John Edwards and Chris Freeland have joined the independent committee that advises the government on the TV and film industry.
Chris Freeland, who currently chairs the Sydney Film Festival, will become chair of the NSW Film and Television Industry Advisory Committee from 1 January, while award-winning producer, John Edwards, will become a new member.
Freeland said NSW was the natural home of film and television in Australia and that he couldn't be more delighted to take on this important role.
“There is no medium more powerful than film and TV to change the way people view the world, and no better way to share important stories with diverse audiences,” he said.
Edwards said new opportunities abound in NSW, and that he was looking forward to the opportunity of contributing to the advisory committee.
NSW Arts minister, Troy Grant, said Freeland and Edwards would complement a wealth of experience already on the committee and ould continue to support quality film and television while providing arm’s length decision making on funding,” Mr Grant said.
“Its members will work closely with Screen NSW and its new Chief Executive, Courtney Gibson, one of Australia’s most experienced screen industry executives who has held senior roles at the Nine Network, ABC and SBS,” he said.
Grant thanked outgoing chair Helen Wright for her strong leadership during which almost $30 million in Government funding was allocated to NSW screen projects.
“We now have in place a highly talented and experienced new leadership team to support development of screen projects in NSW, promote screen culture across the state and market NSW as Australia’s premier screen production destination,” he said.