Merlin - TV Content Design

19/01/2024

Merlin are thrilled to finally announce our huge journey last year in crafting video content for this year's "BROKEN" exhibition at MOD.! 🎥✨

Launching this week, "BROKEN" delves into the realm of possibilities, urging us to envision a world shaped by fresh perspectives. 🌐

Teaming up with a stellar lineup of collaborators, we've curated video experiences across the Onboarding, Offboarding, and Time Commissioners galleries at MOD. 🤝
It’s not often your work gets played on repeat for a whole year but go check it out soon!

Embark on a journey with us as we traverse alternate realities and dream up innovative paths towards a brighter future.

Join us at MOD., open Tues - Sat, 10 am - 5 pm. 🚀
MOD.
Kaurna Country
University of South Australia
North Tce adjacent to the Morphett St Bridge

There’s so much more to see at MOD. But here is a huge thanks to everyone who helped us with our content: 🙌
CAST:
Nicole Schoen- Commissioner for Urgency
Kirsty Williams - Commissioner for The Senate
Luke Wiltshire - Commissioner for Children
Lucia Franks - Commissioner for Generations
Albert Ngo - Commissioner for Deep Time
Ashum Yarlupina Owen - Ngangki Warra - Welcome to Country + Onboarding VO
Erika Barrett - Onboarding demonstrator

CREW:
Richie Coburn - Director: Time Commissioners & Onboarding, Editor: Onboarding, Offboarding, Digital Signage.
Jodie Kirkbride - Producer & Casting
Rob Henschke - DOP: Onboarding, Time Commissioners, Editor: Time Commissioners
Ben Day - Assistant Camera, Colourist: Time Commissioners
Cezary Konarski - Composer: Onboarding, Offboarding, Token SFX
Quentin Eyers - Q The Music - Audio Mastering Time Commissioners
Charlie Barwa - Casting Assistant
Anne Tomkinson - The Makeup Gallery by Anne - Hair and Makeup Artist - Time Commissioners

Thanks:
Mark Gilbert - State Library of South Australia - SA Archival Footage
Mario Andreacchio - AMPCO Studios “The Parks [motion picture] : a community centre : who wouldn't be pleased?” Stock footage
Holden - “Motor car assembly” & “Early Car Assembly” Footage
South Australian Film Corporation “​​West Lakes [motion picture] : [you'll want to live here]” Footage
Pullman Adelaide - Time Commissioners location
RMT Management - Talent agent - Nicole Schoen & Kirsty Williams
Buckland and Gunn - Talent Agent - Lucia Franks
Mitchell Actors Australia - Talent Agent - Albert Ngo

And of course the amazing team at MOD. for taking us on this huge adventure!

10/01/2024

Live local, vote local.

This was a very unique shoot! Those are REAL puppets, created and operated by Matthew Plummer. We think it came out fantastic!

Created for ForeMore Marketing

Puppeteer: Matthew Plummer
Director: Richie Lanyon - Merlin
DOP: Rob Henschke - Merlin
Producer: Jodie Kirkbride - Merlin
Edit & VFX: Rob Henschke & Richie Lanyon - Merlin

https://loom.ly/Hc43M1A

Created for ForeMore Marketing Puppeteer: Matthew Plummer Director: Richie Lanyon - Merlin DOP: Rob Henschke - Merlin Producer: Jodie Kirkbride - Merlin Edit &…

05/01/2024

☀️ SUMMER IS FINALLY HERE and we are so keen for the beach! ☀️

Recently our lucky crew .henschke got to spend a day in the sun shooting a campaign for Fort Largs 's Summer Campaign!
Gorgeous! Get down there and check it out. 🏖️

Camera & Drone Operators: Ben Day & Rob Henschke
Edited & Colour Graded by Ben Day
Creative Director + Director: Michael Jack - Cluse & Co
Producer: Carly Cluse - Cluse & Co

Created for and

Summertime at Fort Largs is a special time. There's always something to see and do when the beach is right on your doorstep. Fort Largs, it's where every day...

