, sport, climate, the arts, and not-for-profit sectors. Appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia in 2024 for eminent service in the social justice, gender equity, sporting, cultural and business sectors, to reconciliation, and to environmental sustainability, Ms Mostyn's career has been defined by her unwavering support of community at every level.
She has championed gender equity, social justice, and environmental sustainability throughout her career, chairing and serving on the boards of leading organisations including Aware Super, Beyond Blue, The Climate Council, Mirvac, and the Sydney Swans.
You can read more about Her Excellency on the website of the Office of the Governor General here.
Media host, chef and entrepreneur
Miguel Maestre is one of Australia's most beloved Spanish-born chefs, having made Sydney his home after years working in kitchens around the world. Born in Murcia, Spain, his infectious passion for food and life has seen him become a true household name.
Miguel starred in Bus Stop Films' much loved production Mis en Place, bringing his warmth and culinary brilliance to our community.
A four-time Logie winner as co-host of TEN's The Living Room, Miguel's TV credits include Ready Steady Cook Australia, Boys Weekend and Miguel's Tropical Kitchens. In 2020, he was crowned King of the Jungle on I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!
Miguel has been awarded the Order of Civil Merit by His Majesty the King of Spain, and is a proud ambassador for Diabetes Australia, OzHarvest, R U OK? and CARE Australia.
You can read more about Miguel, here.
Our Origin Story
Genevieve Clay-Smith and Eleanor Winkler Co-Founded Bus Stop Films in 2009.
From the genesis of an idea that all stories, voices and talent should be heard and seen these two set out to change the screen and media industry.
Having created the original Tropfest winning film "Be My Brother" Eleanor and Genevieve delivered the first fully inclusively made film with people with intellectual disability and together founded Bus Stop Films.
Following the success of "Be My Brother" Eleanor headed off to the US becoming a well respected Producer for companies like Funny or Die and Hartbeat and Genevieve became an leader in inclusive filmmaking and a multi-award-winning writer/director, with work showcased at various Oscar qualifying film festivals and the United Nations.
They both continue to advocate for inclusion in the screen media and television industry and in 2024 were reunited to bring to life Bus Stop’s first ever feature film"Boss Cat".
Our Programs
Our award winning Programs are taught by industry professionals with the assistance of dedicated disability support workers. The Programs provide participants with the ability to develop community and industry connections, whilst building and enhancing their skills and capacity in the screen and commercial industry.
Our Programs have been co-designed with the disability community and industry professionals to provide a high quality experience mixing film theory with practical hands-on experience.
Our Films
Our films celebrate the power of inclusion and creativity. Exploring a variety of topics and themes, our films showcase the talents and artistic contribution of people with disability through inclusive filmmaking. In 2023, Bus Stop Films won Best Breakthrough Business of the Year at the Screen Producers Australia Awards, further highlighting the quality of our productions and the value we bring to the film industry. We look forward to sharing our films with every audience.
Make a donation
At Bus Stop Films, we believe storytelling should be accessible to everyone. By getting involved, you’re helping to create a more inclusive screen industry, empowering people with disabilities and from diverse backgrounds to shine both on and off the screen.
There are so many ways to support our mission Donate, Partner with Us, Host a Screening, Sponsor a spot in one of our Programs.
All donations are tax deductible.
