Magic Beach Feature Film
In 2024, Studio Gilay proudly contributed to Magic Beach, an anthology feature film based on Alison Lester’s beloved 1990 children’s book. Produced by Arena Media, directed by Robert Connolly, the project brought together 10 animation teams—Susan Danta, Pierce Davison, Emma Kelly, Simon Rippingale, Marieka Walsh (Knuckles Animation), Eddie White, Lee Whitmore, Kathy Sarpi, Anthony Lucas (Spindly Figures), and our own Jake Duczynski – to re-imagine the book’s timeless stories through a variety of animated chapters, interwoven within a beautiful live-action film.
Our five-minute chapter, Gilay Gabinya [Moon Boy in Gomeroi language] was directed by Jake Duczynski (Gomeroi/Mandandanji) and brought to life by the team here at Studio Gilay. This vibrant story blends Gomeroi cultural lore and themes of identity in surreal landscape with a cosmic palette! Gilay Gabinya features talented actor Flynn Wandin [The Clearing, Memoir OF A Snail], whose performance bridges live-action scenes in the world of animation.
We’re honoured to have helped bring such a cherished story to life alongside the incredible animation teams, working alongside Arena Media. Magic Beach is now screening in cinemas and available on streaming platforms across Australia!
Gilay Gabinya Chapter
Creative Process
Character Design
Scene Development
Final Film Stills
Credits
MAGIC BEACH Credits:
Production Companies
Arena Media Australia
Madman Films
Directed by
Robert Connolly
Written by
Alison Lester
Produced by
Chloe Brugale
Robert Connolly
Liz Kearney
Kate Laurie
Robert Patterson
Cinematography by
Alex Cardy
Edited by
Maria Papoutsis
Music Department
Robert Patterson (Music Supervisor)
Composers
James Peter Brown
Matilda Danta
Thom Davies
Bryony Marks
Cameron Patrick
Sean Peter
Paul Prestipino
Cassie To
Burkhard von Dallwitz
Russell Webster
Lyn Williams
Casting by
Jane Norris
Set Decoration
Ruby Davis
Costume Design
Maria Pattison
Production Management
Ruby Davis (Production Manager)
Celyren Leckie (Production Coordinator)
Chris Shapones (Production Manager)
Art Department
Mikayla Hotton (Props Maker)
Chris Shapones (Character Design / Puppets / Props / Sets)
Sound Department
Steven Bond (Sound Recordist)
Keith Thomas (Sound Designer)
Visual Effects
John Kerron (Visual Effects Artist)
Camera & Electrical Dept.
Ruby Davis (Data Wrangler)
Riley Fyffe (Grip)
Austin Haigh (1st AC)
Nova McGregor (2nd AC)
Caitlin Wong (Still Photographer)
Main Cast
Spencer Ellis Anderson – Henry
Bigsy – Self
Rylee Chuck – Belinda
Elliott Hayes – Peter
Summer Jeon as Matilda
Azania Molefi – Tomtombo
Frankie Pollard – Lucy
Anezka Sero – Self
Luka Sero – James
Sebastian Sero – Self
Flynn Wandin – Gilay
Monty Newton Welsh – Salty’s Friend
Animation Department (Vignettes & Directors)
Susan Kim Danta – “Mermaid’s Tale”
Pierce Davison – “Castle V Castle”
Jake Duczynski – “Gilay Gabinya”
Emma Kelly – “The Horses”
Anthony Lucas – “The Smugglers”
Simon Rippingale – “Henry’s Dream”
Kathy Sarpi – “Tangerine Boat”
Susie Shapones – Co-director “Princess Belinda”
Marieka Walsh – “Princess Belinda”
Eddie White – “Kingdom of Fish”
Lee Whitmore – “Doggy Day Dreaming”
Editorial Department
Christine Dax (Assistant Editor)
Maria Papoutsis (Editor)
Additional Crew
Leah Filley (Production Assistant)
Amanda Sole (Financial Advisor)
Caroline Verge (Legal)
Cecily Wallace (Production Accountant)
Caitlin Wong (Production Runner)
GILAY GABINYA Chapter Credits:
Director
Jake Duczynski (Gomeroi/Mandandanji)
Producer
Jake Duczynski (Gomeroi/Mandandanji)
James Hackett
Music Composition
Russel Webster
Sound Design
Jake Duczynski
Production Co-ordinator
Sara Hirner
Script
Jake Duczynski (Gomeroi/Mandandanji)
Character Design
Jake Duczynski (Gomeroi/Mandandanji)
Isaiah Stewart (Kuku Yalanji / Wemba Wemba)
Andy Summerfield
2D Design
Jake Duczynski (Gomeroi/Mandandanji)
Isaiah Stewart (Kuku Yalanji / Wemba Wemba)
Andrew Summerfield
Jodie Austin (Ngunnawal)
Johnathon Nix
Sara Hirner
James Vallance
Amy Bell
Storyboard
Jake Duczynski (Gomeroi/Mandandanji)
Andrew Summerfield
2D Animation
Jake Duczynski (Gomeroi/Mandandanji)
Andrew Summerfield
Isaiah Stewart (Kuku Yalanji / Wemba Wemba)
Emily Hestelow
Johnathon Nix
James Hackett
James Vallance
Amy Bell
Editing
Jake Duczynski (Gomeroi/Mandandanji)
James Hackett
