Matthew Carter
Head honcho, numbers ninja, producer extraordinaire
A creative diamond in a sea of accountants, Matthew Carter’s head for film finance and passion for the creative arts is unsurpassed. If there’s anything he doesn’t know about production accounting, or producing films, it’s probably not worth knowing.
Because Matthew Carter has lived and breathed both worlds.
Matthew Carter has toiled for the big-hitting accounting firms (think KPMG and Deloitte) and has been executive and associate producer on feature films and TV series, producing over 20 short films.
So, when you walk through his door, you’ll feel right at home.
Because you’ll never find him in a suit. But mostly because Matthew will ‘get’ you. He’ll get your production business and its unique challenges. And he genuinely knows how specialised and complex filmmaking is.
You’ll find that he’ll keep you calm in the tidal wave of film financing storms. Efficiently managing film finances, keeping you compliant, and helping you manage your production.
Of course if you want the nitty gritty, he’s a chartered accountant with a Masters in Producing and a Graduate Diploma in Screen Business from the Australian Film, Television and Radio School, as well as qualifications from Metro Screen in Film and Video Production and the New York Film Academy.
And when he’s not helping you with applying for the Provisional and Final Producer Offset, grant applications, tax advice, production budgeting or creative project management, you’ll find him spending time with his family, or working on his next feature film.
Ian Browning
Taxation master, pragmatic problem solver, passionate storyteller
On any given day, Ian wears two uniquely different, but complementary, hats. A clear business mind with a focus on getting the best financial outcomes for his clients. And a passionate creative, with a talent for storytelling.
Ian’s 25 years’ experience hails from the film, media and entertainment sectors. It’s a perfect balance of production accounting and taxation expertise, combined with specialist skills and understanding gained from multiple creative and producing roles.
You’ll find Ian’s your go-to man when you need clear, reliable and accurate support to get your head around the most complex taxation issue or multifaceted business challenge. Experienced across the full spectrum of the accounting function, he specialises in Special Professional Income Averaging and preparing Producer Equity program (PEP) grant applications.
You’re in proven and reliable hands. Alongside being a Chartered Accountant and Registered Tax Agent, Ian has a Bachelor of Character Animation and Screenwriting from Griffith University Film School, and post-graduate qualifications in Screen Business and Producing at the Australian Film, Television and Radio School.
When he’s not negotiating with the Tax Office or wrangling a complex PEP grant application, you’ll find Ian in the beer garden telling stories or at home diving deep into popular culture
MahVeen Shahraki
Champion accountant, guru producer
MahVeen isn’t your average accountant. She’s an award-winning producer who loves nothing better than helping people get their stories told.
Mahveen has worked with ATLA since 2018, and recently completed a ten-month secondment to Warner Bros. So when you work with MahVeen, you know she really understands what you do and what you need. She’s lived and breathed the day-to-day production routine and its challenges, and we’re all the better for having her on board.
Screen Producers Australia has her in its sights, selecting MahVeen into the 2020 ‘Ones to Watch’ cohort. She is currently producing her next feature film “The Rooster” starring Hugo Weaving and Phoenix Raei.
An absolute people person, when MahVeen’s not behind the numbers or on set, you’ll find her getting back to nature by planning her next camping trip, watching the latest film she’s helped produce or playing Dungeons and Dragons.
Louis Roman
Tax and finances fanatic
Louis has lived finances for over 30 years. He’s been a financial controller and tax agent in the screen and many other industries. Louis’s strategic focus sees him really understand his clients’ businesses, getting outcomes clients want.
Whether you need accounting, taxation, special professional income averaging or preparation of a Producer Equity program application, Louis is your man.
When he’s not navigating Tax Office intricacies or meticulously crafting a PEP application, Louis can be found immersed in the joys of parenthood at ballet and soccer events. Or using his strategic focus at a game of chess, playing with his puppy or navigating nature’s waterways.
Lyn Jones
Production accounting genius
If you want to work with someone who knows production accounting inside out, Lyn’s your go-to specialist. A long-time production accountant, Lyn more than understands its processes and requirements, giving you great support with the financial side of your production.
