Earlier this month, Lee Elsdon, Senior Associate in Simpsons’ film and TV team, attended WA’s CinefestOZ film festival.
CinefestOZ is held annually in Western Australia’s South West. The not-for-profit festival brings together filmmakers, industry professionals and audiences through a diverse program of feature films, documentaries, short films, industry events and community initiatives. Best known for the prestigious $100,000 CinefestOZ Film Prize, the festival provides a significant platform for Australian screen content while delivering lasting cultural and economic benefits to regional communities.
This year’s festival included a number of great Australian films – some of which Simpsons played a part in. We are delighted that Sweet Milk Lake took out the 2026 Film Prize, and we congratulate writer, director, producer and actor Harvey Zielinski and the rest of the team – including our client Minderoo Pictures, which invested in the production of the film.
Whilst there, Lee took part in panel discussion The Art of the Deal: Licensing IP for Screen with fellow entertainment lawyers Luci Silvestrin and Emily Martin, with producer Julia Redwood (Prospero Productions) moderating. The panel provided a practical, behind-the-scenes look at the legal and commercial realities of licensing third-party IP.
Our film and television group advises producers, financiers and others on over 40 productions each year, and bring a wealth of legal experience and industry knowledge.
For more information about advice and assistance that Simpsons can provide to film and TV producers and financiers, please contact Mark Bamford.
L to R: Emily Martin, Luci Silvestrin, Lee Elsdon, Julia Redwood