About Us
Raising Films Australia was founded with the support of Raising Films UK, building on a shared vision of a screen industry where caring responsibilities are not a barrier to creative careers. While independently led and locally focused, we remain part of a wider international community, with Raising Films UK continuing to provide advice, knowledge-sharing and support as we as we grow our work in Australia.
Vision
We envision a screen industry grounded in equity and justice, where parents and carers are supported to thrive professionally and creatively, and where their diverse voices are reflected in the stories we create and share. By championing new ways of working that prioritise people, wellbeing and work-life balance, we seek to create a more equitable, sustainable and representative Australian screen industry.
Purpose
If you're a parent or carer working in the screen industry, we're here for you. Raising Films Australia exists to ensure that caring responsibilities are not a barrier to a fulfilling creative career. We work alongside parents, carers, allies and industry partners through community-building, advocacy, education and research to create a more equitable, sustainable, people-centred industry. Grounded in screen and connected across the creative industries, we champion change that enables creatives with caring responsibilities to thrive.
Our Values
CARE
We champion care, wellbeing and community as strengths that create a more sustainable, creative and resilient Australian screen industry.
ADVOCACY
We drive industry change by challenging barriers to participation and championing equitable, inclusive and sustainable work practices in the Australian screen industry.
REPRESENTATION
We believe parents’ and carers’ voices, experiences and perspectives should be visible, valued and reflected in the stories we tell, the decisions we make and the future of the Australian screen industry.
CREATIVITY
We harness the power of storytelling, creativity and imagination to challenge assumptions, inspire change and envision a more equitable, sustainable future.
Meet The Team
MEGAN RIAKOS
FOUNDER
Megan Riakos is a writer, director, producer and advocate who brings together a love of storytelling with a commitment to industry change. As founder of Raising Films Australia and director of Hemlock & Cedar Films, she champions a more equitable, sustainable and people-centred screen industry where creatives can thrive.
TAYLOR BUORO
FOUNDING COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & COMMUNICATIONS
Originally from regional Western Australia, Taylor is a writer, producer and actor passionate about character-driven storytelling and championing female voices on screen. She is also part of RFAU, advocating for a more inclusive, sustainable and collaborative screen industry.
CONNECT WITH US
Our community is central to everything we do. As we grow, we will be establishing an Advisory Board and an Ambassadors and Advocates Network to help shape our strategic direction, bring diverse perspectives and champion positive change across the screen industry. If you'd like to get involved or explore how we can work together, we'd love to hear from you.
Guiding Principles
Parents and carers are at the heart of our work. We listen, learn and act alongside our community, ensuring lived experience shapes our priorities, advocacy and programs.
We combine lived experience, research and data to understand challenges, identify opportunities and drive meaningful change.
We focus on practical, achievable solutions that can make a meaningful difference to the working lives of parents and carers. We combine evidence with creativity and imagination to explore new possibilities for our industry
We know change doesn't happen alone. Grounded in screen and connected across the creative industries, we work with parents and carers, industry partners and allies to build shared solutions and create lasting change.
We recognise that experiences of care are shaped by intersecting identities, circumstances and systems. We are committed to advancing equity, inclusion and belonging for all.
Founded in 2015, Raising Films UK is the original chapter of Raising Films, established to support, promote and advocate for parents and carers working across the screen industries. Through research, resources, training and community, it works to create a more inclusive, flexible and sustainable industry where caring responsibilities and creative careers can coexist.
International Chapters
Founded in 2020, Raising Films Ireland is the Irish chapter of the Raising Films movement, advocating for parents and carers working across the creative screen industries. Through research, advocacy, collaboration and practical initiatives, it works to create a more inclusive, equitable and sustainable industry where caring responsibilities are recognised and supported.
