Ex-Premier Rann to chair SAFC

Former South Australian Premier Mike Rann has been appointed new Board Chair at the South Australian Film Corporation.

He replaces Julie Cooper  who resigned in December 2022.

Rann was Premier of South Australia and Minister for Economic Development from 2002 to 2011, overseeing initiatives such asthe establishment of the Adelaide Studios production facilities in Glenside, founding the Adelaide Film Festival (AFF) and the AFF Investment Fund. He is also the longest serving Arts Minister in South Australia’s history, and was an adviser to two previous Premiers who were also Arts Ministers, Don Dunstan and John Bannon.

Also joining the SAFC Board is prominent South Australian lawyer Brian Hayes KC who has specialised in Planning Administrative and Environmental law for 50 years. He has also been active in the film industry for over seven years, including as co-Producer of 2018 South Australian feature film Hotel Mumbai.

Both appointments take effect immediately and will continue to 15 March, 2026.

Minister for the Arts Andrea Michaels said: “Congratulations to Mike Rann on his appointment as SAFC Chair, and Brian Hayes on his appointment to the SAFC Board.

“Mike has always been a passionate advocate for the screen sector in South Australia and notably established the Adelaide Studios in 2011 as Premier as well as Minister for Arts.

“South Australia has been recognised globally as a powerhouse of film and TV in recent years and I look forward to working with Mike and Brian to continue growing our screen industry and telling South Australia’s stories to the world.”

Mike Rann said: “I have been closely involved with the SAFC in many ways over the decades, nearly since its inception over 50 years ago – both as Premier and through working on staff for Premier Don Dunstan, who established the agency in 1972.

“It has been wonderful to see South Australia’s screen sector continue to go from strength to strength with record breaking years of production activity, soaring economic impact and strong employment growth, as well as recognition and success both nationally and internationally.

“Now encompassing film, TV, post production and visual effects, video games and more, the cultural value and importance of our screen industry has never been more significant. I am thrilled about this new role and look forward to supporting SAFC CEO Kate Croser and her team to grow and support South Australia’s screen industry.”

SAFC CEO Kate Croser said: “On behalf of the entire SAFC team, I am delighted to welcome Mike Rann as SAFC Board Chair, and Brian Hayes as a Board member, and look forward to working closely with them both to grow and develop the South Australian screen sector.

“Mike Rann’s initiatives as Premier have contributed greatly to our industry’s strengthened position and growth and built a lasting legacy for the sector, not least being the Adelaide Studios screen production facility, established by him in 2011, which is a significant enabler of screen production activity in our state.

“I would like to thank long-serving SAFC Board Member Miriam Silva AM, who has steered the agency with continued stability as Interim Chair during this period.”

Updated.