Yianni Sines

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Portrait 2023 by Andrew James

Born	Yianni Nicholas Sines Taurus South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Alma mater	New York University (BFA)
Occupations	Actor · writer · producer · film editor ·
Years active	2005–Present
Current residence	London, United Kingdom

Yianni Nicholas Sines (ˈjʌni ˈsaɪnz) has been working in stage and film production since he was 9 years old. With a career beginning as an actor on both national stages and feature-length films, he has taken on diverse roles, including lead and supporting positions. In recent years, Sines has shifted his focus towards honing his skills in writing and film production.

Presently, Sines is actively engaged in multiple projects, each at varying stages of development. Additionally, he is keen on acquiring expertise in film distribution, aiming to further his career aspirations by pursuing a master's degree in film business.

Sines harbors an unwavering passion for scriptwriting, viewing it as a captivating medium for storytelling and artistic expression. His love for crafting narratives extends beyond the mere act of putting words on paper; it embodies a deep appreciation for the nuanced interplay of characters, dialogue, and plot dynamics. Some examples of his writing can be found below.

As King is a 119 page feature-length script by Yianni Sines. The screenplay is inspired by the tumultuous life of the young and conflicted King Ludwig II.

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Neuschwanstein castle featured in
As King

Logline

As Ludwig II ascends to the Bavarian throne, he grapples with forbidden love, political pressures, and family turmoil, leading to a tragic descent into isolation, obsession with building extravagant castles, and a relentless pursuit of elusive happiness.

Synopsis

Ascending to the throne of Bavaria at 18, Ludwig grapples with societal expectations, political pressures, and a forbidden love that tests his resolve. Ludwig's burgeoning affection for his aide-de-camp, Paul, sets the stage for a forbidden romance that unfolds against the backdrop of political intrigue. As Ludwig rejects traditional marital expectations, his relationship with Paul becomes a source of both solace and turmoil.

Ludwig's life turns dark when Bavaria is thrust into war, forcing him to confront the harsh realities of his decisions. The toll of sending his brother Otto to battle leaves Ludwig haunted by nightmares and drives a wedge between him and Paul. Amidst political turmoil and public scrutiny, Ludwig's mental state deteriorates. The pressure to conform to societal norms intensifies, leading to strained relationships and a descent into isolation. The spectre of war and family tragedy further compounds Ludwig's struggles. In a desperate bid to escape his demons, Ludwig embarks on an ambitious project to construct extravagant castles, including the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle. However, financial constraints, personal losses, and political machinations conspire to unravel his grand vision.

As Ludwig's mental health becomes a subject of scrutiny, a campaign to remove him from power gains momentum. Betrayed by those he trusted, Ludwig finds himself forcibly detained, his once-grand ambitions reduced to a tragic struggle for autonomy. Haunted by the ghosts of his past, Ludwig's final moments unfold in a chilling attempt to break free from captivity. The film culminates in a heartbreaking conclusion as Ludwig succumbs to the depths of despair, leaving behind a legacy marked by unfulfilled dreams and a tumultuous journey into madness.

Themes

This narrative presents a portrayal of Ludwig II's life, focusing on his relationships, political challenges, and descent into mental instability. It delves into historical events and personal struggles. Ludwig's complex relationship with Paul is a central theme, exploring the challenges of love and duty in a conservative and politically charged environment.

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A Boy Like Me is a 10 page science-fiction screenplay by Yianni Sines. Post-production began in August 2023.

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Portrait 2023 by Andrew James

Logline

When Ben begins to question his identity and the nature of his relationship with his father, Tom, he uncovers a shocking secret that forces them both to confront the truth about their past.

Synopsis

As a young adult, Ben begins to unravel the mystery surrounding his identity and the peculiar connection he shares with his father, Tom. As Ben's dreams reveal fragments of memories that feel unfamiliar, he confronts his father, only to discover a shocking truth. Struggling to reconcile his sense of self with his memories, Ben grapples with feelings of confusion and betrayal surrounding his father and the truth.

Themes

The script weaves together themes of identity, family, and the passage of time. It explores the complex relationship between Thomas and Ben, raising questions about the nature of memory, individuality, and the impact of one generation on the next.

Crescent Moon is a 10 page screenplay by Yianni Sines.

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Crescent Moon title card

Logline

In the early hours of the morning, Ida and Guy, a couple with a tumultuous history, embark on a tipsy culinary pursuit to make croissants.

Synopsis

Married couple Ida and Guy return home late inebriated. Ida's desire to bake croissants escalates into a heated argument about their past and present. The couple, on the verge of physical violence, ultimately finds a bizarre resolution as they sit in their garden at dawn, bruised but sharing croissants.

Themes

The story explores themes of love, nostalgia, and the struggle for connection, with a blend of humor and tension. It culminates in a symbolic moment of reconciliation as they share a bite of their baked croissants in the early morning. The script blends drama, romance, and dark humor to capture the intricacies of a long-term relationship.

Death by Fire is a 22 page screenplay by Yianni Sines. It is a modern adaptation of the 1971 film Death in Venice directed by Italian filmmaker Luchino Viscont; adapted from the 1912 novella of the same name by German author Thomas Mann.

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Death by Fire poster

Logline

Taking leave on Fire Island, ageing indie film director August Tailor becomes obsessed with his young neighbor.