03/01/2024

"If you can imagine it, you can create it!"

And what showcases that mantra better than merging graphic illustration with live action footage. From dream to reality.

Kudos to the whole team for executing this concept perfectly!

Created for ForeMore Marketing

DOP: Rob Henschke - Merlin
Director: Richie Lanyon - Merlin
Assistant Camera: Ben Day - Merlin
Producer: Jodie Kirkbride - Merlin
Hair & Makeup Artist: Anne Tomkinson
Production Manager: Rikki Manning

https://loom.ly/yBb4qR4

Created for ForeMore Marketing DOP: Rob Henschke - Merlin Director: Richie Lanyon - Merlin Assistant Camera: Ben Day - Merlin Producer: Jodie Kirkbride - Merlin Hair…

22/12/2023

As many may be travelling over the break - let's make sure everyone stays safe on the roads!

This new Christmas road safety video for SA Police emphasises the importance of caution on regional roads, highlighting the priceless gift of life during the festive season.

Let's be vigilant on regional routes this holiday season, ensuring the safety of all travelers—ourselves, our cherished ones, and fellow road users—so everyone can rejoice together during this special time.

Drive safely and stay aware. 🛣️✨

Crew:
DOP: Rob Henschke - Merlin
Camera Assistant / Gaffer: Ben Day - Merlin
Director: Richard Lanyon - Merlin
Producer: Jodie Kirkbride - Merlin
Editor: Rob Henschke - Merlin
Colourist - Benjamin Day - Merlin
VFX: Danil Gorskikh - Visual State
Creative: Ben Spry, Corey Swaffer & Brenton Bleechmore
Thanks to the City of Marion for the locations assistance

This new Christmas road safety message aims to remind road users of the most precious gift for Christmas: Life. Please take care on our roads this Christmas ...

18/12/2023

Another important and insightful event by IPAA SA and the Office of the Commissioner for Public Sector Employment, delving into the continuously evolving SA regulations regarding workplace safety, with this panel specifically centred on handling psychosocial risks.

The workshop brought together safety, HR, and various experts, fostering collaboration to tackle risks and devise strategies for the future. Catch the highlights video here – or head to IPAA's Vimeo to watch the full event if you're keen on learning about workplace psychosocial risks too.

Camera Operators: Rob Henschke, Ben Day & Brandon Richardson
Editor & Colourist: Brandon Richardson

This is "Psychosocial Risks Workshop - Highlights Reel" by IPAA SA on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

14/12/2023

SAPOL! Always an impactful campaign to address serious issues.

The latest Christmas road safety video is a reminder of the most valuable present: Life.

Let's all be cautious on the roads this holiday season, ensuring everyone—ourselves, our loved ones, and fellow road users—can enjoy this festive time together.

Stay safe behind the wheel. 🚗✨

Merlin are always proud to support road safety - and wish you all a safe holiday season!

Crew:
DOP: .henschke
Assitant Camera / Gaffer:
Director: Richie Lanyon
Producer: Jodie Kirkbride .kirkbride
VFX: Danil Gorskikh - Visual State
Creative: Kwpx Agency Ben Spry, Corey Swaffer & Brenton Bleechmore
Thanks to the local residents and the assistance from the City of Norwood Payneham and St Peters

This new Christmas road safety message aims to remind road users of the most precious gift for Christmas: Life. Please take care on our roads this Christmas ...

10/12/2023

New Merlin Headshots Day 6: Benjamin Day!

One of the Merlin OGs!

Benjamin lives for his craft. A seasoned television director, cinematographer and avid follower of cutting edge technology, he has been living the dream since joining Merlin in 2015.

Dreaming of a career in film from the age of 7, he went through acting schools, video production courses, youth theatre, and created several homemade films all before even getting to high school. Immediately following University, he managed to convince South Australian industry legend Steve Whitham to give him a job. It was serving as production manager at Whitham Media Australia, that Ben first met and worked alongside Richard Lanyon.

