The New South Wales government’s two-year, $20 million Made in NSW scheme to attract international productions and high-end Australian TV dramas is proving to be a smart investment.
Grainne Brundson has been named acting executive director of Create NSW following the resignation of Michael Brealey, who departs at the end of this month.
Former Create NSW chief Michael Brealey has been named chief operating officer of Screen Australia, succeeding Fiona Cameron.
Sophia Zachariou has resigned as Create NSW’s director, screen investment, engagement and attraction.
Some $1.17 billion was spent on drama production in Australia in the last financial year - the second highest year on record and more than 50 per cent up on the previous year - driven by all-time high expenditure on local content and significantly bolstered levels of foreign spend.
There are calls for funding bodies such as Screen Australia to consider their support of production company Made Up Stories, due to the involvement of Steve Hutensky.
Screen Australia content director Grainne Brunsdon will become the agency's chief operating officer (COO) next month, replacing Michael Brealey.
IF sat down with Screen Australia CEO Deirdre Brennan and chief operating officer/content director Grainne Brunsdon discuss the priorities under their new partnership.