ABC appoints new Head of Indigenous

Documentary filmmaker and Screenwest exec Kelrick Martin (Prison Songs) has been appointed as ABC’s new Head of Indigenous, replacing Sally Riley who moves to Head of Scripted Production.

Kelrick has been Screenwest’s Indigenous Manager and previously Commissioning Editor for NITV.

He formed Spear Point Productions in 2010 whose credits include documentaries Yagan, Outside Chance plus AACTA nominated titles Prison Songs, and the short drama, Karroyul.

He is a descendant of the Ngarluma, Bunuba and Gooniyandi people of northern Western Australia, who began his career as a cadet radio broadcaster for Goolarri Media. Moving to Sydney in 1998, he presented ABC Radio National’s Awaye! and was the inaugural presenter of ABC TV’s Message Stick. In 2002 he completed his Masters in Documentary Writing and Directing at AFTRS.

Sally Riley, ABC TV Head of Scripted Production said: “We are delighted to welcome Kelrick to the team. He is an immense talent who brings with him an extensive working knowledge of creating compelling content with and about Indigenous Australia. He will be leading a passionate team at an important time, as the ABC strives to build on the vital and growing legacy of the Indigenous department.”

Kelrick Martin said: “The ABC has an incredible track record of producing cutting-edge Indigenous screen content in Australia, most recently seen with Cleverman and the iview series Black As. This opportunity is both an honour and a true milestone in my career, and I’m excited to begin working with the current generation of skilled, passionate Indigenous filmmakers who are forging their path locally and overseas.”

He begins at ABC on September 26th.