Kristen Souvlis was awarded the First Among Equals Award for her work as co-founder and co-CEO of Like A Photon Creative, an award-winning production company creating children’s content.

After a successful career on development and producing teams for internationally acclaimed series such as Mako Mermaids, H20: Just Add Water, The Elephant Princess and Vikings: Athelstan’s Journey, Souvlis founded Like A Photon Creative in 2017 alongside fellow co-founder Nadine Bates. Since then, the studio has financed and produced eight 3D animated feature films for worldwide theatrical release. And, in the last five years, has produced $52-million worth of feature films.

As a leader within the arts industry, Souvlis must negotiate the delicate balance between commerce and creativity. She works at Like A Photon Creative to build sustainable livelihoods for its artists and staff, as well as champion representation for female and First Nations creatives, both on and behind the screen. 

According to Souvlis, “Australian culture is undervalued and underfunded”, particularly on the global theatrical stage. She is continually advocating for systemic change that can allow Australian content to flourish in its home territory and internationally. Like A Photon Creative has created content for industry giants such as Disney, Sesame Street and Universal Content Group.

Next year, the studio will release an animated feature film based on the best-selling picture book The Pout Pout Fish. It is also on the cusp of a historic five-feature-film slate deal with international investors.

Souvlis was one of a series of individual winners across nine categories in the Queensland 40 Under 40 Awards presented by InQueensland and The Weekend Edition (scroll down for the full list).

40 Under 40 Awards judge, Vice-President Engagement and Chief Marketing Officer at QUT, Professor Mark Harvey said the awards were an opportunity to not only celebrate the great work that has been done, but to spur on all of the great work still to come in Queensland’s future.

“There are a lot of challenges and negativity in the world at the moment, so a program that celebrates achievement, inspiration and youth is a great antidote!” he said. “We all need inspiration.”

“40 Under 40 is a chance to inspire the next generation of innovators and remind all Queenslanders of the value that education, vision and hard work bring to our lives.”

Howard Smith Wharves was a fitting venue for the Gala Awards, celebrating the dynamic and ever-evolving culture of Queensland. Underneath Brisbane’s iconic Story Bridge, attendees enjoyed a two-course dinner and high-quality hospitality with premium beverages from Unico Zelo, Applewood Distillery and Fever-Tree, and curated beers from Felons Brewing Co.

Queensland Futures Institute CEO Steve Greenwood, returning for his second year on the judging panel, was impressed with the quality of all applicants. “The scope and depth of the applications were simply outstanding,” he said. “The number of highly talented people that we have in Queensland was clearly on display. It was quite a privilege to be able to gain insight into the work and the passions of younger Queenslanders”

Greenwood said that Queenslanders have a history of being innovative. “Queensland, of all of the states, is one that has a history of deep and ongoing innovation,” he said. “A highly decentralised state, people were historically quite isolated, and through necessity developed solutions to their frequent challenges. I think that it is this spirit of [the] innovative Queenslander that has been much of the reason for the state’s success and also the envy of other Australian states. And it is the spirit of innovation that will see our state grow and thrive into the future.”

Fellow judge, 40 Under 40 alumnus and Aruga co-founder Adam Brunes said he enjoyed seeing the breadth of businesses and industries represented in this year’s crop of 40 Under 40 winners.

“This year’s nominees come from industries as diverse as animation and law, to advocacy, micro-brewing, finance and the arts. What unites them is a contagious passion for Queensland and a demonstrable commitment to bettering the community,” he said. “It’s impossible not to get swept up in the altruism and ambition.” 

View the full list of winners here.

The individual winners are:

Kristen Souvlis, co-founder and co-CEO of Like A Photon Creative: InQueensland Media First Among Equals Award selected by the judging panel as the finalist who embodies the 40 Under 40 as the First Among Equals.

Daniel Mikus, CEO Commercial of Mr Roads: QUT Industry Innovators Award recognises an individual contributing to or a company who is a leading innovator in their field and is contributing to the prosperous future of our state.

Nic Blair, founder and CEO of Midnight Health: Queensland Futures Institute Entrepreneurial Award recognises an outstanding lateral business thinker and risk taker exhibiting entrepreneurial flair.

Martinique Aprile, Managing Pharmacist of Discount Drug Store: InQueensland Rural & Regional Award recognises the individual who demonstrates influence and leadership in contributing to the prosperity of a rural or regional business and community.

Adam Sarota, owner and managing director of Bridgeman: Soda Inspiring Future Leader Award celebrates an individual whose leadership and innovative vision drives progress and growth in a given industry. Nominees display creativity and industry awareness, equipping them with a capacity to predict and adapt to changing landscapes across the private or public sector.

Edward Ross, co-founder and director of TradeMutt: The Weekend Edition Game Changer Award recognises a person who has re-written the rules of business to challenge, inspire and spark significant change.

Brooke Saward, director and founder of Brooki Bakehouse: Betty’s Burgers Food Innovation Award recognising and celebrating innovation and excellence across all categories in the food and beverage industry.

Sarah Baldwin, owner and head chef of Joy Restaurant: Aruga Creative Thinker Award recognises the person who best demonstrates thinking creatively in relation to any aspect of their business or endeavours, and showing the use of innovation to progress.

Holly Hunt, CEO and founder of Women in Digital: Queensland Government Inspiring Female Leader Award recognises an outstanding female who leads, inspires and pushes the boundaries of the business community.