Chief Creative Officer departs Screen Queensland

Screen Queensland this week farewelled Jo Dillon (pictured left) as Chief Creative Officer after seven and a half years (including as Head of Content), who departs for a new position leading a media start-up.

Her tenure included the establishment of SQhub, the agency’s RIDE (Respect, Inclusion, Diversity and Equality) Initiative and its inaugural Equity and Diversity Taskforce, and the Screen Ventures Fund.

While at Screen Queensland, she also co-chaired the Screen Diversity and Inclusion Network for a year (with Benjamin Law), and led Screen Queensland’s strategy to expand the screen industry in Far North Queensland.

Screen Queensland CEO Kylie Munnich said, “Jo has led the Creative Division of Screen Queensland with incredible commitment to the Queensland screen industry through her ideas, drive, sharp intellect and creative vision.

“Most of all, Jo’s sense of humour, loyalty and passion will be missed at Screen Queensland, as we wish her all the very best for the next chapter in her career within the industry.”

“Looking back, I am proud of what our industry has achieved and the crucial role that Screen Queensland has played in supporting its success since I joined the team in 2014,” said Dillon.

“Queensland has an incredible depth of creative talent with practitioners from around the state telling diverse and unique stories for screen, plus an enviable reputation as one of the best places in the world to make content.

“The good news is I will not be leaving an industry, which I love, but working in it from a different angle,” she said.

Dr Belinda Burns, (pictured right) currently Head of Marketing and Communications at Screen Queensland, will act in the role of Chief Creative Officer from 10 January 2022 while a full executive search is undertaken.

Her CV includes General Manager of Olgilvy’s social marketing agency, The Reputation Group, in Melbourne; Associate Director at global PR network Citigate in London; and Director of Communications and Engagement at Brisbane Girls Grammar School.

As a published novelist with a PhD in Creative Writing, she also has a background in lecturing, teaching and course development across literature, film studies and writing including advanced-level screenwriting and screen adaptation courses at The University of Queensland and University of Southern Queensland.