Screenrights chief exec resigns

Simon Lake has resigned as Chief Execuive of non-profit copyright license agency Screenrights after two decades.

Chair Jill Bryant said, “It is with great reluctance that we’ve accepted Simon’s decision to resign to address a serious health issue.”

Screenrights last year paid over $40 million dollars to rightsholders, with over 4,000 members in 60 countries, spanning film, television and radio works.

“On behalf of the Board, management and staff, I wish Simon well for his recovery and thank him wholeheartedly for his tremendous leadership of the company and all the significant achievements of the past twenty years. Simon has driven Screenrights to become an important part of the Australian and New Zealand production industry supporting the development of film and television and advocating for a strong copyright environment for our members. At the same time, Screenrights is at the forefront of promoting access to audio-visual content for users,” said Bryant.

“It has been a great privilege to serve Screenrights’ members and I am particularly proud of the relationships we have built with our licensees. This has been a difficult decision for me as I have loved my time at the company and am proud of its many achievements,” said Simon Lake.

“I leave Screenrights confident in the future of the organisation. Screenrights is a successful and unique organisation and it is in very safe hands with a strong Board and outstanding management and staff. I wish it every success.”

General Manager, James Dickinson, has been appointed as Acting Chief Executive.