Sense & Centsability is an Australian production company with a focus on creating entertaining female-driven and diverse stories. We produce compelling and commercially successful content that appeals to audiences worldwide.
LEANNE TONKES - HEAD OF DEVELOPMENT & PRODUCTION
Leanne Tonkes is Director and Creative Producer of Sense & Centsability. She has become an advocate for Gender Equality and Diversity in the entertainment industry and champions the careers of female and diverse writers, directors and storytellers across all media.
Leanne's producing credits include AACTA nominated THE SECOND (2018), STAN’s first Original feature, Web Series World Cup winner THIS IS DESMONDO RAY! (2017), and MY MISTRESS (2014), MIFF Premiere Fund feature with Cinematographer Geoffrey Simpson, Academy Award® nominated editor Jill Bilcock, and Academy Award® winning costume designer Angus Strathie, starring internationally acclaimed French actress Emmanuelle Béart, AFI Award winning Harrison Gilbertson and Rachael Blake.
Leanne is currently producing MY MELBOURNE with Mitu Bhowmick Lange AM, featuring the work of iconic Indian directors – Kabir Khan, Imtiaz Ali, Rima Das, Onir, and Australian emerging talent.
Leanne is a recent Screen Australia Enterprise recipient, a founding board member of the Melbourne Women in Film Festival and one of the few Australian producers to complete the top-level highly regarded international Inside Pictures Screen Business development program.
MELISSA RUSSO - PRODUCER
Melissa Russo is a dynamic and dedicated producer with a passion for storytelling and advocacy in the film industry. Having recently completed a 12-month producer placement supported by Vic Screen, Melissa has made significant strides in the industry, contributing to high-profile projects and championing fresh voices.
As an Associate Producer, Melissa played a pivotal role in the production of TOGETHER, a film featuring acclaimed actors Dave Franco and Alison Brie, produced by A 1.21 and Princess Pictures. Additionally, Melissa also Associate Produced SON OF A DONKEY, a Netflix Original Series produced by Princess Pictures, demonstrating versatility and a keen eye for compelling content.
Beyond production, Melissa is a committed advocate for amplifying underrepresented and diverse voices within the film industry. With a strong belief in the power of storytelling to drive change, Melissa focuses on upskilling and empowering emerging talent from diverse backgrounds.
Before delving into production, Melissa honed skills as a Distribution Coordinator, ensuring the successful reach and impact of various projects. Melissa also brought expertise to the role of Festival Coordinator for the 2022 and 2023 Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, orchestrating events that celebrated cultural narratives and cinematic excellence.
Melissa is driven by a deep commitment to telling evocative and meaningful stories that resonate with audiences and make a lasting impact. With a diverse background and a passion for fostering new talent, Melissa continues to strive to shape the future of film and media, one story at a time.