Behind the Scenes with acclaimed Australian film producer, Jodi Matterson: Courage, Creativity & Career Lessons

Jodi Matterson will share her journey into the television industry—how she got her start, the path that led her to where she is today, and the lessons learned along the way. She’ll reflect on how her understanding of success and failure has evolved, shaped by the realities of a high-stakes, ever-changing industry.

Known for her bold approach to risk-taking, Jodi will speak about the value of trusting your instincts, taking leaps of faith, and stepping outside your comfort zone—even when there’s no guaranteed outcome. For her, success isn’t just about the wins; it’s also about embracing setbacks, learning from them, and remaining open to growth.

She'll also highlight the importance of championing talent, creating opportunities for others, and fostering environments where people are empowered to succeed.

OUR GUEST SPEAKER

Jodi Matterson is CEO of the Silent Firework Group which she founded in 2024 along with joint venture companies with Libbie Doherty (Runaway Unicorn), Abe Forsythe (Wolf House) and Glendyn Ivin (Heavy Beast). Prior to starting the company, Jodi served as producer, partner and Managing Director of Australia for seven years for Made Up Stories.

Jodi’s most recent production THE LAST ANNIVERSARY, based on the book by NYT best selling author Liane Moriarty starring Teresa Palmer, Miranda Richardson and Danielle Macdonald for co -produced with Nicole Kidman has just launched on the BBC, Sundance Channel and Binge.

Jodi recently produced the AACTA Award winning miniseries THE LOST FLOWERS OF ALICE HART starring Sigourney Weaver for Amazon, which set the record for the most watched Australian streaming series worldwide climbing to the top three in 42 countries and the top five in a further 78 countries and STRIFE starring Asher Keddie for Foxtel Binge which has officially become its biggest original launch ever.

Other credits include: Seasons 1 & 2 of the genre-bending romantic comedy WOLF LIKE ME for Peacock / Amazon starring Isla Fisher, Josh Gad and Edgar Ramirez; ROAR starring Nicole Kidman and Judy Davis for Apple; NINE PERFECT STRANGERS, starring Nicole Kidman and Melissa McCarthy for Hulu, which has been their most watched original series of all time; Feature film THE DRY, from director Robert Connolly and starring Eric Bana which has broken records at the Australian box office and it’s sequel FORCE OF NATURE with Eric Bana reprising his role as Aaron Falk, as well as the film adaptation of the international best-seller PENGUIN BLOOM, starring Naomi Watts, which premiered at the 2020 Toronto International Film Festival and was released by Netflix.

In 2018, Jodi produced Abe Forsythe’s LITTLE MONSTERS starring Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2019 and was distributed by Neon and Hulu. Upcoming film project releasing in 2025 is ADDITION based on the novel by Toni Jordan starring Teresa Palmer and Joe Dempsie which premiered in official selection at the 2024 Toronto Film Festival.

Prior to Made Up Stories, Jodi produced her first film THUNDERSTRUCK in 2003 with director, Darren Ashton, starring Sam Worthington. Her second film RAZZLE DAZZLE screened at more than 20 international film festivals including Berlin. NOT SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN directed by Oscar Nominee Peter Templeman and starring Sarah Snook in her first lead role, DOWN UNDER from Abe Forsythe and 2:22 starring Teresa Palmer and Michel Huisman. Jodi had also previously been one of the top producers for commercials in Australia with over sixty commercials with renowned Australian and International directors. 

Jodi also currently serves on the board and advisory committee to the New South Wales film and television funding body Screen NSW.