The Australian Council of Screen Producers (SPA) has announced Aven Yap as the recipient of the 2025 SPA Council Leadership Diversity Mentorship.
Starting in 2021, the mentorship offers the opportunity to be part of a bespoke leadership development programme that will guide SPA Council members from underrated backgrounds and support the pathway to senior industry roles.
YAP is a filmmaker who became a championship-winning classical pianist and has seven years of experience in physical production, creative development and international co-production.
His career as a cross-platform producer and storyteller led him to roles from the Malaysian and Australian sets at highly acclaimed production companies such as WildBear Entertainment, Orange Entertainment Co. and Hoodlum Entertainment. His credits include an Emmy-nominated documentary performance with the Shark, over 40 hours of de facto programming for ABC Australia, and a piano mom for short films.
In recent years, producers, writers and creative executives have been developing projects backed by development investments from Screen Queensland and Screen Australia. His slate features digital-first and long-form projects with distinct culture and musical angles, and includes collaborations with Asian partners.
Spa alumni, Yap looked forward to sharing his experiences in Asia and Australia, learning from Spa Councils and helping to empower an inclusive, innovative and equitable screen industry.
“The screen sector is evolving rapidly, and Australia’s creative talent deserves every opportunity to lead that change,” he said.
“I’m driven to build arenas where that talent can thrive in a country, culture, sector and perspective.”
For 12 months, YAP will work closely with Vice President of Spa Council Suzanne Ryan as leader, working with Spa Council members in tailored development activities and strategic discussions, supporting the ongoing journey to leadership.
Spa Council President Tracy Vieira described YAP as “the work is dynamic, thoughtful and creative, spanning form, culture and platform.”
“Spa is committed to cultivating a screen industry that reflects all of Australia’s talent and stories, and this instruction is an important part of that mission,” she said.
“We have no doubt that Aven will bring valuable insights and energy to the program.”
Past Mentorship recipients include Tsu Shan Chambers, Stephanie Dower and Aimee Huxley.
