Emma has worked full time in the animation industry for over 20 years. She completed the VCA postgraduate diploma in animation in 1994 before commencing her professional career. 

She has covered many aspects of animation, from 3D and computer games to traditional hand-drawn films, gaining experience on many different visual styles of animation and techniques.

Emma has been employed on many 2D animation programs from television series work to apps for iOS, documentaries and feature films – most notably Sarah Watts’ award-winning film Look Both Ways, the animated feature Dogstar – A Christmas in Space directed by Scott Vanden Bosch, and the beautifully crafted Recorder Queen for Music Films directed by Sophie Raymond. 

Also, in the exhibition space Emma has led a small group of animators to create a short film about architect Marion Mahony Griffin and her original designs for Canberra. This is screened as a permanent exhibition at the National Capital Authority in Canberra.

Illustration is also an integral part of Emma’s art practice. Focusing on scientific and detailed natural history subjects, Emma has a lot of patience and attention to detail. She enjoys being in nature and this love for the outdoors and the environment, whether it’s the beach or the forest, is always reflected in her work.  

Accolades

Robert Connolly and Emma Kelly and Susan Danta and Lee Whitmore and Anthony Lucas and Kathy Sarpi and Eddie White and Simon Rippingale and Pierce Davison and Marieka Walsh and Susie Shapones and Jake Duczynski and Liz Kearney and Kate Laurie and Chloé Brugalé
Best Youth Film, 2024

Robert Connolly and Emma Kelly and Susan Danta and Lee Whitmore and Anthony Lucas and Kathy Sarpi and Eddie White and Simon Rippingale and Pierce Davison and Marieka Walsh and Susie Shapones and Jake Duczynski and Liz Kearney and Kate Laurie and Chloé Brugalé

Best Youth Film, 2024

Robert Connolly and Emma Kelly and Susan Danta and Lee Whitmore and Anthony Lucas and Kathy Sarpi and Eddie White and Simon Rippingale and Pierce Davison and Marieka Walsh and Susie Shapones and Jake Duczynski and Liz Kearney and Kate Laurie and Chloé Brugalé

Magic Beach

After reading the iconic book by Alison Lester, nine children (and one dog) find themselves on the titular Magic Beach. They explore caves, build giant…

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Films

Magic Beach

Magic Beach

Australia

Magic Beach

After reading the iconic book by Alison Lester, nine children (and one dog) find themselves on the titular Magic Beach. They explore caves, build giant…

More Details

The Asia Pacific Screen Academy expresses its respect for and acknowledgement of the South East Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners of country, including the custodial communities on whose land works are created and celebrated by the Asia Pacific Screen Awards. We acknowledge the continuing connection to land, waters and communities. We also pay our respects to Elders, past and present. We recognise the integral role Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and First Nations peoples continue to play in storytelling and celebration spaces.

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