Mint Films Expands Capabilities with Introduction of ‘Collaborators’

Australian production company Mint Films has launched ‘Collaborators’, a new arm dedicated to developing emerging director talent, LBB can reveal.

Collaborators will exist alongside its current roster of directors, and be engaged selectively on a project-by-project basis.

​Mint Films executive producer Andrew Seaton told LBB the initiative has been in the pipeline for some time, with the company ensuring the model struck the “right balance” of fresh talent and existing directors.

“It took time to ensure collaborators could add genuine value while honouring the directors already embedded in our day-to-day offering,” Andrew said.

“We didn’t want to rush it; we wanted to create a sustainable framework for success.”
Andrew hopes the collaborators will strengthen and expand the company’s existing relationships, while also cultivating new ones.

“The Collaborators initiative gives us the flexibility to support agencies and clients across a wider range of needs, ensuring we always have the right voices and skills at the table for every request.”

Engaging its collaborators selectively, fellow Mint EP Matt Samperi added, allows the existing director roster to remain at the core of Mint’s focus, while bringing in expertise to complement that roster.

“The biggest benefit is access to a wider pool of specialist talent while retaining the creativity and reliability Mint is known for,” Matt explained.

“This model allows us to pair directors with projects based on their strengths, giving clients sharper creative alignment, faster turnaround, and the reassurance of Mint’s full-service production support.

“It’s about matching the right talent to the right project rather than overwhelming clients with a larger list, [making] every introduction feel purposeful.”

The inaugural collaborators include automotive director Jolyon Watkins and award-winning TV directors Neil Sharma and Laura Scrivano.

Mint said the group embodies the prodco’s philosophy of bringing “out the best in each other”.

“They aren’t simply additions to the team, they’re creative partners who share our commitment to bold ideas and memorable storytelling,” Matt said.

Andrew added, “Our goal was to find directors who wouldn’t disrupt our core roster but instead enhance it.

“Jolyon Watkins, Neil Sharma, and Laura Scrivano stood out for their passion, proven expertise, and alignment with Mint’s values. Chemistry was also very important for us – each of them demonstrated from the outset that they shared the collaborative spirit that defines how we work, and are also just fun and lovely people, giving us complete confidence they were the right fit.”

Mint believes Jolyon will strengthen the company’s position in competing for automotive briefs.

“Automotive is one of the largest industries in Australia,” Matt explained.

“it’s a sector where technical precision, cinematic style, and brand differentiation are critical. Jolyon brings deep experience in this space, and has worked with many major car brands. On-road, off-road, racetrack to LED volume studios, his track record speaks for itself.

“His collaboration with Mint strengthens our ability to pitch more confidently for automotive briefs, combining his specialist expertise with our full-service production capabilities.”

Mint’s head of new business, Jordan Smith, told LBB long-form narrative is a natural extension of its storytelling capabilities, which will remain focused on advertising and branded content.

“Neil and Laura’s backgrounds open up opportunities in television and streaming, while still bringing immense value to commercial work,” Jordan said.

“Advertising itself is also leaning into longer-form storytelling, and we believe their voices could bring real impact in this space too.”

International Emmy Award winner Neil was mentored by Taika Waititi, and has directed episodes of Netflix’s ‘Heartbreak High’, ABC’s ‘Mother and Son’, SBS’s ‘Appetite’, and Stan’s ‘Critical Incident’.

Laura, a BAFTA Award winner, has helmed campaigns for brands including Budweiser, Sky, Bumble, and the FIFA Women’s World Cup. She also directed episodes of ‘The Lazarus Project’ and ‘Wedding Season’.

“One of the things we love about this industry is that there’s no rulebook, so whether it’s a fixed or an expandable roster, it’s about whatever model works best for the production company,” Jordan added.

“This move to an expandable roster reflects where much of the industry is heading, as clients are expecting more versatility, more specialisation, and more value. An expandable roster allows for stability and creativity through adaptability. It’s not about abandoning tradition; it’s about evolving it to meet the needs of today’s market.”

Mint also plans to grow its Collaborators further, expanding into further specialisms and genres.

“This is just the beginning,” Matt said.

“We’ll expand carefully, bringing in collaborators where there’s a clear demand from clients or where a director’s skillset adds something unique to our mix.

“Areas like animation, emerging tech, AI-driven storytelling, and tabletop are on our radar. But growth will always be intentional, not just expansion for its own sake.

“Success will be measured in two ways -- the projects we deliver and the relationships we build. If collaborators enable us to win briefs we wouldn’t have otherwise pitched for, or help us tell stories in new ways, that’s a clear indicator of success.

“Equally, if clients see Mint as a more versatile and collaborative partner, the initiative will have achieved its purpose.”