Melbourne International Film Festival Board Chair Claire Dobbin announced the engagement of Mark Woods as the consulting Market Manager to head-up the inaugural 37 South: Bridging the Gap.’Mark brings a vast knowledge of both international financing and the local industry to this position’, said Dobbin. ‘We are thrilled to have someone with such integrity and experience leading the team for 37 South’.
Mark Woods is the outgoing Chief Executive of Ausfilm, Australia’s national content attraction organization. Recently confirmed international productions include HBO’s series The Pacific, DreamWorks’ The Ruins and Walden’s Nim’s island.
Previously, Woods served as CEO of Ireland’s national screen agency, the Irish Film Board (IFB), where he was Executive Producer on Neil Jordan’s Golden Globe nominated Breakfast at Pluto and Ken Loach’s Cannes 2006 Palme d’Or winner The Wind That Shakes the Barley.
Woods is well known to Australian’s from his role as Head of Acquisitions & Investment for the Premium Movie Partnership’s Showtime and Encore movie channels, overseeing such Australian film investments as Rabbit Proof Fence, Japanese Story and Somersault.
37 South: Bridging the Gap (26th ? 28th July) will kick off with Books at Miff an event in partnership with the Melbourne Writers Festival to create connections between Australia book publishers and producers.
37 South: Bridging the Gap will consist of industry panels with international sales agents and investors and informal networking opportunities. All sessions will take place at the Forum Theatre and ACMI, within the context of Australia’s largest film event – the Melbourne International Film Festival.
The forums and panels with international sales agents and investors are open and Australian producers are invited to attend. Places for the 37 South are limited, and preference will be given to those with market-ready projects. It is anticipated that these places will fill up quickly, so please register your interest in attending 37 South as soon as possible by emailing kate@melbournefilmfestival.com.au
[release from Limelight PR]