hear our story,
meet the team.
our story
For over 20 years, Ascent Media has been at the forefront of storytelling, championing innovation and discovery through its work in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine). From capturing the awe of underwater ecosystems to showcasing cutting-edge medical advancements, the company has carved a niche in bringing science to life on screen. Partnering with universities, renewable energy companies and government agencies, Ascent Media transforms complex concepts into compelling narratives, making groundbreaking achievements accessible and engaging for audiences around the world.
Whether it’s filming intricate lab processes, livestreaming global science conferences, or creating visual journeys sea, land and sky, Ascent Media’s expertise ensures every project is both technically precise and visually captivating. By combining state-of-the-art equipment with a passion for innovation, the company has become a trusted partner in communicating the stories behind STEMM breakthroughs.
meet the team
Sam O’Reilly
Director
Sam is a passionate Director, Cinematographer, Photographer, Drone Pilot, Scuba Diver, Sound Recordist and Actor.
He first started in film and tv as a boom swinger on Rove McManus’s show, The Loft Live, in the late 90s. His love for the industry and the ocean really took off when he was working on a documentary on the Sea Shepherd in the waters around Antarctica, capturing content while having flash bang grenades thrown at him during a ship on ship battle with the Japanese Whalers.
Sam is a thrill-seeker and keen adventurer. In his spare time, he can be found getting out in nature hiking, scuba diving or kayaking with his wife and son.
Michael Nguyen
Technical Manager
Michael is a hands-on creator with a passion for technology and the art of making. From a young age, Michael was the kid who took everything apart just to see how it worked, a curiosity that blossomed into a career. With a solid foundation in the music industry and a degree in Sound Production from RMIT, he honed his skills amidst the vibrant scene of London as a theatre technician.
Today, Michael brings his technical expertise and innovative spirit to the dynamic world of film and TV at Ascent Media.
When the lights of the set go down, you’ll find him in his garage, tinkering with the engine of his car or fine-tuning his bicycle, always driven by the joy of fixing and improving. Michael’s journey is a testament to where dedication and a love for one’s craft can lead.
Aaron Carroll
Producer
Aaron is a seasoned Producer, Editor, and Director with a deep enthusiasm for storytelling and visual collaboration.
With 17 years of experience in the industry, he began his love of production at university, working on the Channel 31 series Darren & Brose where he learnt more than he did in the classes he was supposed to be attending.
Since then he’s had a diverse career working for some of Melbourne’s top agencies and production companies as well as making his own films which have screened internationally, winning multiple awards. Most notably, winning the first Sony Film festival in 2021 with his film While the Cat’s Away…
Aaron’s passion for filmmaking is matched only by his love for film culture; he often finds himself spending more time curating what to watch than actually watching anything.
When he’s not working on his next project, Aaron enjoys baking a mean banana bread loaf, pickling just about anything, and perfecting his nachos. He once embarrassed himself in front of an Academy Award-winning editor and even made Lady Gaga cry.
Samuel Galloway
Cinematographer, Director and Creative
Additionally, Samuel has self produced two feature films and over a dozen shorts as a writer/director. These films have gone on to screen at Oscar qualifying festivals like Raindance, Austin, and Show me Shorts. Additionally Samuel has collaborated with high end creative clients as a DOP and editor for brands like Dulux, ANZ, Bupa, Target, Bosch, and Coles.
This is the part of the bio where non film related content should go, but when he’s not working on content for clients he’s just making more videos with his kids or buddies, or by even by himself.
Justin Carrig
Cinematographer
Morgan Baker
Videographer
Morgan Baker is a Melbourne-based creative, starting his career in front of the camera as an actor over twenty years ago.
From an early age however, he always found himself more interested in what was going on behind the lens; the collaborative process and interplay of departments in getting creative works made. His many years of experience on set have given him a shorthand understanding of production on a large scale.
After obtaining a scholarship to JMC Academy and completing his Bachelor’s Degree in Film and Television Production back in 2019, he’s since spent his time in a variety of roles. From Directing shorts, camera operating, lighting, art department, ADing, production, editing, Morgan has “All-Rounder” energy.
He also completed a Director’s Attachment on Neighbours in 2019, going through the pre-production process, Directing a couple of scenes, and spending a week in the post-production suite.
Morgan’s videography has ranged everything from narrative, live events, theatre performances, multi-cam studio productions, weddings, funerals, construction, real estate, regional football and netball broadcasting, livestreams. You name it, he’s probably shot it.
When Morgan isn’t shooting, he’s spit-balling script ideas with collaborators, cooking chicken and leek pie (it’s a Baker thing) or just watching movies from the comfort of his Garfield themed reclining chair (it’s a real chair – ask him about it).
Dan Murphy
I have worked as a video producer in education, government, television and as a freelancer for almost two decades.
In the education sector, I worked for RMIT University for five years, producing a variety of content for their central marketing and communications team.
As a freelancer, I have produced content for several other universities, including Deakin, Swinburne, Adelaide and Melbourne.
In television, I have worked as a director, producer, editor and camera operator for multiple productions, with programs I worked on airing on ABC, SBS, Ten and Foxtel.
In government, I worked as a video producer at the Bureau of Meteorology for two years, producing videos that communicated complex scientific ideas to a broad audience. I also helped build their in-house production capabilities, by designing updated studio facilities and training operational staff to become video presenters.
As a freelancer, I regularly produce content for local, state and federal government departments, and for the last three years I have been the technical producer and director for the live streaming component of the Australian of the Year awards, streaming to YouTube and ABC iView.
I am married, have two lovely kids, and a dog and a cat. I like riding bikes and travelling.
who we work with
