Mini Studios was formed when writer/producer Steve Kearney and TV commercials producer Leanne Tonkes met at a Film Victoria “speed dating” session for writers and producers in June 2004. Steve Kearney had recently returned from thirteen years in Los Angeles where he had production and development deals with major studios and television networks including Paramount, United Artists, Columbia, Warner Bros, NBC and Fox Network. Leanne Tonkes was well established as a top commercials producer with http://theguildfilm.com, but also a small slate of celebrated short films.

Within the first year Mini Studios attracted funding from the Australian Film Commission and Film Victoria for several projects including travel grants to MIPTV in Cannes 2005 and 2006 and then further on to Los Angeles. Later in 2005 Film Victoria provided Mini Studios with a Producers Package and this year with further development funding for Mobile Games, Feature Films and TV.

The Mini Studios team blends a perfect match of creative drive and business sense.

Now seeking international finance on many projects, Mini Studios continues to source stories to bring ideas to the screen and to form relationships with like minded producers both locally and offshore.