Experience

Regional Arts Australia

• Non-profit Organizations
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Arts Grants Assessor

  • Jun 2023 - Present



Creative Australia

• Australia
• Government Administration
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Arts Peer Assessor

  • Apr 2021 - Present

  Arts Funding Assessor Arts Funding Assessor



Flying Arts Alliance Inc

• Australia
• Education Administration Programs
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Workshop Facilitator

  • Jan 2019 - Present

  Specialising in Arts Business Teaching. Specialising in Arts Business Teaching.



Southern Cameroon Ambazonia Association of Australia

• Australia

• Community Development Officer/Consultant

  • Aug 2019 - Present

  The Southern Cameroon Ambazonia Association of Australia (SCAAA) is a non-profit organisation predominately comprised of impassioned refugees located throughout Australia campaigning for human rights and political freedom in their homeland of Southern Cameroon, Central Africa. The SCAAA’s goal is to “…bring light to the struggle of the (English speaking) former British Southern Cameroons currently facing ongoing genocide in their quests towards restoring their legitimate post-colonial territorial boundaries.” As community development consultant, I successfully led the SCAAA to achieving their registered charitable status with “The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC)”, as well as their DGR and TCC status . This involved research, writing, policy/documentation review, policy editing and proofing, as well as extensive legal communications. As a result of this process, the SCAAA formed a new Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG) entity -“Southern Cameroons Australia Relief Foundation Ltd. (SCAR)”, to focus on their human rights advocacy goals both in Australia and in Africa. In addition to my community/business consultation services, I guided the organisation’s inaugural strategic development plan through conducting Community Development PRA historical timeline and semi-structured interview processes. This aided the organisation in developing enhanced national public relations exposure, increased the organisation’s networks and partnership potential as well as provided the organisation with renewed strategic direction and motivation. As a marginalised community, self-driven empowerment has enabled the SCAAA to analyse their circumstances on a significantly deeper level, gifted the group with increased motivation and provided new tools with which to approach their desired public relations goals. Show less



Freelance

• Australia

• Writer/Arts Management

  • Jan 2001 - Present

  Sonia Louise Cozens is an Australian Writers Guild (AWGIE) Nominee, Internationally Credited Screenwriter specialising in Comedy, Development Consultant, Creative Producer, Script Assessor, Script Editor, Lecturer, Judge and Mentor passionate about nurturing the bridge between industry executives and key creatives! As a heartfelt screen industry advocate Sonia is vehemently dedicated to re-educating Australian audiences about home-grown content and reducing screen piracy, all whilst ensuring a positive and ethical business footprint across all business dealings. Committed to social change and promoting human kindness, Sonia loves creating content that inspires, encourages and reconnects people, locally and globally. MANAGEMENT SKILLS • Business, arts and administration management. • Content development and consultancy. • Business development and contract negotiations. • Executive producing and line producing. • Creative, cultural and policy development. • Project assessment, reporting and pitching. • Executive stakeholder and key creative liaison. • Scriptwriting, script editing and mentoring. • Budget and accounts management. • Networking, conferences, seminars & meetings. • Marketing and PR including press releases, articles and reviews. • Government, corporate and community communications. • HR recruitment and staff management. • Successful funding applications. Show less



S & S Vision Group (Aus) Pty Ltd

• Gympie, Queensland, Australia

• Company Director/Owner

  • Jul 2020 - Present

  S & S Vision Group (Aus) Pty Ltd specialises in Smoke Alarm and Installation Business Sales. As owners of 3 highly successful Queensland start-up fire protection businesses (Coast Fire Safety Pty Ltd, Bundaberg Fire Safety, Sunshine Coast Fire Doors & Frames), equipped with 30+ years fire protection industry experience, Simon and Sonia Cozens recognised a critical need for increased labour resources to meet Queensland’s new rigorous smoke alarm legislation deadlines. S & S Vision Group (Aus) Pty Ltd was thus born to provide a unique legislated business revenue stream for entry level individuals or experienced business owners seeking a robust essential service income into the future. Contact me for business sales opportunities now! Show less



