Matthew Dabner

Matthew is a NSW-based screenwriter, producer and script consultant. Born in Canberra and raised in Tasmania, he was accepted into the prestigious screenwriting program at the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts, later completing a Masters in Producing while working in the story department at Mel Gibson’s Icon Productions. There, he contributed to the development of PAYBACK, RANSOM and CONSPIRACY THEORY.

After seven years in Los Angeles, Matthew returned to Australia as Head of Development for director Alex Proyas at Mystery Clock Cinema, where he developed I, ROBOT for Twentieth Century Fox and a telemovie for the Sy-Fy Channel.

He later co-founded a production company, co-writing THE SQUARE with Joel Edgerton (directed by Nash Edgerton), which screened in competition at the Sydney Film Festival and earned an AFI nomination for Best Original Screenplay. He also produced CEDAR BOYS, nominated for an Inside Film Award for Best Film and winner of the Sydney Film Festival Audience Award.

Matthew has worked widely in the Australian screen industry as a script editor, assessor and development executive. His television credits include script editing THE FAMILY LAW (season one) and the ABC telemovie RIOT. He has also consulted for funding agencies such as Screen Australia, advising on feature film investments.