Yianni Sines

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Yianni Sines

Portrait 2025 by B. Clarence

Born	Yianni Nicholas Sines Taurus South Brisbane, Australia
Alma mater	New York University (BFA)
Occupations	Actor · writer · producer · film editor ·
Years active	2005–Present
Profile	Showcast
Agent	Mark Eaton
Current residence	Brisbane, Australia

Yianni Nicholas Sines (ˈjʌni ˈsaɪnz) is a creative producer, writer, actor, and editor whose work spans film, theatre, and digital media. Graduating from Tisch School of the Arts at New York University with honors, Sines has contributed to independent film and theatre projects in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. His portfolio includes screenwriting, production coordination, post-production editing, and performance. His work often engages with under-represented narratives, speculative concepts, and character-driven storytelling, alongside a parallel interest in the practical and administrative frameworks that support creative industries.

Sines has developed and produced original screen and stage works, collaborated with arts organisations and studios internationally, and participated in festival circuits as an actor, editor, and filmmaker. In addition to his creative practise, he has experience in distribution-adjacent roles, podcast production, and arts administration, contributing to a wide range of prokects across development, production, and post-production.

Writing

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.

Screenplays

As King

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.

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.

Take Ivy

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.

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.

Shorts

A Boy Like Me

Visit the instagram page here!

A Boy Like Me is a 10 minute science-fiction written by Yianni Sines and directed by Deana Taheri. Post-production concluded in 2025.

Poster for A Boy Like Me

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

Crescent Moon is a 10 page screenplay by Yianni Sines.

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

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 Visconti; adapted from the 1912 novella of the same name by German author Thomas Mann.

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.

Plays

The Body of Christ

The Body of Christ is a new stage play currently in development and exists in a draft of approximately 110 pages.

Logline

The play centres on Gabriel, who lives with his boyfriend Jesus, the second coming of God the Son. When a grieving neighbour joins them for dinner, long-standing tensions and unresolved wounds surface, forcing Gabriel to confront the nature of his relationship with the divine.

Synopsis

The Body of Christ follows Gabriel and Jesus, a couple living in a small New York apartment, whose relationship is shaped by affection, imbalance, and the quiet strain of living with someone capable of miracles. Gabriel carries a complicated history with Jesus's gift and remains wary of the expectations that come with it.

When their neighbor Naomi visits for dinner, still processing the recent death of her husband, her presence unsettles the delicate dynamic between the two men. As the evening unfolds, conversations about faith, healing and desire reveal the emotional pressures that sit beneath their domestic life. Tensions deepen as Gabriel begins to question the cost of being with someone who believes he can fix every wound. The play builds toward a confrontation that challenges the boundaries of devotion, agency and self-preservation.

Themes

The play examines the idealisation of male beauty and the effects of aspiring to an impossible standard. It explores the personal and ethical implications of miraculous intervention, and how faith can become transactional in everyday life. It also investigates issues of bodily autonomy and consent, particularly within intimate relationships where power is unevenly distributed. Grief and longing play central coles, as characters negotiate what it means to hold on, to let go, and to seek comfort in the wake of loss.

Television

In the Bush Between

In the Bush Between is an animated fantasy series. The project is currently in development, with a completed series bible that outlines the world, characters, and first-season arc.

Logline

The series follows Merrin and Tux, two young wanderers from opposite sides of Boundless Plains, who find themselves lost in a hidden realm known as the Bush Between, where forgotten spirits, elemental forces, and ancient stories shape the world around them.

Synopsis

Set across Boundless Plains, a mythic reimagining of Queensland's bushland, wetlands, and outback, In the Bush Between blends folklore, ecological allegory, and emotional adventure. The story centres on Merrin, a cautious ringtail possum from the flood-prone Eastern Waterways, and Tux, an instinctive brushtail possum from the fire-scarred Western Country. Each boy crosses into the Bush Between through a natural threshold shaped by memory and honesty.

The Bush Between itself is a shifting, symbolic landscape alive with old stories, wounded guardians, and beings shaped by fire, flood, and time. As Merrin and Tux search for a path home, they meet creatures such as Borrick, the last thylacine collecting the land's fading sounds, Titch, an albino wallaby caught between duty and love, and the Emblem, a council whose fear of an ancient prophecy governs the realm.

Throughout the journey, the boys learn to navigate a world where the land listens, where stories hold power, and where misunderstanding between communities can be as dangerous as any natural force. Their time in the Bush Between challenges them to rethink what they fear, what they trust, and what it means to listen to a place that is alive.

Themes

The series explores how land, memory, and identity are shaped by the stories communities tell about themselves. It examines how fear, tradition, and misunderstanding can fracture relationships between people and places. The narrative presents nature not as an enemy, but as a living presence that demands attention, patience, and respect. It also considers the emotional landscape of early adolescence, particularly the tension between responsibility and intuition, and the search for belonging in periods of change. More broadly, the work reflects on ecological balance, interconnection, and the quiet ways in which the environment carries history.

Production

Production Coordinator

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

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 his 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.

Acting

Film

Theatre

New media

Education

Sines was born in South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. He began acting in primary school, participating in school productions and developing an early interest in the performing arts. He later trained at the Australian Dance Performance Institute (ADPI), where he completed a diploma in musical theatre. His studies included training in jazz, ballet, tap, and related performance disciplines.

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

After graduating from ADPI, Sines worked as a contract performer for Viva Wyndham Resorts in the Bahamas, appearing in daily entertainment programming for resort audiences. He subsequently relocated to Toronto, Canada, before being accepted into the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University. At NYU he studied method acting at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute located in Union Square on East 15th Street, also known as Lee Strasberg Way, in New York City.

Following the easing of the COVID-19 pandemic, Sines relocated to London, where he worked across production, post-production, and arts administration. He served as a personal assistant to an Italian film director, coordinating scheduling, travel, and professional correspondence. Sines later joined Riverside Studios, producing the behind-the-scenes podcast Inside Riverside, where he conducted interviews, managed recording logistics, and oversaw editing and sound design.

During this period, he also continued screen work, writing, producing, and acting in the short film A Boy Like Me, alongside freelance post-production and administrative roles within the UK arts sector. He returned to Brisbane in 2025 to complete his interview for permanent residency in the United States.

Awards and recognition

Sines’s work as a writer and filmmaker has received several distinctions across international competitions and festivals. He was a finalist at the Los Angeles International Screenplay Awards and advanced to the second round of the Launch Pad Feature Competition. His screenwriting also placed in the quarterfinals of the Final Draft Big Break Competition.

As an editor, he received a nomination for Editor of the Month from The Monthly Film Festival. In 2024, Sines served on the jury for the Bitesize Film Festival, contributing to the adjudication of short films from emerging and established filmmakers.

Volunteer and community work

Sines has been active in LGBTQIA+ community support initiatives, volunteering with Switchboard LGBT+, where he provided peer support through the organisation’s online and text-based services. His participation included handling live conversations, offering resources, and supporting individuals in crisis or seeking connection. He has also been involved in queer arts communities across Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, contributing to local creative networks and independent film circles.