The New Zealand Film Commission Chief Executive Graeme Mason will leave Wellington at the end of October to take up his new role as CEO at Australia's television and film funding body Screen Australia.

Graeme joined the NZFC in 2009 following an international career with exective roles in London and Los Angeles.

The New Zealand Film Commission Chief Executive Graeme Mason will leave Wellington at the end of October to take up his new role as CEO at Australia's television and film funding body Screen Australia.

Graeme joined the NZFC in 2009 following an international career with exective roles in London and Los Angeles.

NZFC Chair Patsy Reddy says she accepted the resignation with mixed feelings. "Graeme has made an outstanding contribution to the New Zealand screen sector over the past four-and-a-half years and he'll be greatly missed."

"Graeme's leadership has been a driving contributor to the growth and recognition of our industry, which has seen more than 50 feature films made with NZFC investment during his time in the role. The commission has been very fortunate to have him."

Ms Reddy said the new role is a fantastic opportunity for Graeme to build on an impressive career.  It will also strengthen the local industry's already strong relationship with a key partner.

"While I leave with some sadness, I know the New Zealand screen sector will further build on the reputations of its talented professionals and overall internationally renowned reputation," Graeme Mason said. 

"As a native Australian I am looking forward to returning home, to the challenge of this exciting role, and to continuing to build interest in the screen work being produced in our part of the world."

Graeme Mason will remain as NZFC Chief Executive until the end of October and will start with Screen Australia in November.

Media Release: New Zealand Film Commission

Graeme Mason appointed as Screen Australia CEO

Further to today’s announcement by the Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, the Board of Screen Australia is delighted to have appointed Mr Graeme Mason as the new Chief Executive Officer of Screen Australia.

With over 20 years of international experience in film, television and multi-media businesses, Mr Mason has an intimate knowledge of the full spectrum of the screen sector, having worked with large US studios, a UK television network, independent producers and government agencies. Mr Mason was chosen from an extensive field of over 250 international candidates.

Screen Australia Chair Glen Boreham said, “The Board was extremely impressed by Graeme’s extensive commercial experience and his unique perspective on the need for a screen agency to create a bridge between industry and government, and a balance between culture and commerce.

“As we look forward to welcoming Graeme to the agency, we also want to acknowledge the remarkable leadership of Ruth Harley as our inaugural CEO. Ruth can be very proud of her achievements during her five-year term, during which she brought the three former agencies together into one organisation and implemented a significant overhaul of our approach to development and funding of screen content. The results are there to see in some of the outstanding and diverse Australian content we have supported in recent years, from The Sapphires to Redfern Now, and from Once upon a Time in Cabramatta to Big Stories, Small Towns. We are very grateful for Ruth’s contributions to Screen Australia and to the Australian screen sector.”

Mr Mason said, “After so many years away I am delighted to be coming home to Australia to take on such an exciting role and to build on the great work of Ruth Harley and her team. I am really looking forward to working as part of the Australian screen industry to help tell our stories to domestic and global audiences and to continue to build a vibrant and sustainable screen sector.”

Mr Mason will commence his new role in November.

Media Release: Screen Australia