I am an optimistic womxn.
Throughout my career I’ve been extremely fortunate to have been given opportunities to stretch my wings and use my voice in a number of generally male dominated arenas. That’s not to say that it was always easy or welcomed, but I think coming from a strong, solid family that always taught me that I am worthy and capable definitely helped in these situations. If you start from that place it takes a lot to knock that foundation.
My name is Jodie Camilleri and I’ve been a producer for over 20 years, working in podcasting, animation, visual effects (VFX), post production and live action. I’ve had the immense pleasure of working alongside a breadth and depth of creative talent that has both mentored and inspired my own creativity.
I was one of the founding digital producers at Dr. D Studios, Oscar-winning director George Miller's digital production house managing the slate of in-house productions, including Happy Feet 2, where I was the Story and Finishing Line Producer overseeing 120+ artists, technical and production staff.
My partner and I lived in Vancouver for 10 years, where I had the pleasure of VFX producing 9 features and over 40 TV episodes, podcast producing 7 independent shows and personally produced a couple of Canadians. We moved back to Sydney, Australia at the start of 2022 and are excited to start our new family chapter in my home country.
Describe a story about women that you think should be heard/seen .
I believe so strongly in the power of stories and truly believe that it is SO important that we have a wide range of stories being told - stories told from all walks of life, all skin colours, all genders. My experience in the VFX and Animation industry (and the research unfortunately backs this up) is that the majority of those types of stories and the key creators (writers, directors and lead artists etc) are told through the lens of men. What I am actively trying to champion these days through my own personal development projects is breaking that traditional mould and expanding the definition and therefore the essence of what a storyteller is / who they are / who they can be. Personally, I’m a passionate advocator for honesty, openness, fairness, love and feminism.
What's easy / difficult for womxn?
In my experience I believe that empathy and intuition are easier for womxn. We are able to take in the bigger picture, meaning both the practical and emotional side of things. What’s difficult is that unfortunately we are still overlooked or dismissed in areas that are traditionally thought of as men’s work. By this I don’t mean just physical labour, but in my world it also applied to Head of Departments, key creatives, and leaders.
How do you maintain mental fitness/emotional health?
I play with my kids a lot. I’ve always considered myself a big kid at heart and as I get older I embrace this side of my personality even more. I also meditate - only 10 minutes every second day or so, but I’ve found it life changing. I also listen to podcasts daily. As many as I can. This has also been life changing for me.
What brings you joy and vitality?
Laughing with my friends. Cuddles from my kids. Completing a task - either a personal one or work related, which gives me a sense of purpose. Dinner dates with my love.
How do you nurture your relationship with nature?
Living in a big city I don’t get out in nature as much as I like, but when I can I head to the ocean. And when I can’t, I try to take a moment in the day to just really observe that nature is all around me, big or small, this helps remind me of all the wonders of the great globe we live on.
Where do you feel a sense of belonging/community?
As I’ve gotten older and more comfortable with myself, I find that I am able to relax into this state more and more anyplace I am. But generally, it’s at home with family or with my closest friends.
Where do you live/work?
Sydney, Australia - the Eora Nation. Right now I’m working a mixture of both remote and in the office of a small VFX boutique studio.
What’s the best piece of advice from a woman you have received?
I’ve got two, from a very dear friend of mine.
Start as you mean to go on
It’s ok to wear hats indoors (I am a BIG collector and wearer of fancy hats)
Connection
I remember reading Half the Sky which got me thinking for the first time about population numbers by gender. How could it be that half the world could be female yet gender equity had not been realised? This is why womxn's stories are vital, in Australia women make up 50.2% of the population. We need to see and hear each other gaining power using feminine power structures and creating inclusive, empowering communities.
Watching the series Total Control (streaming on iView) I saw politics from the female perspective. In the second series the storyline explores the collective power of Independent politicians to hold the major parties accountable. It's interesting to see in the lead up to the next election which politicians are choosing to be Independent. In Canada the Independent Senators Group is the largest parliamentary group in the Senate, maybe this is the way to shift power from the inside of the existing political structure.
Looking at today's population figures tells an interesting story about age, from 55 onwards women outnumber men. How could we take advantage of this? On the flipside a look at gender numbers by country uncovers what could only be horrifying stories of women that we need to know. As you look down the list the gender split is usually in the range of 46% - 54% either way, then you see some numbers that make your heart lurch and your stomach plummet:
Bahrain 62.2% male - 37.8% female
Oman 63.6% male - 36.4% female
UAE* 70.1% male - 29.9% female
Qatar 76.5% male - 23.5% female
*United Arab Emirates
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