The ABC has today announced that Deputy Head of Fiction, Greer Simpkin, will step down from her role on February 27.
Simpkin, who has held the role for just under five years, will move into the independent production sector and has been appointed as Head of Television for Bunya Productions, the film production company co-owned by producer David Jowsey and writer/director Ivan Sen (Mystery Road). The new position is supported by a Screen Queensland Enterprise grant and is based out of Queensland.
During her time at the ABC, Simpkin has been responsible for a number of award-winning and critically acclaimed shows, such as The Slap, Rake, Jack Irish, Mabo, Janet King, Upper Middle Bogan, Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, Please Like Me, Carlotta, Paper Giants and Devil’s Dust.
She was also an Executive Producer for The Code, Parer’s War, Hiding, The Secret River and co-production Serangoon Road.
In a statement released to the media, Simpkin said, “It’s been a privilege to work with some of Australia’s finest producers, directors and writers to create some truly distinctive drama and comedy. I’ve loved my time at the ABC and I look forward to continuing to tell Australian stories from within the independent sector.”
“I am very excited to be returning to independent production and a hands on producer role. It is a truly great time to be involved in Australian TV drama with so many excellent programs on our screens.”
Richard Finlayson, ABC Director of Television, said: “Greer will be greatly missed at the ABC. Her creative and strategic skills, business acumen, passion and commitment to great Australian drama and comedy have been invaluable to the work of TV Fiction. We wish her the very best in her new role as an independent Creative Producer and look forward to seeing some wonderful work.”
Bunya Productions, traditionally a film-focussed company, plans to grow a slate of television productions and already has two television series in development.
Producer David Jowsey said “it is a great coup for the Bunya Group to attract a television executive with such deep experience and wide respect within the industry.”