The grass proved to be far greener on the creative side of the fence, and within a year Benjamin began shadowing Richie, learning everything he could about directing and editing from one of the best in the business.

Today Benjamin is still an endless well of enthusiasm for the art. It’s not uncommon to hear him cheering on his colleagues when shots or edits hit just right. As of late, Benjamin has directed several award winning projects, become a sought after music video director, and is keenly learning the art of colour grading.

09/12/2023

Nobody can quote a movie like Brandon can. Nobody.

Brandon is a recent Bachelor of Film and Television graduate from the University of South Australia. His studies in Film and Television allowed him to participate in many professional shoots as an intern. His internship led him on a path to filming many different types of sports professionally, but something was missing.

His passion for Film, Television and telling stories reignited stronger than ever before, Brandon knew he had to move to a more creative outlet to showcase his talents and begin his journey into his lifelong passion.

After a brief search, Brandon found a creative outlet like no other and that outlet was Merlin. Through Merlin, Brandon has undergone training and has learned from some of the finest workers in the film and television field. Whether it’s learning colour grading from Ben, Cinematography from Rob, editing from Ash, graphic design from Richie, or given the client’s good news by Jodie and Charlie, Brandon has gained strong industry level experience that can’t be taught in any University.

A year later, Brandon has cut together many, many highlight reels, social media content, corporate videos, TV ads and an entire episode of a television show, scheduled to air next year! These projects don’t even include the countless videos Brandon has colour graded all year. Overall, Brandon has become an indispensable member of the Merlin team and hopes to continue building his film and television portfolio for many years to come.

08/12/2023

A very special new headshot reveal today as it's the birthday of our brilliant Rob Henschke!

When you find the book showcasing Attention to Detail, Rob fills the front cover.

Ever since his start in the industry back in 1997, he was subconsciously taught that 99% effort still has room for improvement.

Rob’s timeline began with studio camera and lighting, then grew to camera assistant, machine room operator, duplication, camera operator, editor, senior editor and cinematographer. There was also studio painter, pool cleaner and gardener in there somewhere but let's not worry about that.

Fast forwarding, Rob is an award winning cinematographer, and a production perfectionist who thrives to get the very best out of himself, the cameras and his crew. Time flies when you’re having fun, and within the blink of an eye he has worked with countless clients, agencies, directors, actors, musicians and celebrities.

When not behind the camera or edit suite, Rob is a devoted family man.
As a proud husband and father, nothing gives him more pleasure than spending time with his wife and son. His weekends are filled with family and friends, social gatherings, films, music, renovations, working bees and washing cars.

Happy Birthday Rob. We are sure you'll be spoilt rotten by your beautiful family!

!

07/12/2023

On the fourth day of new headshots.... Ashley Pollard!

Look at our ever-growing team!

Ash freelanced for Merlin over a brief period editing some episodes of Adventure All Stars and helping out when we were overrun with projects - ready to expand our team, Richie asked and asked and asked Ash to join us until he eventually wore him down and we couldn't be happier to have him here with us every day!

Growing up as an only child, Ashley often found entertainment and nourishment in all forms of storytelling. From video games and books, to Cheez TV and a healthy VHS collection (most taped off TV complete with commercial breaks!). It was these tapes that really took hold of him and his love of film blossomed at a very young age. But ‘filmmaking’ as a job? That was beyond comprehension let alone a career dream. That was until about 19. Since then it’s been a desperate and financially unstable obsession for over 15 years.

Graduating in 2013 with a Bachelors of Media Arts from UniSA, he then moved to Sydney to study at Australian Film Television and Radio School completing a postgrad in Screenwriting in 2014 and another postgrad in Directing in 2016. He then moved back to Adelaide and continues to build his creative and professional portfolio.

Ashley is an accomplished and award winning filmmaker with numerous Film, TV and Music Video credits, as well as countless video projects for a wide range of purposes and clients. His instinct for narrative and screen story language, mixed with his many years of hands-on camera, editing and production experience make him a versatile, reliable and enthusiastic member of the team.