Coast Fire Safety Pty Ltd

• Sunshine Coast Australia

• Company Director/Owner

  • Mar 2014 - Present

  As company director/manager I lead the administration, strategic development and communications side of this rapidly growing business. As a family business, Coast Fire Safety provides Fire Protection services, equipment and maintenance throughout the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane regions. Equipped with over 25 years experience, we specialise in Fire Doors and Certification. www.coastfiresafety.com.au Coast Fire Safety; along with our business Bundaberg Fire Safety servicing the Wide Bay region; is a part of the Vision Fire Safety Group. www.bundabergfiresafety.com.au Show less



Creative Arts Gympie Region

• Gympie, Queensland, Australia

• Producer - Duets Part Deux

  • Jun 2023 - Aug 2023



Arts Queensland

• Australia
• Government Administration
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Arts Peer Assessor

  • Aug 2019 - Feb 2023

  Arts Peer Assessor Arts Peer Assessor



Regional Arts Services Network

• Australia
• Retail Art Supplies
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Creative Business Champion - Arts Business Mentor

  • Oct 2021 - Dec 2021



TAFE Queensland

• Australia
• Education
• 700 & Above Employee

• Screen and Media Teacher

  • Jul 2021 - Dec 2021

  Previous held role: 2003-2015. Returned temporarily: July - December 2021. Previous held role: 2003-2015. Returned temporarily: July - December 2021.



World Hope International

• United States
• International Trade and Development
• 100 - 200 Employee

• Community Development Officer - Arts Based Community Development

  • Oct 2019 - Dec 2019

  My work with World Hope International (WHI) has seen me specialising in 'Arts Based Community Development' as well as creating communications/marketing content for WHI's international websites and social media platforms. I have spent two months in Cambodia (including one month in rural Mondulkiri working with Indigenous Bunong school children delivering a social impact creative arts program.) My creative teaching program encompassed: idea brainstorming, writing stories, crafting storyboards, drawing, colouring in, creative English instruction and staging a public event with Year 3, 5 and 6 children. In celebration of the 70th Anniversary of International Human Rights Day, the event program included: a social impact drama production, traditional Bunong song performance in costume, an art exhibition of crafted storyboards, student presentations in English, Khmer and Bunong, traditional music as well as a community meal for approximately 200 people. Local community families, residents, dignitaries and international guests were in attendance. Additional community development project works including participating in monitoring and evaluation sessions in rural Kampong Cham and Mondulkiri provinces - focus groups, interviews and PRA timeline processes. Ask me more about this incredible experience! Show less



City of Moreton Bay

• Australia
• Government Administration
• 200 - 300 Employee

• Community Grants Officer - Arts and Culture

  • Sep 2016 - Sep 2018

  Administering the delivery of council's financial community support programs, including the Community Grants Program and the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF), with a focus on progressing local arts and cultural priorities. Supporting individual creatives and cultural organisations to develop their project ideas and funding applications and lead the administration of the RADF community funding program. Administering the delivery of council's financial community support programs, including the Community Grants Program and the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF), with a focus on progressing local arts and cultural priorities. Supporting individual creatives and cultural organisations to develop their project ideas and funding applications and lead the administration of the RADF community funding program.



Heritage Films International

• Australia
• Entertainment Providers
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Marketing and Communications Manager

  • Jul 2015 - Jun 2016

  As Marketing and Communications Manager I lead the development and execution of marketing strategies with particular focus on content and brand marketing. Responsibilities and tasks were extensive including: strategic planning, pitching for studio campaigns, securing new business partnerships, establishing strong business relationships, managing, approving and creating marketing content, compiling and pitching budgets, providing thought leadership on marketing initiatives; managing, refining and implementing brand and style guidelines; compiling and interpreting post-campaign analysis to provide future recommendations, assessing acquisitions for slate and more. Studio Campaigns Managed include: • EOne's 2016 OSCAR winning Best Picture “SPOTLIGHT” starring Rachel McAdams, Mark Ruffalo and Michael Keaton. • Sony Pictures “MIRACLES FROM HEAVEN” starring Jennifer Garner • Sony Pictures “RISEN” starring Joseph Fiennes. • Universal Sony Paramount Home Ent release “CAPTIVE” starring Kate Mara. Management of campaigns encompassed tasks such as: social media management, website build and design approvals, TV advertising, film previews, event management, surveys, national radio advertising and promotions, social media delivery and engagement, press releases, print advertising, print promotions and coverage, direct mail outs, crafting weekly newsletter content and approving design, theatrical poster design, print and graphic artwork design and approvals. Heritage Films is a company dedicated to introducing films that provide hope and inspiration. It was fulfilling to work for a passionate like-minded business that shared my enthusiasm for community awareness and social justice. Show less



