AFTER EIGHT SUCCESSFUL YEARS FILM VICTORIA WILL FAREWELL CEO IN 2011

Film Victoria President John Howie has announced that after eight years leading the organisation through significant change and success, CEO Sandra Sdraulig has decided not to renew her contract in March 2011.

Mr Howie praised Ms Sdraulig for her achievements, enthusiasm and commitment to the organisation and industry since her appointment in 2002. “Sandra is a passionate advocate for the screen industry and has played an instrumental part in transforming the Victorian film, television and digital media industry from critically low levels of production to record highs well above $200 million.”

“Sandra was appointed CEO at a tough time in the Victorian industry following the abolishment of Cinemedia. She has re-established Film Victoria to be recognized nationally for its delivery of innovative programmes, an internationally respected high-standard of commission services, and world-first industry events in the Digital Distribution Summit and recent Arresting Audiences Summit.”

“Under her guidance Film Victoria has positioned Melbourne as an important production destination globally, securing unprecedented levels of production for the state including international projects such as Where the Wild Things Are, Charlotte’s Web, Ghost Rider and the largest television series ever made, The Pacific.

“It is has been a pleasure for the Board and I to work with such a passionate CEO, who is recognized as one of Australia’s leading Arts practitioners. We thank Sandra for her enthusiasm in delivering results for the industry and Government. She leaves Film Victoria a robust and very capable organisation,” stated Mr Howie.

Ms Sdraulig confirmed that after almost a decade at the helm she was comfortable leaving the organisation knowing that it was on a solid path for the future. “As CEO I’ve focused on initiatives that would reinvigorate the Victorian industry.

“I’ve had the great privilege of seeing talented teams create award-winning stories like Harvie Krumpet, Japanese Story, Blessed, Mary & Max, Animal Kingdom, Bran Nue Dae, Underbelly, Bastard Boys, After the Deluge, Tangle, Rush, and new storytelling concepts in Forget the Rules.

"Our approach has been to not only support people and projects but create infrastructure in the State that has made Victoria a world-leading production destination. The Location Victoria initiative ensured 100% of Victoria’s provincial councils adopted film policies – the only state to do so.”

“It’s also been pleasing to have championed digital media and technology to a point where Victorian companies such as Firemint, Infinite Interactive, Passion Pictures and
Firelight Technologies are all developing fantastic commercial successes such as game sensations Flight Control and Scarygirl. Victoria has led the way in terms of digital games and content.”

“But now it’s time for me to move on to other challenges. I leave the organisation knowing that the Government is committed to the Victorian Screen Industry Strategy and Film Victoria has a new three-year corporate plan in place that will continue to drive benefits for the industry and this great State.

Ms Sdraulig acknowledged the commitment of the Government, in particular the encouragement of Premier John Brumby and Minister Gavin Jennings. She also thanked Board members and staff, past and present, for their support during her term as CEO.

“Working at an organisation such as Film Victoria requires constant passion, commitment and energy. I’ve relished the opportunity to work with Victorian Premiers and Ministers, the Board and Film Victoria staff who have shared the passion, shown their commitment and worked with energy to achieve these tremendous results. It’s been a great pleasure for me to work with such extraordinary individuals.

“But it’s time for me to divert my passion, commitment and energy to other pursuits.”

Ms Sdraulig will finish at Film Victoria on 25 March 2011. The position of CEO will be advertised in the coming months.