06/12/2023

New headshots day three!

Jodie Kirkbride joined the Merlin team last February to produce their ever-growing slate of projects. Often with their brain in more than 20 projects in a week - from quoting, to pre-production, on-set shenanigans, post-production whip-cracking, scheduling and client liaising. Jodie is often jumping from project to project to keep the many balls in the air...while spinning plates....on a unicycle...that is on fire.

Making short films since a teen and convincing teachers a short film is much more suitable than an essay - they now have an impressive portfolio of 13 independently produced short films, 2 web-series, numerous music videos, and an abundance of TV commercials to show for it. Jodie's work has graced over 100 film festivals worldwide. In 2018 they received the SA Screen Award for ""Emerging Producer"" and recently Jodie was chosen as a Ones to Watch delegate by Screen Producers Australia.

Jodie loves the high-paced environment here at Merlin, but is meticulous at making sure every little detail is accounted for to make every aspect of the production as smooth and successful as possible...good thing their ADHD brain thrives on chaos!

05/12/2023

Up next on our new headshots showoff - Richard Lanyon ! Our fearless leader!

Cast your mind back to 1987 when there were crazy things called film and video tape and that’s when Richie began his journey in the industry.
Fast forward 10 years and in 2001 Merlin Post Production was formed and so began the Merlin journey.

While Richie is the most senior of the team, he is still definitely young at heart and will often be found as the last Merlin team member standing at social functions or trying to convince the rest of the crew that it’s actually not late and if you’re late in the morning, he knows the boss… we are not sure if that’s a good thing or not!!

After over 30 years in the film & TV production industry, Richie feels that he is one of the lucky ones in the world who loves his job and wants to keep playing in this dream world forever.

New headshots a lovely group effort by all here at Merlin!

!

04/12/2023

🎉✨ We're thrilled to introduce our newest team member, Charlie Barwa ! 🌟

Charlie joins us a few days a week as a production assistant, and is being thrown in to the deep end of media and television. With a combined degree in Journalism and Performing Arts from University of South Australia (plus minors in Creative Writing and Psychology), Charlie's passion for storytelling and creativity shines through.

Having ventured from emerging actor to theatre-maker, Charlie discovered a love for the magic behind the scenes. She honed her skills at Link Film Academy and gained valuable experience in various production roles across commercials, short films, features, and VR.

Her journey with us began a few months ago when Charlie joined as a casting assistant for a day. Her proactive nature and keen eye for detail stood out, prompting Jodie to handpick her when the need for an assistant arose. Beyond her role as a production assistant here at Merlin, Charlie's a multi-talented artist exploring directing, writing, and co-producing. Her enthusiasm for continuous learning aligns perfectly with our team's ethos!

When she's not in the office or on set, catch Charlie at rehearsals, music festivals, or perhaps indulging in a little online retail therapy. 💃🛍️

Join us in welcoming Charlie aboard as we embark on exciting new creative adventures together! 🚀✨

29/11/2023

Recently, we were fortunate enough to record a Yarning Circle attended by local Elders and Ministers, for an important commitment in the South Australian public sector to launch their Anti-Racism Strategy and Action Plan to combat racism and ongoing inequalities faced by First Nations and CALD communities.

An epic shoot including 3 camera operators and 2 sound recordists (wrangling 14 lapel mics) to ensure the circle was never interrupted.

Well done to our excellent crew!

Technical Director and Editor: Richard Lanyon - Merlin
Camera: Ashley Pollard - Merlin and James Wire
Sound: Justin Astbury and Justin Pounsett

27/11/2023

Team Merlin out on location! 🎥🎬

We do our thing, and we do it well. 😎

Creative Director + Director: Michael Jack - Cluse & Co
Producer: Carly Cluse - Cluse & Co
Merlin Producer: Jodie Kirkbride - Merlin
DOP: Rob Henschke - Merlin
Drone Operator + Camera Assistant: Ben Day - Merlin
Gaffer: Robertto Karras
Production Assistant: Ashley Pollard - Merlin
Editor + Colourist: Ben Day - Merlin

Created for TONSLEY VILLAGE for Cluse & CO

Filmed on location at:
Tonsley Village
V2FIT
Little Bang Brewing Company

Gear:
Sony Australia (shot on the FX6)
Atomos
Hollyland Technology
Aputure
Nanlite

24/11/2023

Do you feel the need? The need... for vertical lift off?! 🚁

Just quietly, how GOOD do these shots look?! 🤯
Well done to the Merlin team of Rob and Ben for bringing Hollywood to Adelaide.