TAFE Queensland

• Australia
• Education
• 700 & Above Employee

• Screen and Media Teacher

  • Feb 2004 - Dec 2015

  Passionate about sharing my knowledge and zeal, I have lecturered to hundreds of emerging filmmakers at BA, Diploma, Certificate levels and ACE workshop levels over a 12 year period. Subjects encompassed producing, screenwriting, producing, pitching and screen business management. Short course teachings encompassed scriptwriting for the screen and the narrative principles of creative writing. I am available for ongoing workshop facilitation and mentoring. Passionate about sharing my knowledge and zeal, I have lecturered to hundreds of emerging filmmakers at BA, Diploma, Certificate levels and ACE workshop levels over a 12 year period. Subjects encompassed producing, screenwriting, producing, pitching and screen business management. Short course teachings encompassed scriptwriting for the screen and the narrative principles of creative writing. I am available for ongoing workshop facilitation and mentoring.



Sunshine Coast Council

• Australia
• Government Administration
• 700 & Above Employee

• RADF Arts Funding Assessor

  • Aug 2011 - Oct 2015

  Regional Arts Development Fund: committee member assessing regional arts projects requesting funding assistance. I joined the Sunshine Coast’s Regional Arts and Development Fund as a committee member representing the writing and literary category in September 2011. My primary tasks are assessing major and minor arts grants funding applications throughout the year; developing and maintaining effective working networks and relationships with community groups, organisations, volunteers and arts sector service organisations as appropriate; representing the council on appropriate working groups and providing advice on matters related to cultural development; maintaining high quality communication networks within the creative community; and providing community consultation and participation mechanisms to identify the key arts and cultural development issues and concerns of the community of interest as inputs into the planning process. Now in my fourth year, I have been fortunate enough to represent the council at many events and functions within the creative industries community. Such delegation has required communications with the media, directly liaising with artists regarding funding guidelines and applications, policy consultation as well as community engagement and networking. Show less



Emerge4 Films

• Sunshine coast

• Head of Development

  • Oct 2011 - Mar 2015

  Specialising in Branded Entertainment aswell as Film, TV & Transmedia development, writing and production. Sunshine Coast Corporate content delivery specialists. Over 65 years of combined International Screen Industry experience in Features, Drama, Documentary, Adaptations, Web content and Accredited Teaching! Founded by internationally credited screen professionals Sonia Louise Cozens (AWGIE Nominee) and Mark Keating (ACCTA Nominee), Emerge4 Films creates original film, television and web content specialising in narrative branded entertainment. Passionate about human connectedness, social change and spreading persistent acts of kindness, my goal is to unify the global community by producing powerful and emotive content utilising a range of complementary technologies. Acting with the highest integrity, I am vehemently dedicated to eradicating screen piracy and re-educating audiences about value of home grown content. Attracting like-minded community impassioned clients has been a gratifying outcome of the Emerge4 Films business model. As Head of Development I have established strong business relationships, secured new clientele, obtained government funding, assessed and developed content for slate, written new original content, sourced key creatives and crew as well as conducted all marketing and communications responsibilities. In my role as producer, I have compiled production budgets, undertaken pre-production requirements, line produced, supervised and signed off on post-production content. Show less



JMC Academy

• Australia
• Education Administration Programs
• 100 - 200 Employee

• Film and TV Lecturer

  • Feb 2012 - Sep 2013

  Teaching across 1st-3rd year BA students in: - Screenwriting - Pre-Production (Animation) - Producing 1 - Business management/networking Teaching across 1st-3rd year BA students in: - Screenwriting - Pre-Production (Animation) - Producing 1 - Business management/networking



Videola Productions

• Sunshine Coast

• Script Consultant/Dramaturg

  • Jan 2012 - Dec 2012

  "The Shed" Written and Directed by Ralph Tyrell "The Shed" Written and Directed by Ralph Tyrell



