So what’s the deal?
“I initially met Adrian trying to find an actor for a uni film. Although we never met in person. He sent in a self tape and I thought he had the part nailed. But the rest of the crew and the lecturer thought he wasn’t the right fit the awkward character the director had in mind.
So I thought that was that. Poor dude.
Then to my surprise I met him again at the local Theatre in the acting classes, along with Lila and Liz. And we hit it off becoming good friends, talking about films and the types of things we liked. Adrian mentioned wanting to create stuff and he needed some help. I was thinking of starting my own company. So I said what the heck lets do it.”
Emma
Why we started Bear and the Owl…
Starting out in any industry can be rough, let alone the creative arts. So, the idea of creating your own opportunity can be a helpful one. That’s why we created a small independent company
Our Goal
We want to give local and upcoming artists an opportunity to self express in their chosen platform.
The content we like to create is the kind that pulls you into another world and leaves you scrambled. Mentally, emotionally, and intellectually. If it makes you think, or escape the world for a time that’s good enough for us.
The Usual Crew
Emma Johnston (Founder, Sole Trader)
Emma is an actor and filmmaker from Sydney Australia. They are known for their raw vulnerability on screen, artistic eye, and chill perfectionism when behind the camera. Their brain child Bear & the Owl Productions produces atmospheric, moody films that dive into the depths of human emotion. Their short film “Darkes Forest Blues” has been in International and Australian film festivals with honourable mentions.
A University of Notre Dame Sydney graduate Bachelor of Arts Double Major in Theatre Studies and Film and Screen Production. While at uni they studied abroad in Austin Texas at St Edward’s University, working in the Moody Northen Theatre. They received the Dean’s list and the Certificate of excellence for Outstanding exchange student, work in Tech Theatre. They have also worked as: an operator in theatres and a gaffer in feature films. Emma is also a Shodan (1st Dan) Black Belt in Kyokushin Karate which they have trained for 17 years.
Liz Vassilacos
Liz is a theatrically-trained stage and screen actor known for her comedic timing, expressiveness and natural delivery. She has studied at The Australian Film & Television Academy, showcasing broad range across comedy and dramatic roles. Recent stage credits include leads in Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, David Williamson’s Dead White Males and The Appleton Ladies’ Potato Race.
On screen, she appears as a supporting actress in the feature film ‘The Holy Scoundrel’ from Novofilm Productions, and has recently completed her screenwriting debut with the short film ‘Leftovers’, now streaming on YouTube. For the 2025 Newcastle Fringe Festival, Liz premiered “The Understudies”, a new original work that she wrote, produced and starrred in. The show received two nominations for Best Theatre and Best Newcastle Show, and won the Sydney Fringe Guest Award, earning the show a complimentary place in the 2025 Sydney Fringe Festival’s emerging artist sharehouse.
Lila Micevska
Lila is a diverse and dramatic Film and Theatre actor based out of Sydney, Australia.
Lila draws on her own experiences to bring a raw vulnerability and a powerful presence to her performances.
Lila can be seen in multiple prominent TV commercials in Australia. ‘Leftovers’ was her Directorial debut.
Adrian Glen
Adrian Glen was recently Travis Fimmel’s (Ragnar Lothbrok from the hit show Vikings) Stand In for the NETFLIX show ‘Boy Swallows Universe’ and appeared in a Commercial for BlueBet. He is an aussie actor, born and raised in Sydney. Known for his accents, impressions, emotional rawness and natural aussie blokeness. Adrian has studied at Screenwise, AMAW and the Sydney Acting Studio.
Adrian starred in, directed and edited ‘Samsara.’