Dream Teams: Emma Duncan’s Chaos is Balanced by Cam Milne’s Calm

Emma Duncan and Cam Milne’s creative partnership is still in its early days, but they say it has already proven productive.

Tracing their connection to a chance encounter at ADFEST several years ago, their mutual respect and admiration would lay the foundation for future work.

“There was no ego between us, just a genuine respect for each other’s skills and who we are as people,” Emma recalls.

When Cam joined Squeak E Clean as a senior sound designer eight months ago, working alongside Emma, the company’s head of post-production, their working relationship naturally took off.

“It wasn’t a single moment but a collection of moments where we realised how well we work together,” Emma shares. They say their partnership, grounded in what they call a ‘no-bullshit policy,’ fosters mutual trust and an environment where creativity thrives.

Emma embraces the chaos of the creative process, while Cam approaches projects with calm, methodical precision.

“Cam makes my job so much easier — he’s the calm to my constant ball of energy,” Emma says.

Cam describes her as an energetic force who brings a drive and focus to their work, even when circumstances call for a different approach. “When my relaxed approach doesn’t fit the scenario, Em’s determination, work ethic, and talent get the job done,” he explains. “Em and I are completely different but, simultaneously, exactly the same.”

Their differences don’t only complement but also enrich each other's work.

Emma emphasises the importance of constructive dialogue in their creative process. “We begin with open brainstorming to spark creativity and ensure everyone feels comfortable sharing ideas,” she explains. The outcome? Fresh thinking for every new client challenge.

For Cam, trust is what allows him to push creative boundaries. “If I want to create a sound palette or concept that’s a little left of field, Em will champion my idea when liaising with our clients,” he says.

During one brainstorm, Cam suggested an unconventional sound palette for a client’s project – an idea Emma embraced, presenting it to the client with enthusiasm. The pair credits their working harmony, and a shared devotion to championing creativity.

Aligning on goals and having mutual respect creates a safe space for innovation, they explain, which helps them to deliver results while taking calculated risks. A shared sense of humour and camaraderie keeps the atmosphere in the studio lively.

“He’s got a great sense of humour, loves a good meme, and always brings the banter,” Emma says.

As they look to the future, Emma and Cam remain focused on building strong client relationships and delivering exceptional work. While tight-lipped about upcoming projects, their excitement about what lies ahead is palpable.

“Life shouldn’t be that serious, should it? Great work happens when you’re enjoying the process, and that’s exactly what we aim to do every day,” Emma says.

“At the end of the day, it’s about doing great work, having fun in the process, and building strong, lasting relationships.”