Nick Simkins’ mission to build a roster of bold, distinctive storytellers for his new production company, COUSIN, is off to a dynamic 2026 start. The company, that launched in October last year, signed Kyra Bartley for Australian representation as its second director a few days ago. It has now added Toby Morris. Ariel Martin is its founding director.

Morris has proven his uncanny ability to tap into the creative and cultural touchstones of the moment. His signing comes after many years as one of the region’s most successful freelancers, with a combined eighty-five million views on his music videos alongside selections at TIFF, St Kilda, Vimeo Staff picks and a debut feature attracting heat despite still being in post-production.

He’s also directed high profile commercial work for the Singapore Navy, The Iconic, Kia and Instagram. The move to a permanent home is an evolution in an already exciting career.

“I’ve had my eye on Toby for a while – I think half the country has,” Simkins commented. “The calibre of work he’s put out as a free agent is insane, so having him land at COUSIN and to be able to collectively build what comes next is such a thrill. He brings a unique perspective and an instinct for storytelling that feels fresh, intelligent, and highly engaging. He’s also really great to work with, articulate and calm under pressure.”

Morris added, “Any relationship that starts with yum cha is sure to be a winner. The moment I sat down with Nick & Ariel for a Tsingtao and some dumps, I could intuit these were my kind of people. And when Ariel pointed out footy players and I looked at him blankly, I knew we had different things to offer. Yin & Yang. Pork buns & prawn toast. I’ve been happily freelance for a long time, and it wasn’t until the mango pancakes came around that I felt being part of something new, forming a culture and ethos with these guys was too exciting an opportunity to pass up. It was also wild that my fortune cookie said, ‘You will sign with this production company’.”

Morris’ addition is another step towards creating a diverse roster of directors at COUSIN with craft, collaboration and culture at its core.

View Morris’ reel here. For enquiries, contact founder & executive producer, Nick Simkins, by email or phone: +61 415 064 495.