Screenwest scripted appointments

L to R: Tenille Kennedy, Kirby Brierty.

Screenwest has announced Tenille Kennedy as Head of Scripted: Content and Talent, with Kirby Brierty joining the team as Scripted Production Program Manager.

Having served as Scripted Executive at Screenwest for over two years, Tenille Kennedy will now oversee the design, development and implementation of scripted production funding and development programs.

She has produced a number of Western Australian feature films including AACTA-nominated The Furnace (2020) which had its World Premiere at the 2020 Venice International Film Festival. She is also the producer of Australian French co-production Slam (2018) which was an official selection at the Tallin Black Night Film Festival, Bad Girl (2016) which was an official selection at the Busan International Film Festival and she co-produced sections of the compendium feature The Turning (2014) which was an official selection at Berlin International Film Festival. In 2019, she produced H is for Happiness which opened Generation Kplus at the 2020 Berlin International Film Festival, winning the Jury Prize. The film went on to receive 10 AACTA nominations and win the 2020 CinefestOZ $100,000 Film Prize.

“I am thrilled to take on the new role of Head of Scripted: Content and Talent. There is an undeniable creative energy in Western Australia and during this dynamic period of growth for the industry I am eager to contribute and collaborate with our local storytellers and screen practitioners,” said Tenille Kennedy.

As Scripted Production Program Manager, Kirby Brierty will support Screenwest’s scripted production funding programs.

She has worked across multiple arts industries throughout her career. Having studied both stage management at WAAPA and producing at the WA Screen Academy, Brierty has worked for numerous Australian arts organisations such as Bell Shakespeare and Sydney Theatre Company, as well as working on local WA films including The Turning, H is for Happiness, The Furnace and Blueback.

She has an Advanced Diploma from WA Academy of Performing Arts, a Bachelor of Communications (Screen Studies) as well as a Graduate Certificate in Business from Notre Dame.

“I could not be more excited to join the team at Screenwest. Working on local films I know firsthand the amazing group of filmmakers we have here in WA. I look forward to working with our incredible pool of talented creatives and crew, and to support and advocate for the WA film industry on a larger scale.” said Kirby Brierty.

“We’re so pleased to welcome Kirby to the Screenwest team, along with Tenille in a new capacity. Both Tenille and Kirby have a wealth of knowledge and real-world industry experience, which will no doubt serve the WA scripted sector incredibly well during this exciting time of growth.” said Rikki Lea Bestall, Screenwest CEO.