JULIA REDWOOD
OWNER & MANAGING DIRECTOR
Julia Redwood co-founded Prospero Productions in Fremantle, Western Australia in 1991 and recently became the company’s sole owner and Managing Director. She now leads one of the most successful factual production companies in Australia, with internationally renowned titles such as Outback Truckers, Outback Opal Hunters and Martin Clunes – Islands of Australia, to her name.
Julia is a multi-award winning Writer, Director and Producer. In addition to Executive Producing all productions, she is also at the heart of the development and marketing of new projects.
Julia is also a highly active and well-regarded member of the Australian screen industry. She was recently on SPA’s Advisory Board and is the Chair of the industry association, Screen Voice. In 2021, she was winner of the Western Australian of the Year - Business Award.
SHARRON ASHWORTH
CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER
With over 30 years working in the television and production sector, Sharron Ashworth has a wealth of broadcast experience. A global footprint, she has worked in London, Melbourne, Sydney and Perth and with broadcasters worldwide including the ABC, SBS, 7 Network, Discovery Networks, National Geographic, BBC, History Channel and Netflix. A comprehensive production portfolio, Sharron has held various senior leadership roles including Line Producer, Production Executive, Head of Production & General Manager.
She is highly experienced in the factual sector along with vast experience managing dramas, documentaries, feature length documentaries, international co-productions, reality, entertainment and lifestyle programs both nationally and internationally. She is well versed in logistics, production planning and team building and has joined Prospero Productions as the Chief Operations Officer, working alongside the Managing Director to oversee the organisation’s business and broadcast operations.
RACHAEL KELLY
HEAD OF DEVELOPMENT
Rachael Kelly first joined Prospero Productions in 2013. Originally from Ireland, Rachael has over 20 years experience working in the television industry with a wide and varied range of credits under her belt. From emotive human-interest stories to the world of science, Rachael demonstrates strong adaptability as a storyteller.
Since joining Prospero, Rachael has been involved in the development and production of some of their most thought-provoking documentaries including Change My Race for SBS, Shark Science, The Wild Survivor for National Geographic, Junior Doctors Down Under for SBS and Channel 5 and Outback Farm for 7mate and Discovery Channel.
As Head of Development Rachael works closely with the executive producers and is responsible for sourcing and developing new programmes. She is always on the look out for fresh ideas that would appeal to both domestic and international audiences.
ORLA HOLLAND
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Orla joined Prospero Productions as Head of Finance in 2014. An experienced Chartered Accountant, after qualifying with Grant Thornton in Dublin, Orla relocated to London to take up the position of Financial Controller with OpenBet, the market leader in betting and online gaming software.
After making the move to Perth in 2012, Orla worked in both the property and hospitality industries as a Financial Accountant and Group Financial Controller respectively. At Prospero Productions, Orla is responsible for the financial function, working closely with the Managing Director and Executive Producer.
FREYA BRUESCHKE
HEAD OF POST PRODUCTION
Freya joined the team at Prospero in 2009, after Graduating Edith Cowan University with a Masters of Communications: Screen Studies – specialising in Producing.
Her strong capabilities in the fast paced environment saw her move quickly from Production Assistant to Senior Production Coordinator and then on to Post Production Coordinator on some of Prospero’s most challenging projects including Outback Truckers and Life on the Edge. In 2013, Freya was appointed as Post Production Supervisor, working across a myriad of projects at once. .
Freya now holds the position - Head of Post Production. Working closely with the Chief Operations Officer and the project production managers, Freya oversees every element of post production; working with a large team of editors and edit assistants, and delivering approximately 40 hours of production each year.
JULES FORTUNE
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
BUSINESS & LEGAL AFFAIRS
Jules Fortune has a demonstrated history in the creative industries, with almost 20 years of experience in both Ireland and Australia. She possesses a wide range of skills in all areas of production, particularly documentary, and is a strong media and communications professional who possesses a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Laws.
Jules joined the team at Prospero Productions in 2010 and worked in various roles over the years, including in 2018, being promoted to General Manager and Executive Producer.
In late 2023, Jules relocated to Ireland but remains part of the Prospero team in the capacity of Executive Producer – Business and Legal Affairs. In this role, her tasks include: procurement of project finance; negotiating deals and deal terms; project and personnel contracting; budget and schedule creation and funding and offset applications.