Drama exec appointments at SBS

SBS has made new appointments in its Drama department with Julie Eckersley as its new Head of Scripted, and Donna Chang promoted to Commissioning Editor, Scripted.

Julie Eckersley (pictured left) is an award-winning Creative Producer with a career spanning more than 20 years across drama, comedy, animation, documentary and children’s content. As well as working independently, her experience includes nine years at Matchbox Pictures where she worked on projects including The Family Law, Glitch, Maximum Choppage, developing and producing projects with Australian networks, Netflix and NBCU International.

Donna Chang (pictured right) has been promoted to Commissioning Editor, Scripted. She joined SBS in 2020 as Development Executive, Scripted, from Lingo Pictures where she was Head of Development. She was previously at Screen Australia as a Development Executive, and had also been a Story Development External Assessor since 2015.

Marshall Heald, SBS’s Director of Content, Television & Online, said: “We have a fantastic slate of new scripted programming in development and production, and it’s an exciting time to welcome Julie to the team. We’re thrilled to have someone with her extensive experience and passion for our Charter to lead our Scripted offering, working closely together with Donna in a larger role that will fully recognise and utilise her exceptional talents.”

Julie Eckersley said: “All Australians should feel seen on our screens and I’m thrilled to join SBS as they lead the way in achieving this. My focus will be on supporting talent, in front of and behind the camera, as we create stories that celebrate and explore our diverse perspectives and shared humanity. I’m looking for great stories that are entertaining, surprising and full of heart.”

Donna Chang added: “At the core of our Scripted slate and industry initiatives is a commitment to making great local drama that showcases under-represented voices and talent. It’s a privilege to work in service of these stories at SBS, and I look forward to continuing this work with Julie.”

SBS also acknowledged Penny Win, who has been Acting as the Head of SBS Scripted over the last six months. Formerly at Foxtel, she will continue to work with SBS to develop fiction projects with SBS.

SBS’s upcoming scripted slate includes New Gold Mountain and Iggy and Ace, a short-form drama series.

Julie Eckersley commences with SBS on 5th July 2021.