Sugarland Productions is a film production company creating heartfelt, unforgettable stories that captivate audiences — whether through laughter, drama, or nostalgia. Our goal is simple: produce cinematic experiences that stick with you long after the credits roll.

Sugarland Productions Founders Riley Sugars and Jon Grosland on the set of Rabbits (2019)

Sugarland Productions was originally founded as a collaboration between Australian filmmaker Riley Sugars and American producer Jon Grosland in 2021. The pair first met while working on the acclaimed short Rabbits (2019), and their creative partnership laid the foundation for the company. They remain close friends and supporters of each other’s projects, and Riley would like to acknowledge Jon’s role in helping shape the company’s beginnings. The company’s first release under the Sugarland banner was the AACTA-nominated short Hatchback (2022), marking the start of a new chapter.

​Today, Sugarland Productions is led solely by Riley, who continues to champion bold, character-driven films for screens big and small. 

​RILEY SUGARS

Founder | Director | Writer | Producer

Riley Sugars is a Melbourne based filmmaker who believes great stories start with real people. From heartfelt dramas to sharp, character-driven comedies, his work focuses on capturing human moments with authenticity and cinematic style. Riley’s films have taken him from small-town stories to international screens, with shorts like
Rabbits (2019), Hatchback (AACTA nominated - 2022) and helping produce Ashes (AACTA nominated - 2024) - gaining festival recognition and critical praise. He has worked with some of Australia’s most beloved talents and continues to push boundaries through Sugarland Productions — developing projects that challenge, entertain, and stay with you. New projects include comedy series 'Til You Make It, released in late 2025 and new co production feature film Lenore, which is set to start premiering at festivals in January 2026. For Riley, storytelling isn’t just a career — it’s an obsession with the “why” behind every choice and every character. His goal? To create films that spark conversations long after the credits roll.