Non-profit industry training initiative Screen Careers has recruited additional players to complete the makeup of its inaugural Board.
Joining the existing board led by Chair Chris Oliver Taylor, ABC’s Chief Content Officer, are Tanya Denning Orman, Director of Indigenous Content, SBS; David Mott, CEO & Managing Director, ITV Studios Australia; Kieran Cato, Managing Director, CATO Location Services, Honeywagons & O MY POD and Denise Eriksen, Head of Training and Career Development for Screen Careers and Co-Founder of Media Mentors.
Other Board members are AusFilm’s Kate Marks, Channel Nine’s Adrian Swift, Flying Bark’s Jackie Emery and BBC Studio’s Will Hamilton.
Screen Careers also welcomes the new Location Offset Agreement and the opportunities it will bring to support an employment pipeline for new production crew and advance careers of existing below the line crew in Australia.
Screen Careers CEO Esther Coleman Hawkins says, “We’re thrilled with the training component of the Locations Offset legislation. It’s great to see the development of crews supported so well. And we’re excited to see how the offset will drive international production – as the tide rises we all float! Screen Careers exists to support below the line workers and our new board members are dedicated to helping us support the professional careers of the crew who make the on screen magic happen.”
Screen Careers, which launched in March with the support of VicScreen and Screen Australia, is making significant strides in supporting the Australian screen industry. Its focus is on creating a pipeline of fresh talent and nurturing the professional development of existing production crew. Screen Careers achieves this by offering a comprehensive range of workshops at minimal or no cost to equip new entrants and established screen professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge to build professional and sustainable careers.
Tanya Denning Orman, Director, Indigenous Content, SBS
Tanya Denning-Orman, a proud Birri and Guugu Yimidhirr woman from Central and North Queensland, has led National Indigenous Television since it joined SBS in 2012, and became SBS’s first Director of Indigenous Content in 2020. Tanya manages NITV as a channel dedicated to Indigenous voices, overseeing its diverse and innovative multiplatform content. She also plays an instrumental role in the development and delivery of First Nations storytelling across the SBS network. Tanya will take up her Board duties in November.
“I am excited to join the Board of Screen Careers. Enabling Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to lead their skills development programmes is one of the key principles of the organisation and I’ll be bringing my own expertise and experience to assist in that process. I’m looking forward to seeing new voices and faces working with the talented, established crews who deliver the Australian stories – in a more supported and skilled workplace.”
David Mott, CEO & Managing Director, ITV Studios Australia
David Mott has over 40 years experience in the broadcast media industry previously working at the Seven, Nine and Ten Networks across his career. David has been with ITV Studios Australia for the past 9 years and has been an integral part of their local and global success, commissioning and recommissioning major ITV formats including ‘I’m a Celebrity…….Get Me Out of Here’, Love Island, The Chase, My Kitchen Rules, Alone Australia, and the incredible global sensation, The Voice Australia. David was also integral in the recent acquisition of Australian scripted business, Lingo Pictures, into the ITV Studios global family. David has previously held board positions for not-for-profit Variety Club Australia and REElise, focusing on youth mental health and the impact of social media.
“The Screen Careers initiative could not have come at a more crucial time for the production media landscape. The industry needs a new generation of production skill sets and individuals who have the passion, energy and drive to forge a career in what is undoubtedly still one of the most exciting, rewarding and inclusive industries to be involved in. I can’t wait to get started, along with the other outstanding Screen Career Board members and Management to help reshape our business for the future.”
Kieran Cato, Managing Director, CATO Location Services, Honeywagons & O MY POD
CATO has become Sydney’s largest location services company, supporting major productions and events. CATO employs over 300 people and has been an entry point for many who are now working in a variety of roles across the entertainment industry.
“I am excited to contribute to this initiative. My unwavering commitment to the industry will now extend to helping Screen Careers support and grow our vibrant screen sector. It’s fantastic to see the support from Screen Australia and VicScreen. It’s an honour to be working with so many industry leaders including Chris Oliver-Taylor at the helm as our chairperson. Together, we aim to provide crucial support for career development in the screen industry. I look forward to contributing to this important initiative and supporting the existing and future generations of screen industry professionals.”
Denise Eriksen, Head of Training and Career Development for Screen Careers and Co-Founder of Media Mentors.
Denise Eriksen is what’s known as an “industry veteran” with a long career in journalism, production and management. And on-set catering. These days she’s continuing her lifelong interest in ensuring people have the best careers and training they can while working in the Screen Industries.
“I salute those who work in the crew, in all departments. They play an incredibly important role in delivering our on-screen experiences. Without their work, scripts would simply sit in bottom drawers dreaming of an audience. Screen Careers will help all of those people have a more satisfying and progressive career and I’m very proud to be part of the Board that will play a major role in that aim.”
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