At A2K Media, we are living proof that story, humour and equity are a powerful combination for change.
We are a values-led production company. Equity, inclusion and disability pride are at the core of our purpose, identity and activity.
A2K Media was born in 2007. We’ve created and facilitated many exciting and ground-breaking screen projects and events.
A2K Media began with the aim of strengthening media ties between Australia and Asia. This has meant we have worked across Production, Distribution, Events, Training and Consultancy.
We have facilitated the work of Asian-based broadcasters, production companies, distributors and government agencies. We've managed the distribution of several Indonesian and Malaysian Feature Films in Australia. We've also developed and delivered industry training for both Australian and Asian-based companies.
We have created and produced Indonesian and Malaysian film events including the Australian Malaysian Film Festival held at ACMI (2007-2010) and the Indonesian Education Film Road show. We've worked hard to develop a strong reputation as cross cultural change makers. Our goal has always been to inform, entertain and inspire.
After Ade's major stroke, A2K Media took a forced hiatus. Acquiring disability meant that the industry was no longer as welcoming as it had been. Screen events just weren't accessible. Production schedules just weren't inclusive. The sector was far from disability friendly. A2K Media had no choice but to adapt.
We dug deep, set some new goals and began to expand our work as a conduit between communities once more. To us, championing disability equity and inclusion within the screen industry became personal. We didn't want to just ‘talk the talk.’ We decided it was time to ‘roll the walk’ as well.
Today, A2K Media is still focused on making meaningful media content.
We're also ready to redress the big issues surrounding disability. We have worked hard to connect with disabled creatives and learn from those who have paved the way.
In 2019, we produced our first disability inclusive short film, Amar. We're also developing a disability-led comedy series, Tales From The Crips. We believe in putting humour, disability and cultural diversity front and centre.
We know that inclusive screen practice allows for amazing, authentic and accessible stories to be told. We want to show you how we do it, too. That’s why we're creating a disability equity and inclusion training program for everyone in the screen industry. We're excited to leave our mark on the sector and change it for the better.
Our People
A2K Media isn't a large, faceless organisation. We are a tight-knit team of real people who care. Actually, the 'A' in A2K Media is for Ade, and 'K' is for Kate. Ade and Kate are partners in business and in life. Like everything, they are in this together.
Ade Djajamihardja
Writer, Producer and Co-Founder
Ade is an Asian Australian from a Muslim family. He is also a stroke survivor and a best-selling author. Ade contributes a rich and unique perspective on inclusive storytelling. And he's well known for throwing in a good joke at every opportunity. With over 30 years’ experience in the screen industry, Ade is now proudly disabled and back in the game. He is out to change the screen industry for the better.
In 1988, Ade's career began at the age of 19. He started off as the floor manager for the ABCTV News. He then worked his way up to Assistant Director on the iconic Australian programs 'Countdown Revolution', 'The Big Gig', ‘Dass Kapital’ and 'The Late Show'. Then he took off overseas.
Career Highlights
2002/2003
Ade held several senior positions including CEO of 'Ten on Ten Pictures' and 'Enfiniti Productions' in Malaysia.
1994/1995
Ade also worked as an expatriate production trainer for Singapore’s national broadcaster. He helped to establish their first English-language comedy and drama units.
2009/2010
Ade produced the Australian episodes of 'Sun Tzu – War On Business'. This was an international co-production for BBC Worldwide, Channel News Asia Singapore and CMMN China.
2002/2003
Ade co-produced 'Puteri Gunung Ledang (A Legendary Love)'. This was the first film from Malaysia shortlisted in consideration for Oscar nomination. At the time, it was the biggest historical epic film in Malaysia’s history.
2007
Ade founded A2K Media with Kate Stephens. The company’s successes include media collaborations with Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia.
2009
Ade co-produced 'Kambing Jantan (The Male Goat)'. Facilitated by A2K Media's production arm, this was No.1 at the box office in Indonesia.
