QUEENSLAND FILM CEO TO HEAD INTERNATIONAL FILM BODY

Arts Minister Rod Welford today congratulated Pacific Film and Television Commission (PFTC) CEO Robin James on his appointment as President of the Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI).

Mr Welford said this was the first time a non-American had held the prestigious position.

“This is a tremendous achievement for both Robin James and the Queensland film industry,” Mr Welford said.

“I believe he will do an outstanding job in this role and it’s a wonderful recognition of the contribution he has made to the international film industry.

“The fact that this is the first time a non-American has held the position is certainly an achievement and reinforces Queensland’s reputation as a world-class film destination.”

The appointment of Mr James was made at the AFCI’s annual industry conference in Los Angeles this week.

The AFCI is the official professional organisation for film commissioners who assist film, television and video production throughout the world. Based in the United States, it has members in 42 countries with more than 300 AFCI member film commissions worldwide.

The AFCI Board has elected Mr James to succeed retiring president Pat Kaufman of New York.

Ms Kaufman said: “The Board’s decision to elect Robin James of Australia as the first non-American president of the AFCI is confirmation of the organisations commitment to a global agenda.

“We are delighted at his appointment and look forward to the AFCI continuing to strengthen its role in the United States and in the international film industry.”

AFCI members serve as city, county, state, regional, provincial or national film commissioners for their respective governmental jurisdictions.

The AFCI runs programs such as a network of film liaison professionals worldwide, seminars giving production information regarding on-location shooting and support services around the world and the annual Locations Trade Show, which is the only one of its kind in the world.

Media contact: Marnie Stitz on 3237 1000 or 0419 734 985