Mike Cowap.
Screen Australia investment manager Mike Cowap is leaving the agency for production company Princess Pictures, where he will be a senior producer across both scripted and unscripted.
Cowap has worked at Screen Australia and its predecessor agency, the Australian Film Commission, since 2005. Prior to that he worked for the UK Film Council and the South Australian Film Corporation, and with production companies Picture Palace North (UK) and Monkeystack.
Most recently, Cowap oversaw Screen Australia’s investment in digital productions, particularly those that explored new platforms and revenue models.
He was responsible for initiating and managing Screen Australia and Google’s Skip Ahead initiative, which supports online talent to take their careers to the next stage, as well as the Fresh Blood comedy pilot initiative with the ABC.
Princess Pictures, behind shows such as My Year 12 Life and Summer Heights High, worked with YouTube stars Superwog as part of the Skip Ahead initiative to to create a half hour pilot.
“For the past 12 years I’ve had one of the most rewarding jobs in the Australian industry. I’ve been privileged to support talented filmmakers to take risks, embrace new platforms, push their careers forward, build audiences, win awards, and realise their visions. Now it’s time to get back out there and tread that path for myself. Princess are an agile, dynamic production company with a stunning back catalogue, an exciting slate of projects and talent, and in particular have been at the forefront of working with online creators on newer platforms. I’m really looking forward to being a part of their great and growing team,” Cowap said.
Of Cowap’s appointment, Princess Pictures partner and producer Paul Walton told IF: “Princess has grown its business by working with remarkable talent to push boundaries and take risks, which is why, given the trailblazing work Mike has been doing at Screen Australia over the last few years we are excited to welcome him to the company.
“Mike has proven he has a great eye for talent and unique projects, which is why we know he will be an asset to the Princess family.”
Cowap begins with Princess Pictures October 16.