Justin McMillan is a celebrated Australian director, recognised for his extensive work across commercials, feature films, and documentaries. With a career spanning nearly two decades, McMillan has established himself as a versatile storyteller, adept at moving seamlessly between commercial projects and long-form narratives.
His commercial directing career is distinguished by a unique ability to blend artistic vision with effective brand messaging. His impressive portfolio includes high-profile collaborations with global brands such as Qantas, Nike, Red Bull, Coca-Cola, Adidas, and Audi. Known for dynamic visuals and compelling storytelling, McMillan has crafted impactful films that capture the essence and purpose of these prominent brands.
In addition to his commercial success, McMillan is a co-founder of www.heliguy.tv, a leading production company specialising in high-quality aerial cinematography. HeliGuy’s notable film projects include Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, Thor: Love and Thunder, Elvis, and Mortal Kombat. The company’s work reflects McMillan’s commitment to innovation and excellence in film production.
McMillan’s passion for surfing and adventure is evident in the acclaimed “Storm Surfers” series, a significant highlight of his career. Storm Surfers (2009) and its subsequent adaptations, including Storm Surfers 3D (2012) and a four-part television series (2012), received widespread acclaim. The series earned McMillan several awards, including the AACTA Award for Best Feature Documentary and a Best Documentary award from the International 3D Society. The 3D feature also achieved a runner-up position for Best Feature Documentary at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Transitioning into feature films, McMillan directed Sweet River (2020) for Netflix, a psychological thriller that won him the Best Director award at Grimmfest, along with accolades for Best Cinematography and Best Actress at ScreamFest Horror Film Festival. This film showcased McMillan’s talent for blending suspense with cinematic artistry. In addition to his directorial achievements, McMillan has contributed significantly as a producer and co-director. Notable projects include Buoy (2016), a short film co-directed with Chris Nelius, and Breath (2018), directed by Simon Baker, as Second Unit Director.
McMillan’s career is marked by a series of successful projects that reflect his creative vision and ability to push the boundaries of conventional filmmaking in both commercial and long-form projects.