2008
Ade co-produced 'Salam Café' (SBS). This was the first Muslim entertainment program aired in prime time in a Western country.
2011
Ade joined the board of Disability Media Australia. Three days later he experienced a massive stroke.
2015/2016
Ade became a best-selling author with 'The Little Book Of Hope'. The book is for stroke survivors, caregivers and anyone else going through a really tough time.
2017
After a forced hiatus, he began to “re-emerge” as a disabled screen media professional. The discrimination and exclusion he experienced set his mind on changing the industry.
2017
Ade completed his Master of Screen Arts & Business at AFTRS. His titled his thesis, 'Confessions of a “Re-emerging” Screen Media Professional
Now living with a major disability'
2017
Ade was a recipient of the Screen Australia Initiative Developing the Developer
2019
Together with Leanne Tonks, Ade produced the short film, 'AMAR' (SBS and Film Victoria). The film’s lead character is a young Muslim woman with Down Syndrome. Written and directed by Fatima Mawas, it explores discrimination and celebrates inclusion.
2020
Ade is now the creator and writer/producer of 'Tales From The Crips' (previously titled 'Sit Down Comedy', the project received development funding from Screen Australia). It’s an inclusive and authentic disability-led comedy series. It’s written by a team of disabled writers as well as renowned comedy writer Jason Marion. Key creatives also include award-winning filmmakers Colin Cairnes and Sarah Barton.
Kate Stephens
Co-Founder
Kate is a speaker and presenter, and a proud champion for wellbeing. Kate is passionate about harmonious and progressive race relations and disability rights and is a champion for inclusion. Kate believes on-screen representation is key for an inclusive, loving and caring society.
In 2007, Kate co-founded A2K Media with Ade Djajamihardja.
Following Ade’s life-changing stroke, Kate has become a powerful disability advocate. She has also begun to recognise her own past invisible disability. Living with Endometriosis for 40 years and only being able to work limited and irregular hours, she experienced ongoing stigma and workplace discrimination. Particularly around the ubiquitous expectation to work strict full-time hours.
Kate is deeply committed to removing barriers to opportunity in the screen industry. She is also very passionate about the need for better recognition of the roles of parents and carers.
Career Highlights
Kate is an Advisory Board Director of Raising Films Australia. She advocates for flexible working hours and inclusive screen practice.
Kate also has a strong background in marketing and hospitality. She is instrumental in the event management and coordination at A2K Media.
2007-2010
Kate was Producer and Co-creator of the 'Australian Malaysian Film Festival' (AMFF) at ACMI. With a focus on building bilateral ties, this was a true film, arts and cultural event.
2010
Kate was Producer and Co-creator of the 'Indonesian Education Film Road Show' (Melbourne, Sydney and Perth).
2019
Kate was the Associate Producer of the short film 'AMAR (Moon)' (SBS and Film Victoria).
2020
Kate is now the Associate Producer of 'Tales From The Crips' (previously titled 'Sit Down Comedy', the disability-led comedy series was supported with development funding from Screen Australia)
Phoebe Neilson
Access Coordinator and Training and Development Manager
Phoebe joined A2K Media in 2020. Over the past 16 years, she has worked in the higher education, vocational education and training, and disability sectors. Phoebe is also currently completing a Diploma of Auslan (Australian Sign Language).
For most of her life, Phoebe has lived with chronic illness and chronic pain. She has first-hand experience of the social and emotional effects of non-visible disability. She also loves to play the bass. Phoebe is an avid believer in the power of connecting with a creative community. She is a proud ally to those living with the effects of mental health challenges and the disability community more widely. She is passionate about using education to build compassion and reduce stigma.
Our Collaborators
We are proud to work alongside a growing list of organisations committed to equity and inclusion. The organisations below represent our funders, our allies and our friends. It is with sincere gratitude and appreciation that we acknowledge their support. Please click on each logo to explore the excellent work they do.
