News

Ausfilm appoints Kate Marks as new CEO

Industry association Ausfilm has appointed Kate Marks as its CEO, following the departure of Debra Richards who left in July after nine years with the company.

Marks has served as Ausfilm’s executive vice president, international production in the Ausfilm Los Angeles office for the last five years, attracting international production to Australia and promoting the country as a production destination.

Kate Marks is the new CEO of industry body Ausfilm

Marks will commence in the CEO role immediately and continue her role in L.A. until she returns to Australia in early 2020 to Ausfilm’s Sydney headquarters at Fox Studios. Prior to Ausfilm, Marks was general manager, incentives, locations and production services at Film Victoria.

Ausfilm chair Sam Mostyn said Marks’ appointment is part of the strategic plan for the future of the organisation.

“Ausfilm is a very effective organisation that represents both Government and industry, with this successful and supportive partnership, it has achieved a great deal for its membership and the screen sector and this is due to the strong, knowledgable and expert team driving it,” said Mostyn.

“Kate’s appointment follows a strategic succession plan developed by the Ausfilm Board that has facilitated a smooth transition from her role in the L.A. market back into Australia, following the departure of Ausfilm’s previous CEO, Debra Richards at the end of August.”

Of her appointment, Marks said: “Australia has a fantastic story to tell the global screen market and we have an innovative and highly creative screen sector to back it up and I’m leading one of the most dynamic and committed teams in our industry to drive more production to Australia, create jobs for Australians and our industry and investment into Australian businesses.”

“There are 97 jurisdictions that have established screen production tax credits or rebates demonstrating that governments around the world recognise the value in screen production to their economies, infrastructure and screen sector.

“Ausfilm and our membership are very grateful of the support from the Australian Government and state governments in understanding this opportunity. Australia is in a unique position to capitalise on the increased interest from global markets and I’m energised and excited to lead the organisation in this new period.”

Movie projects secured for Australia since Marks’ appointment include Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings; Thor: Love & Thunder; Dora and the Lost City of Gold; Monster Problems; Godzilla vs. Kong; The Whistleblower; Alien: Covenant; Thor: Ragnarok; Pacific Rim Uprising; Kong Skull Island; Bleeding Steel and The Shallows. Television projects include series’ Shantaram, Reef Break; season four of Preacher; and season three of The Leftovers.

ADVERTISEMENT

Get the latest media and marketing industry news (and views) direct to your inbox.

Sign up to the free Mumbrella newsletter now.

 

SUBSCRIBE

Sign up to our free daily update to get the latest in media and marketing.