“I did not see it coming in any way, shape or form,” reflects Kristen Souvlis, 40 Under 40 Award finalist and winner of the prestigious First Among Equals Award.

“I think the photography speaks for itself,” she jokes. 

Kristen has risen to prominence over the last decade for her tireless work in Australian children’s entertainment. Spearheading Like a Photon Creative with her business partner Nadine Bates, Kristen has co-created and produced original IP for the biggest names in the media world, including Disney (Balloon Barnyard, 2016), Sesame Street (2014–2020) and more.

Before taking home one of the night’s nine category awards, Kristen had already graced the stage to claim her spot in Queensland’s 2024 40 Under 40 Awards cohort.

“Derik Lynch from Screen Queensland actually sent me the form and said we’d love to get some screen people in this year,” Kristen says.

“I had a spare moment on a train and thought, ‘Oh, why not?’ This is the last year I can.”

“I rarely have expectations of these things, because I’m used to not necessarily getting external, non-creative recognition … I just thought, ‘Got to be in it to win it.’”

Through her work with Like a Photon, Kristen has committed to developing quality art through high-level storytelling, whilst providing viable and strategic outlets for artists to thrive. She’s found great success toeing this line, with Like a Photon producing $52-million worth of feature films in the last five years.

Beyond the financial achievements, Like a Photon also championed the first-ever – as well as the second-, third- and fourth-ever – female animation directors to direct their own feature films.

Kristen has also employed the first-ever First Nations person to write and direct their own animated feature, as well as the first First Nations actress to lead an animated feature film. 

It was this combination of record-breaking and history-making work that earned her the First Among Equals Award – a recognition awarded by the judging panel to the finalist who embodies the qualities of the 40 Under 40 program. Despite her industry-leading success, winning such an award came as a huge surprise.

“I was ready to go get a Betty’s Burger, to be honest … and then to have my name called out … I was lost for words. And it’s not often I’m lost for words.”

“It’s just lovely to get the 40 Under 40 Award … it’s rare that you get a chance to step outside of your industry, and, you know, put your head up and take a look around to see what everyone’s doing.”

“It was lovely to be included in such an incredible group of Queenslanders, but I don’t think people expect creativity to be a business and to be a successful business. So to see that reflected back at us and me, obviously my first reaction is, well, that’s stupid. That shouldn’t happen. That internalised downplaying of the role of arts in society is what was really showing on my face.”

“And you know, really sitting with that discomfort, I think is going to be a bit of a growth moment for me. Just learning about unpacking some of those unhelpful ideas that I have about my own success.”

“Maybe I should have felt some joy, but I didn’t. I felt disbelief.”

Fortunately, Kristen spent the night surrounded by a diverse group of fellow category winners.

“[I loved] the camaraderie at our table. We had a little hashtag going on social media (#Table13), because we had Brooke from Brookie’s Cookies and Sarah from Joy …”

“It was just a really fun, beautiful table. We were all celebrating each other and that was really special.”

With the First Among Equals Award under her belt, Kristen is gearing up for a range of new projects. Like A Photon Creative is currently in the process of closing a five-feature-film slate deal with international investors.

“The bane of our existence is that we’re all under NDA for everything. Of course, I can’t talk about anything that we’re doing. [But] we’ve got a lot coming up.”

“We’re very excited about our growth, dealing with a lot of international partners and financiers and a lot of big names. So we’re pretty excited for our future.”

For prospective nominees, Kristen has some sage advice.

“Just put your name in the ring. You know, even if it’s an exercise in reflecting on your own achievements, I think that’s really, really valuable.”

“And like me, you could actually end up with a photo of you in complete disbelief, with your really excited mum next to you.”

“Feel free to print that photo next to this thing, because I think it tells the story.”

To see the full list of this year’s 40 Under 40 winners, head here.