The New Zealand Film Commission has appointed Leanne Saunders as head of production and development.
Saunders replaces Lisa Chatfield who recently left the NZFC for a role at Pukeko Pictures.
Saunders has more than 15 years’ experience in film and television production.
Her feature film credits include The Weight of Elephants, Born to Dance, The Devil’s Rock, Christmas and Desert.
With Headstrong co-founder Ant Timpson, Leanne executive produced low budget features The Devil Dared Me To and A Song of Good.
More recently, through Piki Films, Saunders has produced Hunt for the Wilderpeople with company partners Carthew Neal and Taika Waititi.
Leanne is on the executive committee of New Zealand industry organisation, SPADA, and an active member of WIFT NZ.
She has been a speaker on panels for Script to Screen and the Big Screen Symposium and guest lectured at Unitec’s film and television course and the University of Auckland’s screen course.
NZFC chief executive, Dave Gibson, said: “Leanne is one of New Zealand’s most experienced film producers and I am delighted she has accepted this key role at the NZFC."
"Her regular attendance at international festivals and markets, combined with her extensive development and production experience, makes her an ideal addition to the NZFC team.”
Saunders is divesting all commercial interests in Piki Films and any projects in development and will resign from SPADA before commencing her new role in late May.