Archived News 2011
Telecommunications CEO, renowned actor and producer join Film New Zealand Board
13th December 2011
Three outstanding talents in business, acting and filmmaking are about to join the board of Film New Zealand, the screen industry-founded organisation which markets New Zealand as an international centre for screen production. Board Chairman Julian Grimmond says he is delighted to announce the appointments of TelstraClear CEO Dr Allan Freeth, New Zealand actor Miranda Harcourt and award-winning producer Catherine Madigan. Mr Grimmond says the appointments continue the longstanding tradition of Film New Zealand attracting senior and respected industry figures to its board.
“Miranda, Allan and Catherine are at the top of their fields in the creative and business sectors and are stellar appointments to our board. The two film appointments, Miranda Harcourt and Catherine Madigan, have in-depth experience with international film production, and Allan Freeth brings enormous commercial and global expertise, previously leading Wrightson and now as the head of an innovative telecommunications company. Attracting board directors with this diversity, calibre of skills and experience is crucial to the rapidly expanding New Zealand screen industry, and testimony to the standing the screen industry has in the economy,” says Julian Grimmond.
“No screen industry can thrive without its actors, and Miranda Harcourt is outstanding and entrepreneurial, known not only for her acting skills but also for fostering the next generation of talent.
“Catherine Madigan is a highly respected international line producer, with an impressive list of productions to her name. She brings an invaluable understanding of what international filmmakers look for when considering New Zealand as the best place to make their next production.
“Dr Freeth’s appointment reflects the convergence of screens and digital products available to the creative content markets. Dr Freeth’s considerable understanding of consumer delivery platforms, commercialisation of communication, and the digital frontier, makes his experience invaluable to the economic development of the New Zealand Screen Industry. It is a coming of age for the screen industry to have leaders with public company experience, recognising the economic advantages the New Zealand screen industry has to offer,” he says.
Latest Statistics New Zealand figures show in 2010 the screen sector was worth more than $2.8 billion to the New Zealand economy.
CEO Gisella Carr says the new appointments cap off a substantial year for Film New Zealand.
“For the first time in our fifteen year history, Film New Zealand has on-the-ground representation in Los Angeles, with our recently announced partnership with Park Road Post Production; international enquiries are on the up, and we’ve just announced a new film Emperor shooting here in the new year directed by Peter Webber (Girl with a Pearl Earring).
“The post production, digital and visual effects sectors continue to show impressive growth and we’ve recently teamed with a number of leading companies including Oktobor, DigiPost and Weta Digital to look at opportunities for industry consolidation and growth,” she says.
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