The turmoil continues at Screen Queensland as its most senior executive, Jennie Hughes, departed abruptly last Friday.
Hughes had been acting CEO following the resignation of Bryan Lowe after an investigation into allegations of workplace bullying, which he denies.
“It was the board’s decision,” Hughes tells IF. She was hired as the agency’s chief operating officer and director of the Brisbane International Film Festival a year ago.
The decision by the board chaired by Professor Peter Little has puzzled some producers, occurring several weeks after New Line Pictures and Village Roadshow Pictures announced they plan to shoot San Andreas on the Gold Coast, using the State’s production incentive scheme and payroll tax rebate.
A 3D thriller which follows the aftermath of a massive earthquake which devastates parts of California, starring Dwayne Johnson, that production will be based at the Village Roadshow Studios and is expected to inject about $40 million into the local economy.
Hughes lobbied New Line executives in LA to shoot the $100 million film in Queensland.
Producers also point to last October’s edition of BIFF, which posted the highest box-office in five years, as more proof that Hughes was highly effective.
“I hope Screen Queensland gets a really great CEO and the industry continues to support Screen Queensland,” says Hughes.
Producers believe a new CEO for the agency could be announced later this week.