CEO Wrap – July
As we close the financial year and make it through another COVID lock down it’s important to celebrate our successes and shed light on exciting developments at Screenwest and within the local industry.
As we close the financial year and make it through another COVID lock down it’s important to celebrate our successes and shed light on exciting developments at Screenwest and within the local industry.
I have been in the role for seven weeks now and I am slowly (but surely) re-acquainting myself with, and getting to know new, WA production companies, filmmakers and stakeholders.
I’m excited about the opportunities ahead and I’m passionate about delivering exponential growth of our industry – ensuring local filmmakers are supported at a more sustainable level in addition to capitalising on national and international opportunities that present.
Over the next 3 months there are some key priorities that I and the Screenwest Team will be working with the industry on:
- Developing a Screenwest business strategy to deliver on the ambitious goals outlined in the new strategic plan.
- Securing increased funding to deliver on our strategic objectives.
- Ensuring our funding programs are delivering the outcomes desired and funding processes and administration are streamlined, consistent and transparent.
I am committed to working closely with the industry, our funders and stakeholders to ensure Screenwest continues to facilitate screen activity that contributes significantly to the cultural and economic health of Western Australia.
I’d like to sincerely thank the Screenwest staff, Board, the State Government of WA, Lotterywest, and the industry for their support during what is a phase of positive transition for the organisation.
Tenille Kennedy.
As such, we have some incredible talent starting with the organisation, including Tenille Kennedy who, is undertaking the role as Scripted Executive. Tenille brings contemporary, local hands-on experience and knowledge to support Screenwest with its production funded, scripted projects. Tenille recently produced H is for Happiness and has worked in the local sector for 15 years.
Martha Coleman.
We also welcome Martha Coleman who will join us in the short term to help strategise Talent and Industry Development. Martha has recently moved back to Perth after 30 years in Sydney and London. Martha has vast experience across the national and international industry – having been a creative executive in London, Head of Development at Screen Australia and most recently Producer of Diary of an Uber Driver for ABC/all3media.
Matthew Horrocks, who contributed significantly to the organisation and the WA industry during his three-year tenure, left Screenwest in June 2021. We wish him all the best in his future endeavours.
Our new team members and core funding staff will be working cohesively with industry to continue to provide advice and support to all of our funded projects, regardless of what COVID throws at them!
There’s also plenty of WA content to see! Rams drops on Amazon Prime and as we celebrate our brilliant Indigenous screen sector during NAIDOC week, don’t miss Weeriana Street Media’s Red Dirt Riders on SBS On Demand or Our Law on Netflix ANZ.
We know with so many exciting projects in production, and huge opportunities to come, the new financial year promises to be bigger and better than ever. The WA industry is innovative, resilient, diverse and the most creative in the country.
I’m excited to be back with Screenwest and ready to drive the organisation and the industry forward to a level which makes other states around the country envious!
Rikki Lea Bestall
CEO, Screenwest.