Wagtail Productions

• Brisbane, Australia

• Writer/Producer/Development

  • Apr 2001 - Nov 2012

  Role I originally came on board with Angela Faria in a volunteer internship capacity in order to enrich my screen industry talents. I established a robust business relationship and bond with Angela, rapidly accelerating my status to paid employee undertaking development, producing and writing responsibilities across a large slate of documentary and feature film projects. Through her sheer professionalism, altruism and extensive knowledge, Angela mentored me during my first assistant line producing role. However, it was the enthralling facets of development, financing, distribution and marketing that truly fired my executive screen business ambitions. Equipped with new producing and management skills, I forged the development of many new projects. I liaised with international production partners, assessed incoming projects, prepared reports and documentation for production partners, investors and funding applications, organised and hosted events/ fundraisers as well as successfully tailored and implemented new administration systems resulting in streamlined business operations. Responsibilities • Content creation and project management. • Scriptwriting, script assessment and script editing. • Liaison and correspondence with international production partners, investors, funding bodies, agents and filmmakers. • Prepared marketing documentation for slate and pitch presentations. • Line produced TV pilot for variety series “WGO”. • Shortlisted and assessed key creatives for feature film and TV productions. • Company representation at conferences, events and seminars. • Event co-ordination and hosting. • Funding applications, budgets and business documentation. Show less



Access Arts

• Brisbane, Australia

• Workshop Facilitator

  • Mar 2012 - Mar 2012

  "Art Bites" - 'The Art of Smart' Business Arts workshop, delivered in conjunction with Brisbane City Council and Access Arts Inc. "Art Bites" - 'The Art of Smart' Business Arts workshop, delivered in conjunction with Brisbane City Council and Access Arts Inc.



The Late Knights P/L

• Maleny, Queensland

• Screenwriter/Development - Comedy

  • Feb 2009 - Mar 2012

  Commissioned Development Consultant and Writer across a range of TV and Feature Film Content in Development. Commissioned Development Consultant and Writer across a range of TV and Feature Film Content in Development.



Explanimate

• Brisbane, Australia

• Writer

  • Dec 2011 - Feb 2012

  Freelance Writer for Animated Explainer Videos Freelance Writer for Animated Explainer Videos



Sacred Oz Productions

• Screen Business Consultant/Writer

  • Dec 2010 - Apr 2011

  Press release writing/editing, Film and TV business consultation. Press release writing/editing, Film and TV business consultation.



Streamhouse TV Productions

• Script Editor

  • Dec 2010 - Jan 2011

  "Sidekick" short comedy directed by Jim Shomos written by Jim Shomos and Brendan Luno. "Sidekick" short comedy directed by Jim Shomos written by Jim Shomos and Brendan Luno.



IApps P/L

• Screenwriter

  • Nov 2010 - Dec 2010

  Corporate Scriptwriting Corporate Scriptwriting



HBH Productions

• Screenwriter/Development

  • Oct 2010 - Oct 2010

  Lifestyle TVS in Development Lifestyle TVS in Development



Access Arts Inc

• Screenwriting Mentor

  • Feb 2009 - Sep 2010

  Mentoring Screenwriter/Assessor for clientele on 2 drafts of a Drama Feature Film script. Mentoring Screenwriter/Assessor for clientele on 2 drafts of a Drama Feature Film script.



RADIO

• Brisbane/Sunshine Coast

• Radio Drama Writing Teacher/Judge

  • Sep 1985 - May 2010

  Throughout my writing career I have additionally had the joyful experience of working across several departments in the radio industry: - Radio Drama Scriptwriting Judge - Radio Drama Writing Teacher (Esk Shire) - Radio Presenting/Research at 4EB - Radio Creative Writing Work Experience at 4BC Throughout my writing career I have additionally had the joyful experience of working across several departments in the radio industry: - Radio Drama Scriptwriting Judge - Radio Drama Writing Teacher (Esk Shire) - Radio Presenting/Research at 4EB - Radio Creative Writing Work Experience at 4BC



VizPoets P/L

• Screenwriter - Comedy

  • Feb 2009 - Apr 2009

  Romantic Comedy Feature Film Treatment in Development Romantic Comedy Feature Film Treatment in Development



Lingwood Productions

• Producer/Script Editor

  • Feb 2008 - Dec 2008



Metal Mutt Productions P/L

• Assistant Script Editor/Co-ordinator

  • Sep 2008 - Nov 2008

  Pre-production including ACMA 'C' Classification applications. Pre-production including ACMA 'C' Classification applications.



