Head of scripted Sue Masters leaves SBS while Amanda Duthie steps in as acting head of drama
SBS’ head of scripted Sue Masters is leaving the broadcaster, after five years at the front of its commissioned drama offering.
Until her role can be filled, the South Australian Film Corporation’s (SAFC) Amanda Duthie will fill in as acting head of drama.
Masters [left] will leave SBS with Duthie [right] taking up the helm as acting head of drama
Returning to the ABC in 2009, Masters joined SBS in 2014, working across programs including The Principal, The Family Law, Deep Water, Sunshine, Dead Lucky, On The Ropes and the upcoming Hungry Ghosts.
Despite departing from the broadcaster at the end of the year, Masters will continue working on key SBS initiatives, including The R.I.D.E Feature Film Fund, a feature film project and partnership with Screen Queensland, and Digital Originals, a short form content initiative with Screen Australia.
Masters is leaving to pursue independent drama development.
Director of TV and online content, Marshall Heald, said Masters had well and truly left her mark on SBS.
“Sue has had a lasting impact on SBS, and I’d like to thank her significant contribution to our network, but also to all of our screens. Sue’s genuine love for and understanding of powerful Australian stories, her passion and advocacy for diversity, and unparalleled talent and tenacity are second to none,” said Heald.
“She has been instrumental in building on SBS’s strong reputation for local drama, with an enviable slate of highly distinctive and award-winning shows, including Safe Harbour, The Family Law, Robbie Hood and The Hunting. We wish Sue all the best for the future and look forward to our paths crossing through her work with the independent production sector, as well as consulting for SBS.”
Masters said she’s happy to be leaving the team at a highpoint.
“I fell in love with the Charter soon after joining SBS, it’s the heart and soul of everything we do. I’m thrilled with what we’ve achieved over the past five years and the success we’ve had in introducing new faces and voices to Australian screens. It’s been a privilege to work here and I will remain a lifelong advocate of the beautiful work they do.”
Until recruitment for the position commences in 2020, Duthie has joined SBS as acting head of drama. Prior to being the head of production and development and studios at the SAFC, Duthie was the creative director/CEO of the Adelaide Film Festival and head of arts and entertainment at ABC, delivering an array of original, award-winning fiction, documentary and VR content.
Duthie said: “I am thrilled to be working on the dynamic fiction slate at SBS, led by Marshall Heald and nurtured by the Queen of scripted drama, the legendary Sue Masters. I’m looking forward to welcoming a new wave of projects in development and working on the unique and highly acclaimed SBS production slate.”
