Sue Clothier.
Canada’s Blue Ant Media has made changes to the senior management of Northern Pictures after buying the Racat group of production companies and ZooMoo Networks from David Haslingden last year.
Peter Anderson is the new MD of the factual production house as founder Sue Clothier moves to the new role of head of content and production with the remit to expand output.
Anderson also serves as senior VP, commercial finance, for Blue Ant Media’s global production unit which comprises NHNZ, Singapore-based Beach House Pictures, Northern Pictures, Antenna Pictures (London), Blue Ant Canada (Toronto) and Omnia Media (Los Angeles).
At Northern Pictures Catherine Nebauer continues to head the kids business while Karina Holden remains as head of factual.
Clothier, Nebauer and Holden report to Anderson, who was director of finance and operations at Endemol Australia from 2011-2015 and before that spent five years as CFO of Southern Star.
For the past two years Anderson consulted to number of businesses, primarily the Endemol Shine Group in Amsterdam, where he worked on projects including the development and implementation of the five-year strategic plan.
Clothier founded Northern Pictures in 2010 and notched up impressive credits including Life on the Reef (ABC, PBS, Arte), Kakadu (ABC), Outback (PBS, Nine) and Changing Minds (ABC). Most recently the unit produced the theatrical feature documentaries Blue directed by Holden and James Bogle’s Whiteley.
“When I started Northern Pictures, the idea was to create high quality content that has the capacity to make a positive difference in people’s lives,” she says.
“Over that time, we’ve produced over 260 hours of content with some 70 hours currently in production for Australia and the rest of world. Making great content takes a great team and I’ve had the privilege of working alongside so many talented colleagues. I’m pleased that quality content that matters continues to be at the heart of Northern Pictures vision.
“Corporately, it’s smart to shake up the structure to be both more efficient and, in our business, more creative. I’m looking forward to having the time now to focus on my slate, building on our success to date.”
Sam Sniderman, executive VP, production at Blue Ant Media, added: “Although Sue has a great commercial acumen, she is most passionate about developing and producing her own slate of content. As such it makes sense to bring in additional resources to allow that to happen and we are delighted to be able to do so, both for Sue and for the company.”
Of Anderson he said, “We are excited to bring Peter’s talent and experience into the company and strongly believe that he will ensure Northern Pictures continues to grow and expand its output of high quality content in Australia and internationally.”