Matchbox Pictures appoints new managing director

NBCUniversal International Studios and Matchbox Pictures have appointed Alastair McKinnon as Managing Director.

Replacing former MD Chris Oliver-Taylor, McKinnon has been ABC Head of Content Investment and Planning.

He joined ABC in 2015 as Deputy Head of Fiction, before being promoted to Acting Head of Fiction, overseeing development and production of shows including Mystery Road and Glitch.

Prior to ABC, McKinnon was Head of Business Affairs at SBS Australia, he has also held senior strategic, policy and legal roles at Screen Australia, Ausfilm and the Australian Film Commission.

“I am thrilled to join the extraordinary team at Matchbox with its unparalleled track record for creative excellence and innovation in delivering award-winning content. The opportunity to lead this outstanding company through its next phase of growth in the global marketplace is one I simply could not refuse,” he said.

Jeff Wachtel, President of NBCUniversal International Studios said: “In Alastair, we believe we’ve found a visionary leader to take Matchbox to even greater achievements. Matchbox was founded as a creative enterprise and we will always honor its guiding principles as we work with the entire team to broaden the company’s reach in Australia and beyond.”

Formed in 2008 by Tony Ayres, Penny Chapman, Helen Bowden, Michael McMahon and Helen Panckhurst, Matchbox titles have included Glitch, Nowhere Boys, Mustangs FC, The Slap, Seven Types Of Ambiguity, Secret City, Wanted and Safe Harbour.

McKinnon will oversee all strategic and operational aspects of Matchbox, based in Sydney from December.