Aerostar Aviation are offering passenger flights this weekend at VAILO Adelaide 500. If you're at the race, book a ride and get a view of the track from the sky!

Director and Colourist: Ben Day - Merlin
DOP and Editor: Rob Henschke - Merlin
Thanks to Tamara Gordon.

20/11/2023

Spice up your next meal!! (Shake shake shake 💃🕺)

Flashback to this fun ad we shot and produced last year. Our team can whole heartedly recommend the Lemon Pepper 😉🤤

Created for G-Fresh Spices and Zest Advertising

Director: Richie Coburn
Technical Director: Richie Lanyon - Merlin

DOP: Rob Henschke - Merlin
1st AC: Ben Day - Merlin
Producer: Jodie Kirkbride - Merlin
Gaffer: Nic Datson
Hair & Makeup Artist: Anne Tomkinson
Editor: Rob Henschke - Merlin
Colourist: Ben Day - Merlin

Jingle & Music: Quentin Eyres - Q The Music
Animation: Monkeystack

Zest Media Director: Tom Coombe
Zest Director: Kate Coombe
Zest Office Manager: Beck Ielasi

https://loom.ly/uHssBeM

Created for G-Fresh Spices and Zest Advertising Director: Richie Coburn Technical Director: Richie Lanyon - Merlin DOP: Rob Henschke - Merlin 1st AC: Ben Day…

17/11/2023

Friday, 4pm. You know what time it is.
Beer? 🍺

(make sure you watch til the end! 😂)

Ben Day, Brandon Richardson, Jodie Kirkbride, Rob Henschke, Richard Lanyon, Charlie Barwa, Ashley Pollard.

15/11/2023

A year ago from yesterday, Brandon Richardson became a valued member of our team, stepping in as a junior editor. Since then, he's seamlessly integrated into our post-production unit, proving himself indispensable. Brandon's editing prowess is remarkable, and his rapid mastery of colour grading has elevated him to an exceptional colourist.

Despite his reserved nature, he surprises us with witty one-liners and takes the lead in organising our Merlin Office Friday arvo knock offs, wandering around offering "beers?", which has now become a ubiquitous part of office banter and quite the in-joke, solidifying his presence among us. We love you Brandon!

10/11/2023

Another epic and unforgettable evening it was at the AADC
Extraordinary Awards for 2023 last week! ..we have finally recovered.

Hats off to the many gifted local creatives who emerged as winners and finalists! The level of inspiration from everyone was truly outstanding. It was a fantastic opportunity to unwind and catch-up after a year packed with action (and it's not over yet!).

Merlin takes immense pride in being a sponsor for the AADC, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to .ashman for taking the camera for the night so we could get loose!

Time to start prepping for next year!

📷 (stolen from the AADC page....THANKS!)

08/11/2023

What an incredibly talented team we have at Merlin!

Big congratulations are in order for some of our team members - Ben Day , Rob Henschke, along friends and collaborators.

This year, they competed in the Adelaide 48 Hour Film Project to write, shoot, edit and deliver a short film within 48 hours!

