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Leo Faber
Executive Producer: Factual & Culture (commissioning) at Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)
Professional Background
Leo Faber is an accomplished Executive Producer with over two decades of diverse experience in the realms of factual television, digital content, and virtual reality. Currently, he serves as the Network Executive Producer at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), where he is at the helm of a documentary slate comprising 50 to 70 hours of captivating content. His passion for storytelling has led him to collaborate with talented filmmakers who are also dedicated to producing compelling films. Throughout his illustrious career, Leo has taken on various roles such as writer, director, and post-producer, contributing to the creation of hundreds of hours of television across notable global networks. His extensive portfolio reflects a seasoned expert well-versed in the industry.
VR Arts Collective - BADFAITH
In 2015, Leo co-founded the innovative VR arts collective, BADFAITH, alongside the celebrated artist Shaun Gladwell. Their groundbreaking work has garnered significant attention and critical acclaim, with publications like VOGUE and VICE referring to them as pioneers and trailblazers in the virtual reality landscape. One of their standout projects, "Orbital Vanitas," premiered at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival in 2017, where it received accolades and was described as a "masterpiece" by notable Sundance programmer Hussain Currimbhoy. Additionally, the film made waves at the March Du Film in Cannes, further solidifying their reputation as leaders in VR art.
Career Journey and Accomplishments
Before joining ABC, Leo held pivotal positions in renowned organizations that contributed to his expansive career trajectory. As a Commissioning Editor and subsequently Head of Content at Red Bull Media House in Australia, he oversaw an array of short and long-form content across multiple channels and digital platforms. His role in this high-energy media environment showcased his ability to drive impactful storytelling and content creation.
Prior to his tenure at Red Bull, Leo played an instrumental role as the Head of Factual Development at Essential Media & Entertainment. In this executive capacity, he was responsible for developing and financing large-scale international co-productions in collaboration with major global broadcasters. His work spanned across several international markets, including America, Europe, and Asia, which allowed him to cultivate a robust professional network and gain expansive insights into content production across diverse cultures.
Throughout his career, Leo has demonstrated remarkable versatility, successfully creating and producing hundreds of hours of content across various genres and formats—including television, film, virtual reality, and digital media. His substantial experience includes working with leading networks such as the BBC, National Geographic, Discovery Channel, Channel 4, and ITV.
Education and Achievements
Leo’s academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Film and Theatre from the University of Otago, which laid the foundation for his numerous achievements in media production. His innovative contributions to the fields of factual television and virtual reality have consistently garnered positive recognition and significant milestones. Leo's expertise expands beyond traditional media, as he is well-versed in developing digitally-focused content for popular platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, and Red Bull TV. This adaptability highlights his forward-thinking mindset and dedication to engaging contemporary audiences.
In addition to his role as Executive Producer at ABC, Leo has also served on the Industry Advisory Panel for VR at the Australian Film Television and Radio School, reflecting his commitment to shaping the future of media in Australia by mentoring and guiding emerging talent.
Achievements
Some of Leo Faber’s notable achievements include:
- Successfully overseeing a vast documentary slate at ABC, showcasing his leadership and networking skills within the industry.
- Co-founding the VR arts collective BADFAITH, positioning himself as an innovator in the VR space.
- Achieving multiple awards and accolades for projects like "Orbital Vanitas" at high-profile international festivals like Sundance and Cannes.
- Building a strong international profile through extensive collaboration with leading broadcasters and networks worldwide.
- Consolidating his reputation as a key player in the factual content arena, contributing to successful productions for diverse global platforms and audiences.
- Engaging with emerging media formats and platforms, adapting storytelling techniques to meet the evolving demands of viewers in a digital age.
