Tim Soutphommasane and Tracey Vieira.
Screen Queensland CEO Tracey Vieira and former Race Discrimination Commissioner and current Professor of Practice at University of Sydney Tim Soutphommasane have been named as the new co-chairs of the Screen Diversity and Inclusion Network (SDIN).
SDIN was established in 2017 with the aim of fostering a more inclusive screen industry. Its members include each of the broadcasters, the guilds, the state screen agencies, Screen Australia, AFTRS, FreeTV and MediaRING. Its members have committed to a charter, and the organisation aims to support greater inclusiveness via workforce, talent development, training and partnerships.
Departing SDIN chair Courtney Gibson, the CEO of the South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC), said: “Tim and Tracey are both passionate about diversity and representation and bring with them quite different but very complementary experience and skills. SDIN members and our industry will benefit from them working together as Co-Chairs.”
Soutphommasane is Professor of Practice (Sociology and Political Theory) at The University of Sydney, and from 2013 to 2018 was Australia’s Race Discrimination Commissioner. He is the author of five books, including the recent ‘On Hate’.
He said: “I’m excited to be joining the Screen Diversity Inclusion Network. We’re a multicultural society, and it’s important we see who we are on our screens. We should be striving to reach our potential and to unleash the cultural energy that comes with diversity.”
Vieira has led Screen Queensland since 2014. Prior to that, she worked in Los Angeles for 10 years in senior roles for Ausfilm. Under Vieria’s stewardship, Screen Queensland received the inaugural MediaRING award and last year was named an AFR Woman of Influence.
“I am excited to be appointed Co-Chair of SDIN with Dr Tim Soutphommasane as we join together to amplify diversity and inclusion on screen and in the industry. Content that reflects our cultures, perspectives, diverse backgrounds and experiences matters to audiences who seek to feel included through that window into our stories. Like Dr Soutphommasane I am committed to providing leadership across the industry and demonstrating diversity and inclusion as a way to deliver stronger businesses, creativity and culture.”