by Sean Slatter — 30 May 2024
Leanne Saunders, the head of development and production at the New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC), is departing this week after nearly eight years. Saunders, who joined NZFC in 2016 following a successful producing career with credits like The Weight of Elephants and Hunt for the Wilderpeople, has overseen funding for over 100 productions, including The Power Of The Dog and We Are Still Here. Expressing gratitude for the support and collaboration from her colleagues and the industry, she remains passionate about the film sector and looks forward to new opportunities. NZFC wishes her all the best in her next chapter.
Leanne Saunders, the head of development and production at the New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC), is departing this week after nearly eight years. Saunders, who joined NZFC in 2016 following a successful producing career with credits like The Weight of Elephants and Hunt for the Wilderpeople, has overseen funding for over 100 productions, including The Power Of The Dog and We Are Still Here. Expressing gratitude for the support and collaboration from her colleagues and the industry, she remains passionate about the film sector and looks forward to new opportunities. NZFC wishes her all the best in her next chapter.
Saunders’ exit coincides with NZFC’s upcoming structural changes set to take effect on July 1, which will see 28 positions cut and 15 new roles created. The agency is currently hiring for several key positions, including a marketing and communications executive and a film production lead. NZFC’s Annie Murray emphasized that the next phase will focus on using resources more effectively, including funding talent and skills development and streamlining operations. This shift will involve reevaluating how the agency provides creative feedback, grants funding, and handles marketing functions.
Read more: here