The South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC) has appointed Judy Potter as its new chairperson following the departure of long-term incumbent Cheryl Bart.
Potter, a corporate director and consultant, initially joined the SAFC in late-2012, replacing Rising Sun Pictures director and cinematographer Tony Clark, who stepped down after five years.
SA minister assisting the minister for the arts, Chloe Fox, said Potter has an extraordinary understanding of the local arts scene and SA. "She is perfectly positioned to take the South Australian Film Corporation to the next level, establishing the Adelaide Studios as the pre-eminent studios of their kind in Australia and building on the success that the SAFC has enjoyed in recent years.”
Potter paid homage to Bart, who leaves after a decade as chairperson. “The great legacy of films and facilities that Cheryl leaves behind provides strong foundations for the organisation as it confronts the many challenges facing the film industry in the future. The job from here will be making the Adelaide Studios work and leveraging them to build the local industry into a thriving, exciting film production sector, and one that continues to contribute to the vibrancy of both the city of Adelaide, as well as the state.”
Potter is chairperson of the Adelaide Fringe Festival, Adelaide Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium, as well as the inaugural Adelaide Central Market Authority. She is also the director and state president of Musica Viva and the Duke of Edinburgh Awards. She has been engaged by the joint venture HYLC (Hansen & Yuncken – Leighton Contractors) since early 2009 as a consultant on the new Royal Adelaide Hospital, with her previous roles including chief executive of SA Great, director/CE of Carclew Youth Arts Centre, and the South Australian Youth Arts board.
She is also consultant to Arts SA/Minister for Arts on the ‘start up’ and implementation of Windmill Performing Arts Company and a trainer in management, leadership and group work for DEFET.
The SAFC board is now comprised of Chris Ward, Susan Mitchell, Adrian Tisato, Bridget Ikin, Des Monaghan, Vivienne Skinner and Anthony Maras.