Essi Haukkamaa-Judge is a Finnish born producer. She has more than 25 years of work experience in the screen industry, working in different production roles in Finland and Australia, and has citizenship for both countries.
Essi has been working in AFTRS from 2020 teaching BA Producing subjects, and as a Discipline Lead Producing (BA) from 2024. In addition to teaching, she runs production companies in Finland and Australia. The projects she has produced include feature documentaries War/Peace and Power of the People, and feature films Deserted and Santa. Essi is also currently preparing a PhD research thesis studying international co-productions from the producer’s viewpoint, at the University of Wollongong.
Essi brings valuable experience leading undergraduate and postgraduate production programs, with a strong focus on student‑centred, industry‑connected curriculum design. As Discipline Lead for Producing and Production, she brings understanding of student pathways into industry and the capability to shape programs that respond to emerging industry needs.
Her leadership reflects AFTRS’ core values, and her position, spanning industry practice and academic leadership, enables her to advocate for both student experience and academic standards.