Team GC
Mel Turner
FOUNDER / EXECUTIVE PRODUCER / PRODUCER / LINE PRODUCER
A producer with 27 years in screen production, Mel’s experience in film and TV series is firmly grounded in physical production and almost exclusively for international productions. Mel is fiercely dedicated to creating positive and collaborative working environments with well-considered creative teams and her concise decision-making is the touchstone to exceptional results. Committed to excellent communication and making the whole production machinery work effortlessly is fundamental to how Mel generates nimble and adaptable productions which deliver the best possible outcomes. Known as Executive Producer for WOLF MAN (2025), HEART EYES (2025), Co-Executive Producer for SWEET TOOTH (2021-2024), Producer for CHOOSE LOVE (2023) and FALLING INN LOVE (2019). Also as Line Producer for WAR MACHINE (NZ Unit - 2025), THE LETTER FOR THE KING (NZ Unit - 2020), SHANNARA CHRONICLES (2017) and SPARTACUS (2010-2013).
Axel Paton
FOUNDER / PRODUCER / Co-producer / ASSOCIATE PRODUCER
With a career spanning over 3 decades, Axel is a New Zealand based producer for international film and TV production and came up to ranks as First Assistant Director. Axel has a proven track record, with one of his greatest strengths of fostering and maintaining a positive rapport with directors, cast, crew and vendors. The collaborative energy required to make a production hum is something Axel really enjoys and his instincts for creating a positive energy and solving issues makes him integral to all our projects. Known as Producer for CHOOSE LOVE (2023), as Co-Producer for HEART EYES (2025), SWEET TOOTH (2024) and FALLING INN LOVE (2019) and as Associate Producer for WOLF MAN (2025), THE CHANGEOVER (2017) and SHANNARA CHRONICLES (2017). Axel is also credited a First Assistant Director for THE LETTER FOR THE KING (NZ Unit - 2020), ASH VS EVIL DEAD (2015-2016), SLOW WEST (2015) and Z FOR ZACHARIAH (2015) to name just a few over his extensive career.
Connie Beatson-Smith
Business legal affairs / production supervisor
Connie has come to the screen industry from previously being a lawyer, and so for 10 years now she has focused her career predominantly on international feature and series projects. Connie is particularly adept at dealing with business legal affairs - specifically contracts and compliancy, but generally overseeing that the i’s are dotted and t’s are crossed and right from early pre-production right to delivery of assets she is nothing but thorough. Known as Production Supervisor for WOLF MAN (2025) and SWEET TOOTH (2021-2024), Contract Supervisor for WAR MACHINE (NZ Unit - 2025) and Production Manager for CUSTARD’S WORLD (2018). Also credited for MULAN (2020), SHANNARA CHRONICLES (2017) and ASH VS EVIL DEAD (2015-2016).
Bren Mackenzie
Financial Controller / estimator / INCENTIVES ANALYST
A mind for numbers, creative systems and budgeting detail, Bren has over 17 years of screen industry accounting and finance experience in reporting and managing US studio budgets, funding, cashflow and tax incentives. Bren’s strength is in his ability to provide analysis and forecasting, particularly around exchange rate and qualifying expenditure for feasibility but also quite importantly while we are in production so budgeted funds can be redistributed accordingly. Bren is credited for his work as Estimator for HEART EYES (2025), WOLF MAN (2025), WAR MACHINE (NZ Unit - 2025) and ATL Accountant for SWEET TOOTH (2023-2024).
