Aven Yap Announced as 2025 SPA Council Leadership Diversity Mentorship Recipient – The Screen Producers Australia (SPA) Council is proud to announce Aven Yap, producer, writer, creative executive, founder of Nimbus Creative, and former Ones To Watch, as the recipient of the 2025 SPA Council Leadership Diversity Mentorship.
Launched in 2021, the Mentorship offers a SPA member from an underrepresented background the opportunity to be mentored by members of the SPA Council and take part in a bespoke leadership development program that supports pathways to senior industry roles.
Aven Yap is a championship-winning classical pianist turned filmmaker, with seven years of experience across physical production, creative development, and international co-productions.
Aven’s career as a cross-platform producer and storyteller has taken him from sets in Malaysia and Australia to roles at acclaimed production companies including WildBear Entertainment, Orange Entertainment Co., and Hoodlum Entertainment. His credits include the Emmy-nominated documentary Playing with Sharks, over 40 hours of factual programming for ABC Australia, and the critically acclaimed short film Piano Mums.
In recent years, Aven has focused on growing his production company, Nimbus Creative, which was founded in 2021 and has projects backed by development investment from Screen Queensland and Screen Australia. His diverse slate features digital-first and longer-form projects with a distinct culture and music angle and includes collaborations with partners in Asia. He is passionate about shaping a more audience-driven, globally connected industry that champions original voices and smarter creative trade.
“Aven is a dynamic and thoughtful creative whose work spans formats, cultures, and platforms. We are thrilled to support his leadership journey through the 2025 SPA Council Leadership Diversity Mentorship. SPA is committed to fostering a screen industry that reflects the full breadth of Australia’s talent and stories, and this Mentorship is a key part of that mission. I do not doubt that Aven will bring invaluable insights and energy to the program,”
– said SPA Council President Tracey Vieira.
Aven will work closely with SPA Council Vice-President Suzanne Ryan (CEO & Executive Producer, SLR Productions) as his mentor over the 12-month period, engaging in tailored development activities and strategic discussions with SPA Council members to support his ongoing journey toward leadership.
“The screen sector is evolving rapidly, and Australia’s creative talent deserves every opportunity to lead that change. I am driven to build an arena where that talent can thrive across countries, cultures, disciplines, and perspectives. I’m excited to share my experience across Asia and Australia, and to learn from the SPA Council to help empower a screen industry that’s inclusive, innovative, and fair,”
– said Aven Yap.
Past recipients of the Mentorship include Tsu Shan Chambers (Wise Goat Productions, 2022), Stephanie Dower (Freelance producer, writer, consultant, and speaker, 2023), and Aimee Huxley (Senior Production Manager, 2024).
SPA is proud to support Aven and looks forward to seeing the impact of his leadership in the years ahead.
Media Release – SPA
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Aven Yap Announced as 2025 SPA Council Leadership Diversity Mentorship Recipient
