Draft:Daniel J. Phillips

Daniel J. Phillips
Born
Daniel John Phillips

April 2, 1985 (aged 39)
Adelaide, South Australia
Occupation(s)Writer, Director, Producer
Years active2011 - present
Known forAwoken (2019), Diabolic (2025)

Daniel J. Phillips (born April 2, 1985) is an Australian film director, writer and producer. Starting making films at a very young age, Phillips began his career in advertising and short films, before moving into feature films with Awoken (2019) and Diabolic (2025)[1] (currently in post-production).

Professional Career/Filmography

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After studying Screen Production at Flinders University, Phillips went on to work at other production companies before founding his own company in 2014 called Anomaly.[2] First based out of his studio Sunjive Studios Adelaide (the largest privately owned film studio complex in Australia),[3] the agency moved to its current address in North Adelaide in 2020.

During this time Phillips continued his work in the film industry, with his 2013 short film The Martyr[4] picking up awards globally including Best Drama and Best Director at the South Australian Screen Awards.

Apart from directing his own projects, Phillips has also assisted many other films gain finance and distribution in the role as Executive Producer, including With or Without You (2024)[5] Time Addicts (2023),[6] Paco (2023),[7] Roadkill (2022),[8] and served as the Post Sound Producer on Korean animation film, King of Kings.[9] Phillips was a vital part of bringing the multi-million dollar international production to Australia.

Awoken (2019)

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Phillips wrote and directed his first feature-length film Awoken (2019). A horror film about a medical student named Karla (played by Sara West) whose brother Blake (played by Benson Jack Anthony) develops a rare disorder called Fatal familial insomnia (FFI), after witnessing their parents die in a murder-suicide.

Phillips drew inspiration from the creepypasta article 'The Russian Sleep Experiment', along with other horror films such as The Conjuring (2013) and The Exorcist (1973).

Diabolic (upcoming release)

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In 2022, Phillips collaborated on the screenplay for his second film, Diabolic (2025)[1], starring Elizabeth Cullen (Elvis) which is set to be released in 2025.

Awards

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In 2013 Phillips received 3 wins and 1 nomination[4] in the South Australian Screen Awards for his short film The Martyr.

In 2020, Phillips was a recipient of South Australia's 40 under 40 Awards, recognising the impact of South Australia's young entrepreneurs and changemakers under 40 years old.[10]

Phillips was recognised for his founding of the creative agency, Anomaly, revamping Hendon Studios (that filmed Wolf Creek 2 (2013, ANZAC Girls (2014), and I Am Mother (2019)) and produced and directed his first multimillion-dollar film project, Awoken (2019).[10]

References

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  1. ^ a b Dalton2022-05-21T05:00:00+01:00, Ben. "Australian trio partner on $12m production fund, led by 'Diabolic' (exclusive)". Screen.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  2. ^ "Anomaly is a Creative Agency & are Digital Marketing Experts". Anomaly.
  3. ^ "Sunjive Studios Adelaide".
  4. ^ a b "The Martyr (2013) - The Screen Guide - Screen Australia". www.screenaustralia.gov.au.
  5. ^ "South Australian-Made feature film With or Without You announced - Media centre". Screen Australia. Retrieved 2024-11-11.
  6. ^ "TIME ADDICTS". Umbrella Entertainment.
  7. ^ "Paco review: a fantasy quest through the everyday | ScreenHub Australia - Film & Television Jobs, News, Reviews & Screen Industry Data". www.screenhub.com.au. May 21, 2024.
  8. ^ "About the Film".
  9. ^ Gajewski, Ryan (March 28, 2024). "Faith-Based Animated Film 'The King of Kings' Inspired by Charles Dickens Story in the Works (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter.
  10. ^ a b "REVEALED: South Australia's top 40 leaders under 40 - InDaily".
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