Published Saturday, 02 February, 2008 at 03:00 PM
Minister for Education and Training and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Rod Welford
Producer Des Power joins PFTC Board
Arts Minister Rod Welford today announced new appointments to the Board of the Pacific Film and Television Commission (PFTC), at a time when domestic production levels are booming.
Mr Welford said writer, producer and company director Des Power would take up the role of chair following the resignation of Sir Llew Edwards.
“I commend Sir Llew and the outgoing board members for the success they have achieved in competing with interstate and international players for the production dollar,” Mr Welford said.
“The PFTC’s key role is to develop and support the local film industry, attract production to Queensland, and celebrate an active screen culture across the state.
“Local production levels have experienced healthy growth in recent years and I believe Mr Power and the Board will continue to develop and nurture Queensland’s production industry and film culture.
“Mr Power is a highly respected member of the Australian film and television industry. He is currently the chairman of the Queensland Events Corporation and he will bring a wealth of hands-on experience to the PFTC role.”
Mr Welford said other appointees to the PFTC Board included Cherrie Bottger, Jim Soorley, Michael Burton, Noni Hazlehurst, Lynda O’Grady, Phil McDonald, James Sourris, Mark Gregory and Rachel Hunter.
“I am confident these appointments will be valuable contributors to the Board and that they will guide the PFTC’s growth in coming years,” he said.
“Their diversity of business, management and production skills, industry knowledge and government experience will help to secure further investment in the local film and television industry.”
Brief biographies of the Board members are listed below. For further information about the PFTC visit www.pftc.com.au
Media contact: Marnie Stitz on 3237 1000 or 0419 734 985
Desmond Power (Chair)
Mr Power is the Chairman of Queensland Events and has been honoured with a Member of the order of Australia in the 2006 Queen’s Birthday Honours. In his time with Queensland Events he has played a leading role in having events recognised and acknowledged as major economic and social drivers at the state, national and international level. He is a former ABC reporter, producer and foreign correspondent and formed his own production company Tripod (now Provisible Films) in 1980. Since 2005, Mr Power has also been the Creative Director for the Australian Government’s ANZAC Day commemorations at Gallipoli.
Cherrie Bottger
Ms Bottger is the Head of the Children’s Television at Network 10 and has more than 30 years experience in the broadcast industry.
Jim Soorley
Mr Soorley was Brisbane’s second longest serving Lord Mayor. He now works as a management consultant, and serves on Boards of a number of organisations.
Michael Burton
Mr Burton is the Managing Director of Cutting Edge and has extensive experience in broadcast television and an in-depth knowledge in post-production.
Noni Hazlehurst
Actor, writer and television and radio presenter, Ms Hazlehurst has been a household name in Australia for more than 30 years. She has had a varied and exciting career, attracting four AFI awards, two Logies and an Order of Australia.
Lynda O’Grady
Ms O’Grady is a former member of the Australian Mobile Telecommunication Association Board and was the Chief of Products for Telstra Technology, Innovation and Products.
Phil McDonald
Mr McDonald is Managing Director of George Patterson Y&R Brisbane. The company is an industry leader in marketing and communication services.
James Sourris
Mr Sourris, Chairman and Managing Director of Australian Multiplex Cinemas, has had a lifetime involvement in the motion picture industry, participating in exhibition and distribution and investing in production.
Mark Gregory
Mr Gregory is General Manager and Board member of consultancy company, MPA Surveying. He is a Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA) with more than 15 years experience in senior financial management roles across a number of industry sectors.
Rachel Hunter
Ms Hunter commenced as Director-General of the Department of Education Training and the Arts in September 2006. Previously she held the position of Director-General of Justice and Attorney-General.
Mr Welford said writer, producer and company director Des Power would take up the role of chair following the resignation of Sir Llew Edwards.
“I commend Sir Llew and the outgoing board members for the success they have achieved in competing with interstate and international players for the production dollar,” Mr Welford said.
“The PFTC’s key role is to develop and support the local film industry, attract production to Queensland, and celebrate an active screen culture across the state.
“Local production levels have experienced healthy growth in recent years and I believe Mr Power and the Board will continue to develop and nurture Queensland’s production industry and film culture.
“Mr Power is a highly respected member of the Australian film and television industry. He is currently the chairman of the Queensland Events Corporation and he will bring a wealth of hands-on experience to the PFTC role.”
Mr Welford said other appointees to the PFTC Board included Cherrie Bottger, Jim Soorley, Michael Burton, Noni Hazlehurst, Lynda O’Grady, Phil McDonald, James Sourris, Mark Gregory and Rachel Hunter.
“I am confident these appointments will be valuable contributors to the Board and that they will guide the PFTC’s growth in coming years,” he said.
“Their diversity of business, management and production skills, industry knowledge and government experience will help to secure further investment in the local film and television industry.”
Brief biographies of the Board members are listed below. For further information about the PFTC visit www.pftc.com.au
Media contact: Marnie Stitz on 3237 1000 or 0419 734 985
Desmond Power (Chair)
Mr Power is the Chairman of Queensland Events and has been honoured with a Member of the order of Australia in the 2006 Queen’s Birthday Honours. In his time with Queensland Events he has played a leading role in having events recognised and acknowledged as major economic and social drivers at the state, national and international level. He is a former ABC reporter, producer and foreign correspondent and formed his own production company Tripod (now Provisible Films) in 1980. Since 2005, Mr Power has also been the Creative Director for the Australian Government’s ANZAC Day commemorations at Gallipoli.
Cherrie Bottger
Ms Bottger is the Head of the Children’s Television at Network 10 and has more than 30 years experience in the broadcast industry.
Jim Soorley
Mr Soorley was Brisbane’s second longest serving Lord Mayor. He now works as a management consultant, and serves on Boards of a number of organisations.
Michael Burton
Mr Burton is the Managing Director of Cutting Edge and has extensive experience in broadcast television and an in-depth knowledge in post-production.
Noni Hazlehurst
Actor, writer and television and radio presenter, Ms Hazlehurst has been a household name in Australia for more than 30 years. She has had a varied and exciting career, attracting four AFI awards, two Logies and an Order of Australia.
Lynda O’Grady
Ms O’Grady is a former member of the Australian Mobile Telecommunication Association Board and was the Chief of Products for Telstra Technology, Innovation and Products.
Phil McDonald
Mr McDonald is Managing Director of George Patterson Y&R Brisbane. The company is an industry leader in marketing and communication services.
James Sourris
Mr Sourris, Chairman and Managing Director of Australian Multiplex Cinemas, has had a lifetime involvement in the motion picture industry, participating in exhibition and distribution and investing in production.
Mark Gregory
Mr Gregory is General Manager and Board member of consultancy company, MPA Surveying. He is a Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA) with more than 15 years experience in senior financial management roles across a number of industry sectors.
Rachel Hunter
Ms Hunter commenced as Director-General of the Department of Education Training and the Arts in September 2006. Previously she held the position of Director-General of Justice and Attorney-General.