Film industry veteran and former head of Screen Producers Australia Geoff Brown dies
Tributes have flown for Geoff Brown who spent 16 years as the head of film industry body the Screen Producers Australia (SPA) who died yesterday after a long battle with illness.
He was best known for the 16 years he spent leading the association, which represents the feature film, television and interactive production community.
Australian Writers Guild vice president Roger Simpson said Brown was someone who left his mark on the industry: “He understood screenwriters and what they did which is one of the reasons he was so effective.”
“Geoff was of course the producers’ advocate first and foremost – but when he led a delegation and lobbied for the industry, he was always inclusive, smart and coherent. He was a genuine friend of the AWG, and though never one to take a back-step in negotiations, Geoff understood that negotiations had to make sense for both sides.
“A very good man and very good company,” he added, “he has left his mark.”
Before joining SPA Brown spent 11 years with the ABC in senior management roles in production, broadcasting and operations. In 2011 he was appointed an official ambassador for SBS and he served on the executive committee of FIAPF, the international film producers association based in Paris, and was the co-chair of FIAPF’s Asia Pacific policy committee. He served on the board of AFI|AACTA for two years until June.
Screen Producers Australia CEO Matt Deaner acknowledged Brown’s “immense contribution to the industry and his achievements over 16 years, 11 of which he led the organisation through a number of challenges”.
The funeral service will be held in the South Chapel of Rookwood Gardens Crematorium, Memorial Ave, Lidcombe on Friday July 10 at 10.30 am, followed by a wake at Massey Park Golf Club in Concord.
Screenhub’s editor David Tilley has penned a tribute to Brown which can be read here.
Nic Christensen
