Ausfilm has replaced its executive vice president of international production Kate Marks, who stepped up as CEO in October following the departure of Debra Richards.
Erin Stam has been appointed into the role and will oversee and lead the Ausfilm Los Angeles team.
Stam will join the Ausfilm team in LA
Marks moved into the CEO role following the exit of Richards after nine years with Ausfilm. Richards left to join Netflix in its new Australian office. Marks was working across both positions in the interim and will now be able to focus on her CEO duties.
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Stam will focus on attracting international production to Australia, marketing the country’s tax incentives, promoting it as a screen destination and matching Australian creative teams with US executives using the Ausfilm B2B Connect program.
Stam’s experience comes from both Australia and the United States. She has led Film Victoria in Melbourne and Screenwest in Perth. Stam also was SVP of production at Participant Media and Spyglass Entertainment.
Marks said Stam’s extensive experience and nuanced understanding of both the North American market and the Australian screen industry make her a fantastic fit for the highly coveted role.
“A key focus for this position is understanding that Ausfilm is a truly collaborative and partnerships-driven organisation representing both government and the Australian screen industry. Erin is familiar with Australia’s capability as a world-class production hub for international film and television work,” said Marks.
“She is also acutely across Australia’s offerings in infrastructure capacity, crew, VFX, post-production and screen services. She will be a great addition to Ausfilm’s strong, results-driven team and I am thrilled we have secured her for this critical role.”
Stam said she was humbled to take up the role.
“Having worked in the Australian screen sector over the past several years, I have truly admired the advances that Kate and the Ausfilm team have made and I am humbled to join the organisation,” said Stam.
“I have really enjoyed my experiences in Perth and Melbourne and I’m looking forward to diving into this opportunity to continue to drive production throughout the country, build new relationships and work with Ausfilm members on the ground in Los Angeles.”
Stam is currently based in LA and will commence her role on January 9, 2020. Marks will relocate to Australia from February 10.