Colin Thrupp
CEO and Executive Producer
Colin Thrupp is the owner and creative director of Breakout Productions. He has worked in television for over 20 years across various roles including presenter, writer, producer, cameraman (underwater and topside), editor, director and executive producer! He also holds certificates in eco-tourism and conservation land management and is a qualified PADI dive master and commercial skipper. Colin even trained as a crocodile and snake handler during his time working at zoos!
It is Colin’s love of the natural world (especially animals that can kill you!) that has helped Breakout find a niche in the wildlife space. Through his storytelling he has a strong desire to help quash common misconceptions about deadly animals.
Lana Thrupp
Head of Production
Lana is Breakout Productions’ head of production. She holds a Bachelor of Media and a Diploma in Education, which has given her the opportunity to work across a range of industries, including media, communications, education and television production.
At Breakout Productions Lana has earned the credits of Production Coordinator on Bull Shark Bandits (National Geographic) and Raging Bulls (Discovery), and Production Manager and Post Production Supervisor on three seasons of Aussie Snake Wranglers (National Geographic), Megasharks of Dangerous Reef (Discovery), Sydney Harbour Shark Invasion (Discovery) and SUPER SHARK HIGHWAY (Love Nature). She also worked as the program manager for Breakout’s successful Hands on TV training initiative.
Brad Gustafson
Producer
Brad joined the Breakout team as a Producer in 2023. He is an accomplished television creative having developed, written, produced and directed some of Australia’s most loved programs for leading domestic and international broadcasters and streaming services over the past 20 years.
Brad’s passion for storytelling has seen him span genres including wildlife documentary, factual entertainment, reality, docu-reality and children’s programs. A natural collaborator, Brad draws upon his diverse experience and creative vision in every challenge he takes on.
Michael Farrelly
Editor
With over 20 years experience in the television industry, Mike Farrelly has established a reputation as a versatile and highly skilled editor, working across a wide range of genres. From Kids TV (Teenage Boss, Are You Tougher Than Your Ancestors, Camp Orange) to comedy (Comedy Inc. Series 3-5), lifestyle (Chef’s Christmas, Planet Cake), reality (Seven Year Switch, Back With The Ex), light entertainment (The Biggest Loser, Jamie’s Kitchen Australia), factual (Kalgoorlie Cops, Bondi Rescue) and natural history (Super Shark Highway, Megasharks of Dangerous Reef, Aussie Snake Wranglers). Mike brings a keen eye for detail and storytelling to every project, consistently delivering high-quality content that engages and captivates audiences.
Johnathan Nicol
Shooter / Editor
Johnny Nicol has been working in the TV industry for 8 years, acting as a camera operator and field producer. In that time he has worked on a number of ‘ObDoc’ and reality TV shows for networks such as Amazon Prime, Channel 7, National Geographic, Discovery Channel and Love Nature.
Johnny also is well versed with avid media composer and other NLE software, having acted as a senior editor and or post supervisor on a number of series during his time at Breakout Productions. With a wide range of skills from cinematography and story telling to technical support and show delivery, Johnny has quickly become a key asset to the Breakout team.
Ryan Nash
Edit Assist
Ryan holds an Honours degree in Screen Production and has worked as an editor on global film projects and at Nine News. Ryan joined the Breakout Productions team through our Hands on TV training initiative in 2022. Since then he has developed his skills as an assistant editor for a variety of TV projects and become an integral part of the Breakout Productions team.
Kim Genrich
Production Accountant
Meet Kim, Breakout Productions’ Production Accountant. She has applied her 20 plus years of expertise across all Breakout Productions’ shows since its establishment in 2020. Kim holds a double degree in Commerce and Business Management and has used her skills to help deliver a range of company productions. In her spare time Kim loves to cook, go to the gym and spend time with family and friends.