Like most art department, Sam was initially unaware of what I knew was a strong skill set within myself, but over the coming months and various jobs together, he saw I was more than a truck driver who could lift heavy things and hang a painting straight. He saw not only my abilities as a qualified carpenter, but my sense of style and what works. Takes one to know one I guess. Then one night, sitting onset way late into a shoot day on location in Clovelly, the first real nudge of encouragement came — the one I needed yet couldn't quite back myself to do. Sam pushed the idea that I should be the one doing the builds for these commercials, that I had way more to give than my current role. Due to my own confidence issues I was unsure, but the words and the manner of Sam, the way he backed himself and me — I thought on all his other successes, the beautiful unobtainable furniture pieces he had sourced and collected for his personal business, his style, his professional approach and ability to co-create with often immovable other film personalities. If he thinks I can do it, he must be right.

So with the nudge I needed, the encouragement I felt, and the confidence that Sam instilled in me about myself, I said yes. Weeks later moving my tools into Sam's studio in Botany — tiny but we made it work. A partnership was born, a friendship grew and ultimately a big brother came into my life.

My life changed for the better. Together we grew. Taking on a bigger premises, bigger collaborations and bigger goals — we did it all and continue to do so.

We still get it done. Sam at the wheel, me building the back half of the ship whilst Sam steers the front in the right direction. Together I felt we were unstoppable, everything achievable. From a 10 ft banana to a 4 story cereal box — nothing's a problem until it is, so let's go for it. Working it out on the fly if he needs to, but getting it all lined up seamlessly before the day — two of Sam's strengths — all whilst being a total idiot with me and our crew when the moments allow it. He is a focused laser with a comedian's soul. Rare, admirable.

With a "let's all have a win" attitude, he's not a glory pig, doesn't need all the praise, kind with praise, letting the directors and producers know who's to credit for an idea or result. Sharing the win, that's Sam.

A style master, a professional, a man at the top of his game. But to me, someone who became an inspiration, a mentor, a friend, and ultimately a big brother.

It's rare someone sees your potential, lets you off the leash and says "you got this" — doesn't micro manage you, has confidence in what you'll deliver because his brief is concise, deep and perfected.

If it needs doing, but you have no idea how to do it, that's where we as a team shine. The answer is always YES to your concepts, you can walk away with confidence. The two of us putting our heads together and figuring out how to do something never done — for us, that's the juice. And two together will continue to squeeze.

I love the man. We drive each other mad, we get excited about a small well considered detail. We argue, we laugh and ultimately, we get it done, together. He knows this industry better than anyone I've known. The juggle, the spinning many plates — the results speak for themselves.