I am the co-writer and producer of Say My Name (2023) short film that is based on my recent published book Sleeping Under the Bridge (2022). Quinn’s work on Say My Name spanned several months, starting with her casting in August 2022. The film was shot over three days in October 2022, and by February 2023, Quinn had completed the film’s scores. The project aimed to raise societal awareness of issues like homelessness, domestic violence, and childhood abuse, emphasising resilience and hope.

Quinn’s performance in her debut short film was truly remarkable. Her dedication to method acting and her ability to fully immerse herself in the character’s experience is commendable. It would have to take someone unique and talented to perform the harrowing vulnerable experiences I had lived through, and to help connect the audience to these raw emotions. Throughout the process, Quinn asked me astute questions to help her immerse herself in the role. Quinn played ‘Mel’ exceptionally well, winning Best Actress awards in both US and Italy, and an Honourable Mention from India, is a testament to her talent and hard work.

I was initially impressed with Quinn’s enthusiasm, skills and professional demeanour when I met her on a live radio show in July 2022. A few weeks later, we went away for the weekend to explore the idea of my dream in making this short film. Quinn shared with me on that weekend the music she had composed to chapters in my book. I was blown away by her multi- faceted talent. Not only did she excel in her acting role, but she also composed the music for the film. This is a significant contribution, as the music of a film plays a crucial role in setting the tone and enhancing the storytelling. Her compositions elevated the film’s narrative, especially given I wanted minimal dialogue.

Quinn’s acting and music added a deeper emotional layer to the film, effectively highlighting the harsh realities of teenager homelessness and suicidality. Quinn’s dedication to exploring these serious themes through her creative artistry is commendable. Her work has had a profound impact on the film’s overall presentation and reception in several film festivals around the world.

Say My Name is an award-winning short film (13:23 minutes). Quinn’s performance in the film has been highly praised by film critics (namely Kirk Fernwood, One Film Fan; Best Damn Film Awards; Short Films Matter and Robinson Film Awards). Her portrayal of ‘Mel’ was described as energetically volatile, emotionally raw, and extraordinarily captivating. Her ability to realistically embody the character’s trauma and resilience left reviewers in awe of her talent.

Quinn’s commitment to this community project has been close to her heart as well as someone who has also experienced hardships and personal challenges. She displayed passion for the topics raised in this short film, and with a genuine heart continues to be dedicated to the cause by her own initiative in promoting the film in her own time, particularly those who are vulnerable in our communities.

I recommend her as an actress and composer for films or theatre. She is an individual with unique gifts, passion and skills. I am confident that her skills and abilities would be an asset to any film crew.

Described as an “urban tragedy”, by Californian film critic, Phillip Walker, Say My Name weaves a narrative that was personal to each and every one of us on set in some way. Being a true story of such raw intensity and vulnerability, involving subjects such as suicide, homelessness, and childhood sexual abuse, it was imperative that all concerned approach the portrayal of Mel with utmost sensitivity. To do justice to Mel’s story, Quinn had to dig deep into the depths of her own well of pain, a process that was far from easy.

The fact that she was able to depict the trauma and the triumph of Mel’s harrowing story with such nuance is a testament to both Quinn’s acting prowess and her courage and commitment to our passion project. As her director, I applaud her for having the bravery to “go there”, as critic, Kirk Fernwood puts it, and would commend her to any storyteller with a complex and emotional drama to unfold.

Critical responses of this ilk are all the more remarkable when we remember that Say My Name is Quinn’s first outing as an actress. It is an attestation to the breadth of her talents that Quinn is able to morph from inhabiting a characterisation such as this so intensely, to stepping into the role of composer and lead singer of the title track of the film. A gifted vocal artist, Quinn has studied with the internationally recognised Soprano and Director of ProMusica Arizona Chorale and Orchestra, Patti Graetz, and Mezzo-Soprano, Brownyn Powell, who classified Quinn as a Dramatic Coloratura Soprano with an extensive range. Not confined to operatic singing, Quinn has also achieved a Top 10 Club Track with international record label, Trance All-Stars Records, in 2015. A member of the Australian Guild of Screen Composers, Quinn is an innate talent who began composing as a child. She has since directed multiple choirs, bands, and ensembles, and has won numerous scholarships and awards for her work.

Curiously for a film score, the music for Say My Name came first, born from a serendipitous meeting at the ABC Radio station between the composer and the author. Mel gifted Quinn Sleeping Under the Bridge to read, and so inspired was she by Mel’s story that she spontaneously created songs and soundscapes for each of the chapters of her book. This is where I entered the picture as co-writer and director. Quinn’s haunting and moody score influenced to a mammoth degree the poeticism of the piece, so much so that, in my view, Say My Name became a tragic yet triumphant ode of hope “to all those who have walked in these shoes”, as Mel’s dedication at the end of the film states. Quinn’s musical mastery was integral to the success of Say My Name, and I wholeheartedly endorse her expertise in composing to any filmmaker wanting to inculcate their work with depth, nuance, and gravitas.

There is one element of Quinn that all of the accolades and awards do not do justice to, her character. Upon completion of Say My Name, Quinn has worked steadfastly with the producer and myself to elevate the film into the public eye, proving her keen commitment to the overarching humanitarian import of our project.
Significantly, Quinn is a woman of compassion who works tirelessly with multiple charities and shares a natural rapport with people from all walks of life. She has the gift of bringing people together, as she did with me on this passion project of ours, and for that, I shall be forever grateful. She leads with her heart and follows her intuition and that is a talent that is priceless.

Working with Quinn was the best choice I made, the way she creates the music so it matches the mood, scenery, environment and story is what makes the projects that she works on special in a way.

I always say, music is what ties everything together especially in film and her work does exactly that. Not to mention, her work also fills you with emotion even if it's a short piece.
That's one thing that drew me to her in the first place.

Anyone would be lucky to work with her. She's very gifted.

Quinn is a truly gifted musician whose work is beautifully distinct and of a very high calibre. The score they composed for TOBY (2024) was absolute magic and complemented the picture perfectly. Could not be more grateful for the opportunity to work together.