Our Team

  • Ell Popov - Founder, Mentor & Intimacy Coordinator

    Ell is a seasoned mentor and acting coach, with over 15 years of experience guiding and nurturing aspiring actors, writers and performers. Through her expertise, numerous students under her tutelage have not only secured representation but also earned professional performance credits in film, theatre, and television, both domestically and internationally.

    In the realm of acting education, Ell has played a pivotal role, having conceived, authored, and directed an extensive catalogue of content for students at some of Queensland's premier acting institutions.

    She crafts her teaching approach drawing from her extensive background as an actor, anchored in a robust foundation of method-based techniques such as Stanislavski, Chubbuck, and Morris. In addition, her insights as a screenwriter and executive producer for Red Empire Productions also contribute to her practical and relevant teaching methodology. Her unique perspective is enriched by her training in neurological sciences from the Neuro Physics Institute, and her sensitivity and intimacy training from America's IDC Intimacy Studio.

    Ell’s professional acting career highlights include winning the Best Actress award at the Los Angeles Film Awards for her role in the first feature film she wrote and starred in, 'Thicker Than Water'. She has also played notable roles such as the comical flight attendant Brooke in the upcoming feature film "Zombie Plane," and the roles of Sage in "Mistletoe Ranch" and Julie Sewell in "Harrow Season 2."

    Transitioning to a Creative Executive and Executive Producer role at Red Empire Productions (Under the invaluable guidance of Producer Amie Casey), Ell created the science fiction series 'Interface,' which was picked up by Sonar Entertainment and will be filmed under the direction of Carl Seaton (known for "Bat Girl," "Bel-Air," and "Legacies").

    With a unique blend of on-screen and behind-the-scenes experience, Ell seamlessly combines the art of performance and storytelling with the precision of filmmaking. Her philosophy underscores the importance of discipline, genuine emotional connection, refined craftsmanship, and camera awareness in acting. Ell fosters a supportive environment where actors at all levels can fearlessly explore their emotional depths and strive to elevate their craft.

  • Dominic Thwaite- Director of Photography, videographer and etitor

    Dominic is an artist based between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, deeply involved in filmmaking and photography both in front and behind the camera. Starting his journey in the creative industries as a dancer he has accumulated a variety of skills on his journey to becoming a filmmaker and actor. Some of these being a focus on storytelling in his work, an eye for composition and how an image affects an audience and creating honest performances which leave lasting impressions on the viewer.

    Some notable credits include shooting and modelling in Timberland campaigns, Actor/ Dancer on the Elvis film, Actor on to you from me, Filmmaking and editor for LUXXE, Dancer for Courtney Act Australia’s Eurovision and co-owner of DOMnWIL.

    Dominic has always and will continue to stay grounded in his pursuit for mastery in his chosen creative fields. Constantly attending classes and private training to continue growth and finding time to collaborate with other artists to hopefully cultivate a community who support each other.