Synopsis

August Tailor, a director in his 50s, travels to Fire Island for a break after recently wrapping on his comeback film. August is cautioned about a severe health crisis on the island, but ignores the warning as he becomes infatuated with Lucas, a young man he observes from a distance. As August's health deteriorates and a fever dream of failure haunts him, he ends up alone on the beach, succumbing to an unknown fate.

Themes

Death by Fire grapples with aging, societal beauty standards, and the challenges faced by artists, as well as the consuming nature of desire.

Take Ivy is a feature-length screenplay outline by Yianni Sines. The story is inspired by the 1965 fashion photography book by the same name that documents the attire of Ivy League students from the 1960s.

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Take Ivy cover

Logline

Having had an intense romantic relationship in the early years of college, Wyatt and Luke find that the echoes of their love resonate long after their relationship concludes.

Synopsis

In the present-day Wyatt Baker, an 80-something-year-old filmmaker, reminisces on his college romance with Luke Eaton. Despite their initial connection, their relationship faces challenges, including disapproval from Luke's parents, a breakup, and Luke's subsequent involvement with Olivia. The story weaves between past and present, highlighting Wyatt's achievements, memories with Luke, and the complex dynamics of their love.

Themes

The central theme revolves around the complexities of love and relationships, exploring the challenges, conflicts, and choices that arise in romantic connections.

Production Coordinator

Sines' has previously held the role of a Production Coordinator at Stonestreet Studios in New York City.

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On the set of webseries The Madness of Art

During this dynamic period, his responsibilities ranged from facilitating seamless communication between various departments to meticulously organizing schedules and resources for film and television productions. Serving as a vital link in the production chain, Sines thrived on the challenges of multitasking, problem-solving, and ensuring that every element came together harmoniously to bring creative visions to life.

The experience at Stonestreet Studios equipped him with valuable insights into the intricacies of the entertainment industry, fostering their passion for efficient project management and collaborative storytelling.

Personal Assisting

Following Sines' move to the United Kingdom, he served as a Personal Assistant to an esteemed Italian film director to assist in his transition from Italy to the United Kingdom. Embracing a role that demanded both adaptability and precision, Sines navigated the complexities of assisting a creative mind in a new cultural context. His responsibilities extended from managing the director's schedule and communications to providing crucial support during the filmmaking process.

This experience not only deepened their understanding of the intricacies of the film industry but also exposed them to the intersection of diverse artistic perspectives.

Editing

Having always had an interest in video editing, Sines has previously specialized in freelance editing a diverse array of projects, ranging from corporate videos that encapsulated the essence of businesses to the rhythmic and visually captivating realm of music videos. His skills extended seamlessly to the nuanced storytelling of short films, where every frame bore the imprint of their meticulous craftsmanship.

Armed with a keen eye for detail and a flair for narrative cohesion, Sines navigated the dynamic landscape of freelance editing, transforming raw footage into polished visual narratives that resonated with audiences across various domains.

Producing

Embarking on a new chapter in his creative journey, Sines ventured into the realm of film production, taking the helm to bring their artistic visions to life. With A Boy Like Me in post-production, Sines navigates the intricate landscape of storytelling, assembling a team and orchestrating the various elements that will culminate in a compelling cinematic experience. This step into producing marks a significant evolution, allowing him to shape narratives and capture emotions through the lens of their unique perspective, promising an exciting future in the world of independent filmmaking.

Film

Theatre

New media

Sines was born in South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. He began acting during elementary school, where he took his first steps onto the stage and immersed himself in the drama department. From those early experiences, he cultivated his love for the performing arts, a devotion that remained steadfast until his graduation. Eager to refine his craft and explore the realms of musical theatre, Sines furthered his education at the Australian Dance Performance Institute (ADPI). At ADPI, he earned a diploma in Musical Theatre. During his time at the institute, Sines delved into a comprehensive curriculum that honed his skills in various dance styles, such as jazz, ballet, and tap.

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Yianni (L) with Willie Page (R)
at NYU graduation

Following graduation from ADPI, Sines embarked on a journey that took him from the vibrant cityscape of Melbourne to the sun-soaked paradise of the Bahamas. In the Bahamas, he found himself immersed in the world of entertainment as a contract performer at Viva Wyndham Resorts. The tropical backdrop became the stage for his talents, where performed daily for guests at the resort. This experience not only enriched his artistic repertoire but also provided him with a global perspective, shaping his multifaceted approach to the world of entertainment.

Upon the culmination of his six-month contract with Wyndham Resorts, Sines set his sights on the thriving film industry in Toronto, Canada, determined to carve out a niche in the cinematic landscape. Soon after his arrival in Toronto, however, Sines was acceptanced into the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University. This pivotal moment marked a decisive shift in his trajectory, prompting him to move to New York City to attend one of the foremost institutions in the field.

Sines achieved a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Theatre from Tisch, complemented by a minor in entertainment business from the Leonard N. Stern School of Business. This comprehensive academic journey provided Sines with a holistic perspective on both the artistic and business facets of the entertainment industry. Through the integration of a rigorous and well-rounded curriculum, he not only honed his theatrical skills but also developed a robust understanding of the strategic and operational dimensions of the entertainment business. This dual focus equipped Sines with a solid foundation, positioning him at the intersection of creativity and commerce within the dynamic landscape of the entertainment field.