03/10/2011

Creative England, the umbrella body that replaces the erstwhile Regional Screen Agencies, opened today for business with the appointment of seven board members and three senior managers.

The first board members are - Alison Owen, Managing Director, Ruby Films; Andrew Chitty, Managing Director, Illumina Digital; Bill Lawrence, Executive Director, Reel Solutions; Charles Wace, Chief Executive, Twofour Group; Heather Rabbatts, advisory board, Met Film School; Jonnie Turpie, Digital Media Director, Maverick TV; and Richard Klein, Controller, BBC Four.

The three senior managers are - Chris Moll, Head of Talent Development; Jay Arnold, Head of Film Culture; and Kaye Elliott, Head of Location and Production Services.

The Film Culture Fund will be the first scheme to open for applications on October 17. Talent Development funding will open for applications from November 2011.

Amanda Nevill, CEO of the BFI, said, “The BFI is delighted that Creative England is open for business. They will be crucial delivery partners for the BFI’s Forward Plan, helping to ensure we can effectively support British film industry and culture, as well as nurturing film talent. As we welcome Creative England we also recognise the contribution of the Regional Screen Agencies, who have achieved so much during the last decade and on whose work Creative England will build and expand. We very much look forward to working in close partnership.”