Our Story
Hyphen started out nearly twenty years ago as Bounce Books, making exquisite, high-end books for companies and other organisations wanting to celebrate an anniversary and tell their story. Since then, we’ve expanded our offering and today, we research, write and produce books, films and installations that capture the history, stories and essence of your business, school or community group.
Just like any other business, Hyphen has a story. And, like that of so many of the businesses we have gotten to know over the years, it began with a leap of faith.
In 2004, Val was a primary school teacher winning over reluctant readers to the joys of a good book, while Neil had followed his passion for European football into a sports marketing role. When a fork in the road presented them with the chance to combine their passion for words and stories, they formed Bounce Books. In just a few years they had a thriving publishing business, an amazing creative team to work with, and a parade of clients with remarkable stories to tell. They plunged into those stories headfirst, turning them into beautiful books that would hold those stories forever. In 2018, they rebranded the business, bringing in fresh expertise to include films and installations.
And just like that, Hyphen. Stories, well told was born.
18
Years of Experience
74
Books Published
21
Films Produced
147
Satisfied Clients
Our Team
Our team has a passion for storytelling and our expertise covers research, writing, design, filmmaking, photography and project management. Let us tell your story in a way that resonates with your audience.
Val Montagnana-Wallace
Director and general manager
Val Montagnana-Wallace
Director and general manager
Starting out as a primary school teacher Val repurposed her love of language into a career in publishing. Today, she is the co-founder, director and general manager of storytelling company The Hyphen, helping organisations record their history through books, films and installations.
Neil Montagnana-Wallace
Director and writer
Neil Montagnana-Wallace
Director and writer
More than fifteen years ago, Neil bid goodbye to his corporate career in sports marketing to launch, first Bounce Books and then Hyphen. Since then, he has authored almost forty books, written and produced a full-length documentary, along with eight short films.
Claudia Piggott
Project manager.
Claudia Piggott
Project manager.
With a wide-ranging professional background in management, graphic design and digital marketing, Claudia’s project management skills keep all of Hyphen’s balls in the air, across book and film production.
Rairu Rebolledo
Lead designer
Rairu Rebolledo
Lead designer
As a multidisciplinary designer, Rai’s professional background is in advertising, concept creation and design for corporate and internal communications. Since working for Bounce Books and Hyphen, she has designed and crafted books clients like Qantas, Akubra, Bakers Delight, James Cook University and Arden College.
Mark Harrison
Videographer and Editor
Mark Harrison
Videographer and Editor
Mark has over seventeen years of experience as director, film producer and editor at NBS Productions, His portfolio comprehends corporative videos and company documentaries as well as institutional films, Mark has had the privilege and opportunity to interview prime ministers, fly around the world working for Optus, and dangle out the side of a helicopter while filming Melbourne from above, He has been Hyphens trusted allied in the film productions.
Lola Montagnana Wallace
Chief of companionship
Lola Montagnana Wallace
Chief of companionship
Lola brings second-generation energy to the business, with over 12 years of experience in chips quality control and providing moral support. She’s the perfect dog to pet or cuddle when you visit the Hyphen office!
More of Our Team
Simon O’Carringan
Illustrator
Nicholas Brash
Writer
Anais Lobmeyer
Designer
Ailsa Wild
Writer
Taras Mohamed
Photographer
Mark Harrison
Videographer
Our Impact
We care about the planet we live on and we’re trying to make it better, one project at a time. Our book projects are printed locally whenever possible, and we prioritise working with printers that offset their carbon footprint. All our books are printed on FSC paper with soy-based inks.