Jake Duczynski is a proud Gomeroi and Mandandanji Writer and Director who is committed to First Nations representation on-screen and fortifying a space for Indigenous voices in the Australian animation industry. Jake graduated with a Bachelor of Design in Animation (Honours) from UTS, and formed Studio Gilay in 2021 with James Hackett. The studio employs at least 40% Indigenous staff.

Close collaboration is a key component to Jake’s process, working meaningfully with fine artists, communities, composers and companies to give each project a unique design presence and honest perspective. In 2021, Jake co-wrote and directed the satirical comedy series Cooked (2021) as well as the documentary series Un-locked (2022) for NITV and SBS VICELAND. Jake is also in development with ABC Australia on the family animation series about megafauna, GALI.

Jake’s approach has won multiple accolades, from Walkley’s & Webby’s, to Best Direction at the Australian Directors Guild awards. His work has been projected across the sails of the Sydney Opera House, Australian National Maritime Museum, installed at the AGNSW & MCA, broadcast on the ABC, SBS/NITV and streamed on Netflix.