Press Release from Film Victoria Board, Australia
Film Victoria President, John Howie, has announced the appointment of five new members to the Film Victoria Board.
Debra Allanson (digital media and cross-platform production), Ann Darrouzet (children’s television production), Dan Fill (television and digital platform production) Michael Lynch (arts administration) and David Parker (writing, production and cinematography) will all make a valuable contribution to Film Victoria as it continues to support and lead the Victorian screen industry.
Mr Howie welcomed the diverse skills and experience of each new member. “Each will bring their own unique expertise, perspectives and insight to the Board’s role in supporting and encouraging film, television and digital media projects.”
“Together with the Board I look forward to an exciting and challenging phase for the industry over the coming months and years, and contributing to Film Victoria’s vision for this state to have a world-leading screen economy and culture.”
Debra Allanson has more than 20 years’ screen industry experience, and specialises in financing new media projects and ventures. She is Victorian President of the Australian Interactive Multimedia Industry Association (AIMIA). As managing director of Ish Media, she has helped the company build a reputation for creating distinctive and innovative cross platform shows and marketing strategies that address the changing needs of broadcasting, online, marketing and content production partners.
Ann Darrouzet is an award-winning independent producer with projects such as children’s dramas HORACE & TINA, RAW FM and BLABBERMOUTH & STICKYBEAK, and feature film TRUE LOVE AND CHAOS, many of which have been recognised with industry awards. She is a former project manager at the Film Finance Corporation Australia (now Screen Australia).
Dan Fill is an independent producer of television and other emerging digital platform projects, and has been a partner in production company The Chocolate Liberation Front since May 2009. Mr Fill was head of multi-platform production at ABC TV from 2007 to 2009, and head of development for the ABC’s New Media and Digital Services Division.
Michael Lynch has been involved in arts administration for more than 20 years and was general manager of the Sydney Theatre Company and the Australia Council. Mr Lynch was director of the Sydney Opera House from 1998 until he moved to London, in 2002, to run the South Bank Centre which incorporates the Royal Festival Hall, the Hayward Gallery and the London Eye. In 2001 he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for services to arts administration and appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2008.
David Parker is a highly regarded cinematographer, producer and writer, whose recent productions include feature film MATCHING JACK and the television feature HAWKE. He wrote, shot and produced the acclaimed MALCOLM and THE BIG STEAL among others, and he shot the low budget feature MR B SAYS NO, which won a Golden Camera Award at the Chicago Film Festival. He started his career as a still photographer for feature films including A TOWN LIKE ALICE, THE MAN FROM SNOWY RIVER, PHAR LAP, and BURKE AND WILLS.
The new Board members will join President John Howie (Lawyer), Ana Kokkinos (independent filmmaker), Michael McMahon (film and television producer), Kim McGrath (public policy), Jo Dawson (Finance) and Jan Sardi (Screenwriter) at the September Board meeting.
Mr Howie also thanked retiring members Bryce Menzies, Siu Ling Hui, Rob Murray, Leonie Morgan and Kathy Blashki, for their contribution to the Board and the Victorian screen industry after four years each of fantastic service. “They have all made a significant contribution to the board in their field of expertise, combined with their dedication, enthusiasm, and invaluable support,” Mr Howie said.