[press release from Screen Australia]
Screen Australia today announced the appointment of Martha Coleman as Head of Development and Ross Matthews as Senior Investment Manager – Features, Television, Animation.
Martha Coleman returns to Australia following stints in the United Kingdom as the Head of Development at Icon Entertainment International, the Head of Creative Affairs at Material Entertainment and as a consultant producer.
As Head of Development at Icon, Martha was responsible for the company’s UK development slate as well as being involved in their production investment decisions. At Material Entertainment, she development projects with some of the UK’s top creative talent as well as nurturing new talent.
Before working in the UK, Martha was an independent feature film and commercials producer based in Sydney. Martha produced the acclaimed Australian feature film Praise and was executive producer on the UK box office hit, Run Fat Boy, Run. Martha will take up her appointment early in 2009.
Ross Matthews brings eight years experience as the Senior Investment Manager and Investment Manager for the Film Finance Corporation (FFC) to the role of Senior Investment Manager – Features, Television, Animation.
At the FFC he was responsible for financing a diverse slate of Australian feature films, adult drama, children’s television and documentary. He worked closely with producers on their funding applications and in negotiating investment structures and production planning.
For the three decade prior to this, Ross was an award-winning producer of television drama and feature films. Most recently Ross has been the Senior Investment Manager at Screen Australia. He has been acting Head of Production Support and Investment since early December 2008.
“We are very excited that Ross will continue his work at Screen Australia and are thrilled to be welcoming Martha to the organisation,” said Ruth Harley, Screen Australia Chief Executive Officer.
“Ross and Martha both have proven track records – as producers and as people who are able to work with creative teams to bring projects that resonate with audiences to the screen. Their combined extensive experience in developing and producing screen projects will be invaluable in expanding the potential of the Australian screen industry.”