Catriona McKenzie (Photo: James Croucher).
NSW Minister for the Arts Troy Grant has appointed Indigenous writer-director Catriona McKenzie to the NSW Film and Television Industry Advisory Committee for a three-year term.
The committee acts as an independent body. Its role is to advise the Minister on the operation of the film and television industry and provide advice to the department through Screen NSW.
McKenzie will replace Sue Murray, who has served on the committee since July 2014 and was formerly a member of the board of the NSW Film and Television Office (2011 – 2014).
McKenzie’s credits include the feature Satellite Boy, which she both wrote and directed. She has also directed episodes of Dance Academy, My Place and Satisfaction, and was the set-up director on The Circuit, RAN: Remote Area Nurse, CAMP, Redfern Now and The Gods of Wheat Street.
McKenzie completed a director’s attachment on Alien: Covenant with Ridley Scott earlier this year and is currently directing ABC series The Warriors.
McKenzie is also a former commissioning editor of drama at ABC TV.
“The appointment of Catriona McKenzie brings another perspective to the committee, and with her significant track record as a director across features and TV drama, both in Australia and the US, Catriona will bring great wisdom, experience and creative nous to the agency,” Screen NSW CEO Courtney Gibson said.
McKenzie said she was excited to join the committee at a time when inclusivity is a priority.
"Over the past year, the agency has made an extraordinary impact on the gender statistics of film and TV being made in NSW. This is an outstanding opportunity to contribute to the visual story telling culture of NSW and inspire a new generation of story tellers towards transforming our culture."
Chair of the committee Chris Freeland thanked Murray for her years of service to the organisation.
“Sue has generously contributed her advice and counsel to ensure the continued growth of the NSW sector and the strengthening of Screen NSW. We look forward to working with Catriona in 2017.”