After nearly 12 years with Screenworks, program and operations manager Lisa O’Meara is set to depart at the end of this month.
While O’Meara’s next move is yet to be announced, it is understood to be a senior role in the industry.
Over her time at Screenworks, O’Meara has helped to steer initiatives for regional practitioners such as the The Athena Project, the Career Pathways Programs, the Deadlock Script Development Lab, and the Evolution Project development labs for Best Medicine and Croak, as well as Screenworks’ annual screen forum.
First joining the organisation in mid-2009, O’Meara has seen Screenworks grow substantially, expanding its focus from supporting filmmakers from Northern Rivers region of NSW to regional practitioners all across Australia.
Initially events and member manager, she started as just one of two part-time staff on the payroll, together with general manager Jill Moonie. As she departs, she and CEO Ken Crouch are both full-time, supported by three other staff members and three contractors.
“I have really enjoyed working with regional creatives and helping them to realise their career ambitions and dreams,” O’Meara said.
“I am inspired by the talent that we have uncovered and proud of the programs that I have designed and delivered.
“I feel very fortunate to have been part of a dedicated team who have helped to deliver an impressive range of events, programs and projects. This year alone the team has delivered 42 events (mostly online as we pivoted to a new way of working during the pandemic) to more than 2,300 people, in addition to six short films. I would like to acknowledge the amazing work that the hard-working committed staff has put into Screenworks as well as the support and guidance of Screenworks board.”
Crouch said: “Lisa has worked closely with me to guide the organisation over the past six and a half years, through periods of uncertainty, re-positioning and scaling up to help build the organisation that it is today. Whilst I am excited about the opportunities that Lisa is now pursuing, I know that I will greatly miss her after she leaves Screenworks.”