Former ABC exec appointed at Screen NSW

Former ABC exec Sophia Zachariou has been appointed Head of Development and Production at Screen NSW.

She steps up to the Head role after serving three months as Production and Development Executive and replaces Mark Hamlyn, who returns to active production.

Zachariou departed ABC last year where she was Deputy Head of Entertainment overseeing Gruen, Kitchen Cabinet with Annabel Crabb, Judith Lucy’s Spiritual Journey, The Chaser’s Media Circus, The Chaser’s War on Everything, Saturday Night Crack Up, Agony, The Checkout and At the Movies.

She also developed iView series Fresh Blood, and Canberra Al Desko with Annabel Crabb, and was previously producer of Eat Carpet for SBS.

“Sophia has a brilliant film and television brain, a deep respect for screen creatives and a passion for innovation. She will bring tremendous energy to the work we do and we’re thrilled she’s moving into this senior role,” Screen NSW CEO, Courtney Gibson.

Sophia said: “It’s an exciting time to be at Screen NSW and I’m delighted I’ll be working with some of the best creative producers, directors and writers in the country. As Head of Development and Production I fully intend to harness and support the incredible talent we have in the state, from the emerging sector as well as more experienced practitioners.”

Courtney Gibson also announced that filmmakers Sofya Gollan and Karen Radzyner will join the Screen NSW as Development and Production Executives and thanked Mark Hamlyn.

“Screen NSW owes a huge debt to Mark, who’s led the Development and Production team with great skill and dedication; we wish him all the best as he makes a move back to the sector,” she said.

Mark Hamlyn said “I’ve greatly enjoyed working with Screen NSW and wish the new team well in the important job of supporting the NSW production sector.”