Barbara Connell.
Barbara Connell starts at Screenwest today as drama development manager, responsible for the delivery and management of the agency’s drama development programs including the assessment and selection processes of these funding initiatives for all platforms.
In effect she takes over from Ross Grayson Bell who departed as Screenwest scripted executive in June after one year in the post.
Connell joins from Demand Film where she was chief operating officer and director, development, in charge of early acquisition of narrative features and feature documentaries and working with filmmakers to develop and deliver finished products for theatrical distribution in multiple territories.
Screenwest’s head of screen investment and strategic projects Matthew Horrocks said: “Barbara has an uncommon mix of experience. Having a development manager who has also run her own distribution company will be a major asset for Screenwest.”
Connell added: “I’m looking forward to working with filmmakers at all levels of professional practice in the development and realisation of their stories.”
In more than 25 years in the industry her CV includes development manager at Taylor Media, acting development manager with Screenwest, acting director at WA Screen Academy and senior project officer with the WA Government’s Department of Culture and the Arts.
She also worked as a freelance screenwriter, development consultant and script editor for clients and commissions such as Maguire Entertainment, Sundance Institute and Beyond Films.