History
Ron and Aussie Productions was co-founded by Ron Dias and Joanne "Aussie" Jansen, [a] in 2016. The company began as a passion project among friends, with no formal training in filmmaking. Armed with a cinema camera and YouTube tutorials, they created their first series, Friends with Benefits, using friends as actors and iPhone microphones for audio. [2]
Their do-it-yourself approach resonated with audiences, eventually earning them a nomination at the LA Web Fest in 2017. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the duo intensified their focus on screenwriting and storytelling. This creative period led to the production of their first feature film, Bite of Mango. Despite industry slowdowns, they self-produced the film from pre- to post-production. [3]
Ron and Aussie Productions is known for its authentic, character-driven storytelling and commitment to working with friends and creatives from underrepresented communities. [4] The team embraces imperfection as a part of their creative philosophy, believing that taking action is more powerful than waiting for perfect conditions. [2]
Notable Works
Friends with Benefits webseries
In 2016, Ron and Aussie Productions released the web series Friends with Benefits on YouTube. Co-created by Ron Dias and Joanne Jansen, the series delves into the intricate dynamics of college life, exploring themes of friendship, betrayal, and survival. The ensemble cast includes Ron Dias as Scott, Brandon McKnight as T.J., Joanne Jansen as Christine and Dorren Lee as Amanda. The series gained recognition for its authentic portrayal of young adult experiences and was nominated in 2017 for Best Writer, Best Director, Best Ensemble Cast, and Best Drama at the LA Web Fest. [5] . Originally Issa Rae Productions reached out to executive produce, but they had already had a date of release on their channel. [6] .
Mariposa
In 2018, Ron and Aussie Productions released the short film Mariposa, directed by Ron Dias and based on a true story set in Cuba. The film centers on two teenage girls, Mia "Mariposa" Yana Gold and her best friend Rosa Bianca Nugara, who struggle under the weight of an oppressive life in Havana. Working in hotels and scavenging for discarded tourist items, the girls face poverty, exploitation, and the threat of prostitution. In a desperate attempt to escape, Mia, Rosa, and Mia's boyfriend build a makeshift boat to flee the country. The film portrays their harrowing journey at sea with emotional depth and a strong sense of sisterhood. Mariposa received critical acclaim for its powerful storytelling and richly composed score, also created by Dias, though some reviewers noted issues with cinematography and lighting. The film was praised for offering an essential look into why people risk their lives to flee countries like Cuba. [7] .
Morningside
In 2024, the company released the film Morningside , directed by Ron Dias and co-produced with actor-writer Joanne Jansen. Set in Toronto's Scarborough district, the film explores themes of gentrification, gun violence, and community resilience. Morningside draws inspiration from films like Boyz n the Hood, Fruitvale Station, and Crash, but reimagines the coming-of-age story through a multicultural Canadian lens. [10] [11]
The cast includes Kiana Madeira, Lovell Adams-Gray, Olunike Adeliyi, and Fefe Dobson. The film garnered attention for its authentic portrayal of inner-city youth and intergenerational conflict, particularly through Jansen's character Shanice, which underwent multiple revisions over the film's six-year development. [12]
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