"BEHIND THE SCENES" OF INWARD
"INWARD"
LIANA TAIAPA
CEO/Producer/Director
My journey through the realms of Film and Television began over three decades ago, sparked by the captivating world of "ET." This early encounter ignited a passion that would chart the course of my career. By the time I concluded grade 10, the traditional educational path had lost its appeal to me, compelling me to embark on a more hands-on journey in the film industry. Within six months, I found myself in Hollywood, learning the ropes from the 2nd Unit Assistant Directors on the set of the HBO film "The Last Outlaw," starring Mickey Rourke.
Upon my return to New Zealand, I dedicated the following year to mastering the craft of film production, guided by the late Don Selwyn at He Taonga Films. My quest for knowledge then led me to Sydney, Australia, where I pursued a Diploma in Film and Television. During this period, I embraced the roles of writer, director, and producer for my 16mm film "Te Rakau" and took on the producer role for "Pool Player."
My career evolved as I immersed myself in various facets of the industry, from assisting directors on music videos and TV commercials to managing stage productions and spearheading multiple freelance projects. However, as the digital era dawned, I recognized the shift in the landscape and ventured into digital marketing, SEO, sales, and a spectrum of communication and service roles for a decade. This detour equipped me with a diverse skill set, ultimately rekindling my desire to return to my roots.
In 2022, alongside my business partner and writer friend Lepeka Lynn, I launched Lioness Film Productions. Our debut, a 26-minute short film titled "Inward," marked the culmination of this new chapter in November of the same year. Armed with multiple TV series and feature films in the pipeline, we stand poised to make our mark on the world. At Lioness Film Productions, our mission is to craft films that not only entertain but also ignite, inspire, and evoke meaningful change.
As we look ahead, our vision extends beyond the screen. We aim to share our creative adventures with audiences worldwide, fostering a community that values storytelling as a catalyst for change. The journey from a young film enthusiast to a digital marketer and back to a film producer has been nothing short of extraordinary. It's a testament to the power of passion, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of one's dreams. Our story is just beginning, and we invite you to join us on this exciting journey.

LEPEKA LYNN
Writer/Producer
LePeka’s love and passion for film began in the mid 80’s where her beloved Nana worked at the local movie theatre in a small town. Movies being a luxury at that time for most families, LePeka and her siblings had the fortune of viewing movies more than once and on occasion where the movie was a new release and a big hit, in reserved seats. Lepeka is an experienced and seasoned writer/ editor in the vocational education space. As a creative outlet she has in the past 8 years, turned her pen to the art of writing scripts independently or as commissioned. This includes various genres, from sit-coms, dramedy and action comedy. LePeka continues to work on projects as a key part of Lioness Productions vision.

TALENT
We represent and manage a diverse roster of Talent and Creatives who collaborate with us to create content for all Media platforms.
CONTACT US
Lioness Film Productions is committed to exceeding your needs. Questions, comments or special requests? We’d love to hear from you, so don’t hesitate in reaching out today.
Gold Coast, Australia
0413 756 054