Screen Australia hires Harley

New Zealander Ruth Harley – currently CEO of the New Zealand Film Commission – has been appointed chief executive of the newly formed national film agency, Screen Australia. Dr Harley begins the position in November. The appointment is tacit acknowledgment that New Zealand has been, and remains, the role model for national filmmaking outside the Hollywood studio system. The appointment was announced by the Australian Arts Minister, Peter Garrett who commented “Following an extensive global search the government was particularly impressed by Dr Harley’s experience and commitment to the development of a successful and sustainable local film industry”. Screen Australia is the Australian Government’s new screen agency replacing the Australian Film Commission, Film Australia and the Film Finance Organisation. Harley is a former Fulbright Scholar. She was awarded an OBE in 1996 for her contribution to the broadcasting and the arts.