Olivia Altavilla
Director at The Producers
Olivia is an Australian director living in Melbourne. She’s directed commercials for brands like Apple, Vegemite, Maltesers, Huggies and more. As a director, she embraces the natural chaos of life, creating spaces where talent can authentically live in the moment, resulting in ads that feel more like intimate documentaries than traditional commercials.
Her storytelling is deeply influenced by her multicultural heritage (Italian-Venezuelan), with a strong focus on capturing diverse, dynamic and vibrant relationships onscreen. Her short film Taboo travelled internationally to festivals, including the Vancouver International Film Festival, The Human Rights Arts and Film Festival and was short-listed at Sundance for the Horizon Award.
Career & Background
What inspired you to do what you are doing now?
I’ve wanted to make films since I was a kid, always making backyard films with a camcorder and iMovie, forcing my poor family to act. That passion hasn’t gone away; I just get to use more exciting toys now. My family, however, still have cameos in my ads.
Could you tell us a bit about your professional background?
I studied directing at film school and was lucky to land a job working as a PA/DA when I graduated. From there, I worked in content where I could produce and direct lower-budget jobs to start building my ree, which has led me to where I am now, directing TVCs.
Your favourite food for thought
Books
- Directing – Film Techniques and Aesthetics 6th Edition
- Harry Potter – I know, so random, but the world-building is incredible and always reinspires me
- Céline Sciamma – Portraits by Emma Wilson
Podcasts / Thought Leaders
- Miranda Harcourt’s Notes for Actors and Directors
- BAFTA Screenwriters Lecture series
- Céline Sciamma
What drives and inspires you
What are your core values?
- Authenticity
- Family
- Kindness
Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
The director, Glendyn Ivin. There is so much humanity and micro detail in his work that I love and really try to bring to my own work.
You as a Mentor
Why have you decided to become a mentor?
We need more women directors in our industry, so I’d love to help in any way I can to boost women’s careers.
What are the top 5 skills or qualities you bring to mentoring?
- Great listener
- Intuitive
- Non-judgemental
- Passionate
- Patient
Ready to apply?
The best time is right now. Take a chance – you never know where an Assisterhood mentor can take you.