Making It Australia judges announced

Upcoming 10 series Making It Australia has announced its two judges: Production Designer and Art Director, Deborah Riley, and Paper Engineer Benja Harney.

Best-known for her work as Head Of Art Department on Game Of Thrones Deborah Riley’s film credits include work as Set Designer on The Matrix, 21 Grams and Baz Luhrmann’s Moulin Rouge. She has four Emmys and a BAFTA award.

“At a very fundamental level, I believe in what Making It stands for. I believe in artists and the transformative power of their art. It is a release valve for both the artist and their audience,” she said.

“Working in a community of artists in the film and television industry has been one of the great privileges of my career. It has taught me about generosity of spirit and the value of loyalty. Artists deserve to be supported and celebrated by their community. We need people who think differently and find imaginative solutions to problems.

“All of the challenges will test our makers in different ways and I am incredibly excited to see what they bring to the table”.

Benja Harney, a pioneer in bespoke paper constructions, has worked for Google, Nike, Facebook and Hermes plus Kylie Minogue and Sia.

“I’m over the moon to be involved with 10’s series Making It and to help celebrate Australian imagination,” he said.

“I’ll be looking for an inventive approach to materials, confident colour choices and projects that are beautifully finished. These are sure-fire ways for our makers to achieve those ‘wow’ moments we’re looking for.”

The DIY series, based on a US format hosted by Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman, is hosted locally by Susie Youssef and Harley Breen. It will see Australia’s most talented ‘makers’ showcase sewing to woodworking, papercrafts to pottery, and carving to crocheting.