Sam wields the most impeccable taste and a jaw-dropping ability to transform any space into a visual masterpiece.
He can somehow manage to turn half baked ideas into Oscar-worthy sets without breaking a sweat (or, I suspect, a single nail). I highly recommend the beautiful chaos of Sam Lukins.
Kate Menzies · World Class Producer
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Sam has one of the best pregnant pauses in the game.
His ability to communicate that your idea is shit using a single facial expression without saying a word sometimes makes me think he's on the wrong side of the camera.
Justin McMillan
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Given the challenges Sam faces with his height and emotional intelligence, he always arrives on set well-prepared.
Armed with three different ladder sizes and a ready supply of excuses.
Josh Logue · Campaign Brief No. 9 Ranked Comedy Director
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I knew Chris Riggert was trying to ruin my career when he recommended Sam Lukins.
Sam Hibbard
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Sam and his team are that perfect convergence of good people, and huge talent.
I'm proud to have Sam as a friend, and am humbled by his taste, tenacity and generosity. Don't hire him, as I want to work with him.
Jae Morrison
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Sam could make two-minute noodles a four hour gig — with a crew of five, two days of prep — and still have to go buy noodles right before we need to roll.
Christopher Riggert
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Sam got into the art department for the solvent abuse but — judging by his waistline — he stayed for the craft services.
Freddy Mandy
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Before pursuing art direction, Sam worked as a personal buyer for broadcaster Alan Jones.
During this time, Alan taught him invaluable lessons in managing staff, communication, and the importance of personal space — skills that Sam continues to use with his crew today.
Josh Logue · Campaign Brief No. 9 Ranked Comedy Director
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A style master, a professional, a man at the top of his game.
A chance encounter on set of Wolverine way back in 2012 — myself a set decoration dresser, green as a leaf — I'm introduced to Sam Lukins. Experienced beyond his years, he navigated big personalities effortlessly whilst still getting his points heard and administered to the final product.
Time passed, experience grew and years later Sam and I find ourselves doing commercials together, him as art director / production designer, myself the art assist. Over the coming months 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. Takes one to know one, I guess.
Then one night, sitting onset way late into a shoot day 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 doing the builds for these commercials, that I had way more to give. I thought on all his successes, his style, his professional approach. If he thinks I can do it, he must be right.
With the nudge I needed, I said yes. Weeks later I moved 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.
From a 10 ft banana to a 4 story cereal box. Nothing's a problem until it is, so let's go for it. He is a focused laser with a comedian's soul. Rare, admirable. With a "let's all have a win" attitude — sharing the win, that's Sam.
To me, someone who became an inspiration, a mentor, a friend, and ultimately a big brother. I love the man.
Brodie McLennan · Actor, Model Maker, Construction Manager, Little Bro
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Sam wasn't as tall as I expected after I had zoomed with him initially.
But when it came to the shoot, as I was cloaked in my special winter gear and cocooned in my thick thermal socks, Sam was out in the lashing wind and rain putting safety goggles on a taxidermied kangaroo's face — and vibrating its jackhammer with what I believe was fishing wire. So what more is there that need be said.
Jim Hosking · Director
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I used to think Sam was crazy. I mean I still do.
But luckily he's the best production designer in the business and has impeccable taste in furniture.
Scott Dettrick · ECD
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Sam has the rare ability to be across everything, forget nothing, and make it all look effortless.
It's either very good juggling or very good magic. Possibly both.
Karen Watson & Team · Top Techs Crew Management
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Hailing from humble beginnings on the Cenny Coast, Sam continues to rise through the advertising world.
Quickly becoming one of the most sought after art directors in Botany.
Simon Way · Standby Props
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After spending the last few years burning just about every bridge I could to light the way... the phone stopped ringing.
I got bills and thought f**k it. Time for a comeback!!
