About

Multicam control room at the JJ Splice studio

About JJ Splice

JJ Splice is one of Australia's leading independent production companies, with a focus on performance-based projects across feature film, commercials and promotional content for artists.

Based in our purpose-built production studio in the heart of Sydney's Surry Hills, we shoot with the latest professional cinema cameras, cutting-edge LED lighting and industry-standard equipment in a relaxed, creative environment.

Our team has decades of experience directing actors, is made up of working screen actors themselves, and includes filmmakers whose work has received multiple AACTA Award nominations.

Meet your teacher

Dean Francis

Director · Cinematographer · Founder

Dean started in the entertainment industry at the tender age of 14 when he was cast in the popular kids' drama series Sky Trackers. He went on to appear in soap operas, short films and stage productions before moving behind the camera in his late teens.

He studied cinematography at the Institute of Lens Arts and directed four acclaimed short films, a sitcom and an acclaimed short feature before becoming one of four directors in Australia selected for the prestigious Master of Arts program at the Australian Film Television and Radio School. After graduating with the Best Directed Drama award, Dean was offered his first feature film as director, Road Train, starring Xavier Samuel, Bob Morley, Sophie Lowe and Georgina Haig.

His second feature, Drown (starring Matt Levett), screened in dozens of film festivals, picking up seven international awards.

He collaborated with director Craig Boreham as Producer and Director of Photography on the festival hit Lonesome (2022), which was nominated for Best Indie Film at the AACTA Awards. He also served as Producer and Director of Photography on Georgina Haig's short film Ashes, which was nominated for Best Short Film at the AACTA Awards.

In 2023 Dean embarked on the ambitious feature film Body Blow, which he wrote, directed and produced, starring Tim Pocock, Sacha Horler, Paul Capsis and Chris Haywood. The film is currently completing its festival run, having screened in more than 25 international film festivals and picking up Best Director at Fantaspoa in Brazil. Body Blow will be released theatrically in Australia and the USA in late 2026, and has been acquired for distribution in Germany, France, Taiwan, Poland and the Netherlands.

As well as directing feature films, music videos and commercials, Dean is a passionate educator. He has taught aspiring filmmakers at JMC Academy, The International Film School Sydney, SAE Institute and AFTRS. He has taught actors at NIDA, The Actors Pulse, JMC Academy and Screenwise.