About us
AIE STUDIOS is a purpose-built studio complex nestled in the new Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE) campus redevelopment in Watson, Canberra, ACT.
The campus vision is to provide an integrated living, learning, and working environment that will transform AIE’s Watson campus into Australia’s principal destination for games and film education, research, and production. This aligns with AIE’s not-for-profit mission to be a catalyst for producing industry-ready graduates through industry partnerships and the provision of world class 3D Animation, visual effects, film and game development education.
Our nation’s capital will be home to world-class facilities including sound stages with Australia’s only revolving stage, a vast LED Volume screen array, workshops and other facilities to ensure quality productions. The development will contribute towards greater economic, social and cultural activation of the area and surrounding innovation and education precinct.
AIE’s Watson Campus redevelopment will be delivered over three phases over the next 14 years. Phase 1 development includes a 1300 sqm sound stage designed for virtual productions plus 800 sqm workshop/facilities building and will be fully operational by end of 2027* and a main building which will replace the existing production facilities by end of 2028*. The new facilities will feature a foley room, ADR Room, final grading rooms, edit suites, depending on ACT Government Approvals. Phase 2 will include further sound stages, production, educational facilities and student accommodation due to comment construction in 2029 and Phase 3 will deliver two additional educational and production facilities buildings as well as student accommodation due to commence construction in 2035
AIE STUDIOS is more than just facilities. It is a multi-faceted studio system focused on education, investment, innovation and production. It also plays an important role in building and supporting local community.
Supporting Local Community
In partnership with the ACT government, the land was purchased in 2*** by AIE and the adjacent parkland has been redeveloped to benefit the local community reinvigorating an underused community space. Parklands, play equipment, tennis courts, picnic amenities as well as toilets have provided a vital hub for community activity.
Once Phase 1 of the development is complete, there will be further interaction between the campus and the community space including access to cafes and other facilities and events run by AIE for the community.
Core Team
John De Margheriti
Chief Executive Officer
A visionary producer and entrepreneur, John has delivered internationally acclaimed films including SISSY and NAWI, and helped shape global interactive entertainment through pioneering work in video games — co-founding Micro Forté and producing titles such as Fallout Tactics: BROTHERHOOD OF STEEL, DEMON STALKERS and more, before inventing the massively multiplayer middleware BigWorld and guiding its success in China’s online game market. His creative leadership and industry excellence now drive the expansion of AIE Studios as a world-class film production hub with a particular focus on virtual productions.
David De Margheriti
Chief Operating Officer
A strategic producer and business architect, David blends commercial insight with creative execution — guiding film financing, organisational growth, and studio operations that empower storytellers and industry talent alike. As COO of AIE, he has been instrumental in scaling the organisation nationally, strengthening industry partnerships, and integrating education with professional production pipelines, while his leadership at Game Plus helped build innovative pathways between creative technology, investment, and commercial entertainment ventures.
Monica Penders
Head of Studio
A highly respected film executive and producer, Monica leads AIE Studios’ operations while strategically sourcing premium projects and forging partnerships that bring high-calibre productions, global collaborators, and new opportunities onto the studio stages. Monica is responsible for the overall operation of AIE Studios, including stage allocation, virtual production pipelines, and delivery of world-class facilities for professional film, television, and commercial productions. Prior to joining AIE, Monica spent nearly 15 years as CEO of Screen Canberra, where she helped build major screen investment initiatives, attracted national and international productions to the ACT, and expanded local industry capability — establishing her as one of Australia’s most influential champions of screen production and infrastructure.
Dan Sanguineti
Head of Industry Programs
Dan, an award-winning filmmaker, producer and content creator, leads Industry Programs at AIE Studios, connecting graduates to real-world production opportunities across development, on-set work, virtual production and post-production. In this role, Dan creates clear pathways from the classroom into professional screen careers, ensuring emerging talent gains hands-on experience and industry exposure. With over 20 years of filmmaking experience, Dan has produced multiple feature films and screen projects, and brings deep practical knowledge across writing, directing, producing and cinematography has previously taught film and media at AIE Film School, University of Canberra and the Canberra Institute of Technology. Dan’s commitment to inclusive, accessible filmmaking and his strong industry networks enable him to champion opportunities for AIE Studios’ graduates, bridging education and professional practice in screen production.
Michael Pasqualone
Chief Technology Officer
Michael leads technology strategy and delivery for AIE Studios, overseeing the design, deployment and operation of mission-critical production, network and virtual production infrastructure across the studio precinct. He has specialist knowledge in LED volume technology, real-time rendering pipelines, high-performance storage, networking architecture and custom software systems, enabling AIE Studios to operate at the cutting edge of virtual production. Since joining AIE in 2014, Michael has played a pivotal role in shaping the architecture of AIE’s expanding studio ecosystem. He also leads and develops AIE’s specialist IT team, embedding best-practice policies, processes and training to ensure the studio remains at the forefront of contemporary screen and immersive production environments.
Chris Young
Chief Financial Officer
With more than 30 years of commercial and finance expertise, Chris serves as the Chief Financial Officer at AIE Studios. In this role, Chris provides strategic financial leadership and oversight, ensuring the organisation maintains a robust financial foundation that enables continued investment in the student experience and long-term growth. Originally from England, Chris is a qualified Chartered Accountant in both the UK and Australia. His extensive career includes senior financial and commercial roles in the telecommunications sector, bringing a well-rounded blend of industry, corporate and advisory experience to his current leadership position. Chris is known for his strong financial modelling expertise, which complements his core accounting and finance skills, and supports sound decision-making across the organisation.
Casey Gregory
Manager, Planning and Implementation
Casey is an accomplished operations and project delivery leader with over 20 years of experience. In her role within AIE Studios’ executive leadership team, she drives strategic planning, organisational coordination and the successful execution of key business goals, plans and projects that support the organisation’s growth and impact. Casey is taking the lead on the AIE Watson campus redevelopment. She brings a strong blend of strategic insight, stakeholder engagement and operational excellence to her work.
Responsible Design
The AIE Studios are committed to a greener future with electric only buildings, enhancing existing tree canopy cover, reducing waste production, introducing solar production, including water wise plantings, solar passive design, water recycling and retention, EV charging stations and a landscaped boulevard that incorporates Ngunnawal cultural values, sensory engagement and native plant use will take center stage.
Well Connected
The Studios will be easily accessible via private and public transport and integrates with district transport networks including the light rail corridor and the Garden City Cycle path. End of trip facilities are being built into the design as well as EV charging stations. Only 2.5 hours from Sydney airport and 20minutes from Canberra airport, AIE Studios are in an ideal location to attract local and interstate projects.
First Nations Collaboration
An Indigenous advisory committee was engaged to consult on the landscaping plan, ensuring the design reflects cultural values and respect for Country. The committee emphasised that the plan should integrate Ngunnawal culture, Country, and community, with a strong focus on storytelling to foster a connection to place and people. These cultural elements are integral to the identity and heritage of the Ngunnawal people, and their inclusion in the project fosters a deeper connection to the land and its history
The committee’s recommendation to incorporate five sensory plantings is complemented by future design considerations, such as story signage and the inclusion of Ngunnawal language in the Student Boulevard. These elements provide opportunities for students, faculty, and guests to interact with the plantings and the Ngunnawal storytelling associated with them.
Further work is being undertaken to develop programming and policy for AIE in the First Nations space.