Having assisted producers with feature films, TV series, theatre productions, music festivals and tours, it’s no surprise Lyn has over 35 credits to her name, nationally and internationally. In particular, Lyn is renowned for providing accurate and timely management reporting.
An expert company accountant, too, Lyn provides ongoing specialist assistance to radio stations, TV broadcasters, advertising and modelling agencies, events companies, live venues and an international rock band. Not a bad gig for a fully-fledged number cruncher.
And when she’s not crunching your numbers, you’ll find Lyn whipping up a treat in her kitchen or relaxing at her local pub, supporting the live music scene.
David Kelly
Practice manager, problem-solver, filmmaker
David brings a genuine film industry understanding to his role. Benefiting our clients and the whole Above The Line Accounting team. Quite frankly, we can’t believe our luck that he’s joined us.
A graduate of the International Film School, Sydney, David has over 13 years’ experience in editing, VR, Visual Effects and financial management on award-winning films and series including “The Rooster” and “Horizon”.
As if that isn’t enough, he’s recently completed the AFTRS Production Accounting course.
But his real gift is problem-solving – creatively streamlining processes for our clients and us.
When David isn’t leading our entire team into organised efficiency, he loves engaging with all things film and story, playing D & D or board games and bouncing ideas around.
Nicola Weddin
Marketing and projects pro
For Nicola, it’s always been about the customer. And, no matter the industry, Nicola throws her heart and soul into the cause. Bringing a wealth of experience, ranging from marketing globally-renowned brands to managing small business issues, for over two years, Nicola has helped to bring Above the Line Accounting to industry centre stage.
Because for Nicola, her eye is always on the ultimate prize: promoting our unique, specialist services to the film, tv and online media industry, helping our team get star billing. An organiser extraordinaire, with her sharply-honed marketing skills, detail focus and clever strategy, Nicola never fails to deliver. She works hard to keep everyone on track and gets the best result possible.
Growing and retaining a customer base by tapping into her Master of Commerce and Bachelor of Commerce skills, is her specialty.
And when she’s not lining all of our marketing ducks in a row, you’ll find Nicola getting her hands dirty, knee-deep in a community garden or quietening her mind in a yoga pose.
Megan Brandl
Human resources maestro
There’s no master of human resources like Megan. First and foremost she’s been an absolute champion at finding us the perfect network of like-minded production accountants to ensure we can provide our clients with industry-leading advice and support. Since she’s walked through our doors, finding us someone who’s a perfect fit, creating modern approaches to our business practices or expanding our expertise with learning and development is all in a day’s work. Not to mention keeping us on top of our work, health and safety requirements or smoothing staff relations.
So as you can imagine, Megan’s been more than a welcome addition to our team.
Because she’s ably supported businesses large and small with her human resources expertise for over 20 years. This ranges from not for profits, universities and the health sector, to several extremely unique and memorable years coordinating volunteers at Taronga Zoo.
While we’re no zoo, with Megan on board, we know that every aspect of the HR function is well and truly covered. With a Graduate Certificate in Human Resources Management, Bachelor of Social Work and Bachelor of Arts under her belt, and as a Justice of the Peace, our team’s in perfect hands.
When Megan isn’t managing every human-related issue in the office, you’ll mostly find her running around after her active children or snapping amazing photos and finding much-needed serenity amongst nature.
Waffle
Boss, chief motivational manager
Waffle goes to any length to inspire her team and keep them on task. The key (and only) priority being ensuring she’s always the centre of attention. A regular attendee of weekly team meetings, Waffle’s agenda items include belly scratches and regular treats under the boardroom table.
Just don’t ask her to do anything beneath her leadership role. Cute tricks are well below her professional abilities. And as for cats, well, those creeps have claws and are way too temperamental to ever be worthy of having their CV dropped at the Boss’s feet.
When not busy keeping the Above The Line Accounting team on mission, Waffle is always up for a long walk in the bush.
