BUSTOS

PRODUCTIONS

Writer / Director / Producer

Black-and-white head-and-shoulders portrait of a man with dark hair, mustache, beard, and an earring wearing a black shirt

"To create is to live twice" (Camus, 1942/1955, p. 94).

Sam is a Brisbane-based director who makes cinematic narrative and commercial work with a distinctive visual voice.

MY work

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TOOTH AND NAIL - 2025

A short doco/music video showcasing the band “Bachelors Handbag” and their new song.

Throughout this production, I led the team as the Director and co-producer.

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CURTAINS - 2026

A dark comedy / Thriller about a comedian performer who finds his delusional senior trying to commit suicide on stage.

Throughout this production, I created the shot list as the DOP in pre-production and led the lighting and camera crew during production. I also worked closely with the editing crew during colour grading in post-production.

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Gloves - 2026

A drama about a nursing student who can’t stop trying to figure out why his patient starts causing problems in the workforce.

Throughout this production, I was the casting director and 1st assistant director. I managed people and schedules during the casting calls to make sure everything was prepared for production. During production, I ran the team beside the director, communicating with all departments to stay on schedule.

TRIXIE FAR FROM HOME - 2025

A short Mockumentary about moving out for the first time.

Throughout this production i lead the team as the director and co-producer.

Currently still in production but here is some BTS photos.

Film crew members operate a professional video camera on a theater stage behind black curtains.

I’ve been interning with The Little Grassbirds Production in Brisbane and the Gold Coast. The company is making Water Tanks, a proof of concept being prepared for the AACTA festival in February. Here’s what I’ve learned so far.

Building the set

I helped build the production set and move it between locations. Seeing a set go from nothing to a place where a scene could be shot showed me how much physical work sits behind every frame.

Shadowing the director and continuity

We filmed five days in a row, 8am to 5pm, across three locations. I shadowed our director, Allison, and tracked shots and details so everything stayed consistent. When my laptop died because I hadn’t packed a portable battery, I switched to a notebook and kept logging by hand. Allison told me it was good I was there because she kept losing track of what the shots were called, and my notes kept everyone on the same page.

Seeing post-production

I also spent time with the editing team and watched how they colour grade and use VFX. In one scene, the planks were extended to the edge of the frame so they filled the screen. It showed me how much of the final look is created after the shoot, and it made me think about framing while shooting.

What I’ve learned

  • Always have a backup plan for your tools

  • Anticipate what the production needs next

  • Ask to see how other departments work

  • Rest properly, because long days affect your work

People gathered inside a dimly lit venue, with a man filming using a camera rig beneath a green emergency exit sign.
Film set with a young man in a suit checking his phone, a professional camera, and a monitor displaying his close-up.

Also currently still in production but here is some BTS photos.

Film crew member holding a clapperboard beside a camera filming a child in a bedroom set
Film crew gathered around a seated man reviewing a monitor in a bright office or studio.
Film crew member holding a clapperboard beside a seated actor wearing a blue glove on set

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