Limelight International Media Entertainment

• Brisbane, Australia

• Writer/Producer/Development

  • May 2007 - Nov 2008

  Role Again as a self-starter, I worked voluntarily at Stewart and Wall Entertainment for several months prior to securing a substantial Screen Australia funded TV Writing/Producing Internship. I was immediately set to work on sourcing and assessing new feature films, television series and animation content for the company slate. My role continued to expand across Richard Stewart’s subsidiary company “Limelight International Media Entertainment”. Responsibilities for both companies comprised of meeting and liaising with production partners, representing the company at industry functions; preparing reports and documentation for production partners/ investors; successful funding applications including crucial provisional ACMA classification certificates compulsory for television broadcast, communications and administrative affairs of the company resulting in efficient and streamlined business operations as well as screenwriting, VFX co-ordination and preparation of EPKs’. Responsibilities • Script assessment, reports and sourced new material for slate. • Preparing and submitting National and State funding applications. • Preparation and submission of successful ACMA classification certificates. • Liaised with international production partners, investors and funding bodies. • Led creative brainstorming meetings with key filmmaking partners. • Attended conferences, networking functions and seminars on behalf of the company. • Shortlisted and assessed key creatives for feature film and TV productions. • Prepared marketing documentation for key projects and company promotion. • Liaised with talent agents and freelance filmmakers. • Scriptwriting, writing synopses and additional content material. • Asst. Script Editor and Co-ordinator for K9 TV Series. • VFX Co-ordination for feature film Malibu Shark. • Corporate communications and correspondence. Show less



Stewart and Wall Entertainment

• Brisbane, Australia

• Development/Producer/Writer

  • May 2006 - Nov 2008

  Role Again as a self-starter, I worked voluntarily at Stewart and Wall Entertainment for several months prior to securing a substantial Screen Australia funded TV Writing/Producing Internship. I was immediately set to work on sourcing and assessing new feature films, television series and animation content for the company slate. My role continued to expand across Richard Stewart’s subsidiary company “Limelight International Media Entertainment”. Responsibilities for both companies comprised of meeting and liaising with production partners, representing the company at industry functions; preparing reports and documentation for production partners/ investors; successful funding applications including crucial provisional ACMA classification certificates compulsory for television broadcast, communications and administrative affairs of the company resulting in efficient and streamlined business operations as well as screenwriting, VFX co-ordination and preparation of EPKs’. Responsibilities • Script assessment, reports and sourced new material for slate. • Preparing and submitting National and State funding applications. • Preparation and submission of successful ACMA classification certificates. • Liaised with international production partners, investors and funding bodies. • Led creative brainstorming meetings with key filmmaking partners. • Attended conferences, networking functions and seminars on behalf of the company. • Shortlisted and assessed key creatives for feature film and TV productions. • Prepared marketing documentation for key projects and company promotion. • Liaised with talent agents and freelance filmmakers. • Scriptwriting, writing synopses and additional content material. • Asst. Script Editor and Co-ordinator for K9 TV Series. • VFX Co-ordination for feature film Malibu Shark. • Corporate communications and correspondence. Show less



Queensland School of Film and Television

• Screenwriting Lecturer

  • Jan 2005 - Nov 2008



Myrtletown Films

• Story Editor/Script Assessor/Development

  • Feb 2008 - Jul 2008



Fury Productions

• Movies, Videos, and Sound

• Screenwriter

  • Jun 2007 - Jun 2007

  Documentary TVS concept in Development. Documentary TVS concept in Development.



Origin Films

• Screenwriter

  • 2007 - 2007



GNWTV

• Screenwriter - Comedy

  • May 2004 - Jun 2004

  ABC's "The Glasshouse" ABC's "The Glasshouse"



Maroochy Shire Council

• Writer/Guest Speaker - Comedy

  • May 2004 - May 2004



The Australian Acting Academy

• Screenwriter - Comedy

  • May 2003 - Sep 2003

  2 x Fantasy/Adventure/Comedy Feature Length Films - "The Crime Traveller" and "Imogene and the Magic Painting" 2 x Fantasy/Adventure/Comedy Feature Length Films - "The Crime Traveller" and "Imogene and the Magic Painting"