Their creation 'Reappearance,' made quite an impression. On the weekend they walked away with awards for:
🏆 Best Cinematography
🏆 Best Special Effects
🏆 Best Sound Design

🎬 🎬 🎬 🎬
Full cast and crew:
Nick Launchbury
Kate Owen
Benjamin Day
Rob Henschke
David Gregan
Nick Berry-Smith
James Carter
Manuel Ashman
Andrew Auld
Andrew Loizides
Dylan Martin
Ashlee Beecroft

07/11/2023

Huge congratulations to our amazing camera team for winning two bronze awards at the Australian Cinematography Awards last weekend for:
Season 3 Episode 6 "Sapphire Coast" of Adventure All Stars
Secco Brand Launch campaign

📸 C/O Australian Cinematographers Society - South Australia

12/10/2023

📸 Some BTS snaps of our ad campaign we produced with Kwpx Agency for Tourism NT!

On a car? ✅
On a beach? ✅
Backyard BBQ? ✅
At the pool? ✅
Our DOP Rob will take that camera ANYWHERE! 🎥

Director: Roh Smith
DOP: Rob Henschke – Merlin
Creative: Corey Swaffer - KWPX
Creative: Brenton Bleechmore - KWPX
Agency Producer: Ben Spry - KWPX
Producer: Jodie Kirkbride – Merlin
Technical Director: Richard Lanyon - Merlin
1st AC: Jake Cooper, Ben Day – Merlin
2nd AC: Mitchell Kell
Location Sound: Justin Astbury - Astbury Audio
Gaffer: Nic Datson
Best Boy: Django Nou
Hair and Makeup Artist: Anne Tomkinson - The Makeup Gallery by Anne
Art Department: Hannah Sitters
Set Dressers: Hannah Sitters, Claude Creighton, Rikki Jade Manning, Jodie Kirkbride
Wardrobe: Eliza Stafford
Production Assistant: Rikki Jade Manning
Editor: Rob Henschke – Merlin
Colourist: Ben Day – Merlin
Post Sound: Mattrixx Audio
Starring: Esther Michelsen, Derrick McManus, CeeJay Singh, Benita Grenaldi, Alicia Zorkovic, Mark Fantasia
Casting by: Heesom Casting

03/10/2023

What a dramatic weather show last night!
It's been an eventful night for the SA State Emergency Service volunteers, who have been tirelessly assisting with over 300 requests for help since 5pm yesterday.

Have you ever thought about joining the ranks of the SA SES volunteers?
We recently created a video to showcase their crucial work. as important today as ever and as we head into a scorching, dry Summer!

What are you waiting for?
BE AWESOME IN ORANGE AND SIGN UP TODAY!

Learn more about becoming a volunteer here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8of0yW-Ztpc

Talent: SA SES Volunteers even volunteering to be our talent!
Camera Operators: Rob Henschke Manuel Ashman Ben Day
Hair & Makeup: The Makeup Gallery by Anne
Edited by: Rob Henschke - Merlin
VO talent: Rob Henschke - Merlin
Colour Grade: Ben Day - Merlin - TV Content Design
Co-Director, Exec producer & writer – Laila Jada Ferrier (SES)
Co-Director, producer – Desmond Jaiaraj (SES)

To volunteer with the SES in South Australia visit https://www.ses.sa.gov.au/volunteer

29/09/2023

We're always honoured to serve as an official sponsor for She Creates ! 🌟

During this year's most anticipated social gathering, we had the privilege of gaining invaluable insights from some of SA's brightest creative talents: Natalie Koutsikas , Carly Cluse Cluse & Co , Caitlin Jinks Australian Federal Police and Jared Brown Sometimes Always . They shared their wisdom on social media strategy along with some brilliant tips and tricks. 🧠💡

Check out the fantastic highlights reel, skilfully captured by Merlin's own and .pollard.169 and expertly edited by .richardson.39566 🎥

If you're committed to elevating your social media game, you can catch the entire event on the She Creates website. 🚀📱

25/09/2023

New work alert! 🚨

🎥 Check out this TVC we made for Kitchen Connection.
🎬 Produced with the team at Zest Advertising - always a pleasure!

Director: Richard Lanyon - Merlin
DOP: Rob Henschke - Merlin
Assistant Camera: Ben Day - Merlin
Hair & Makeup Artist: Anne Tomkinson - The Makeup Gallery by Anne