Film Council International create new development post

Film Council International, the inward investment and export promotion arm of the Film Council, have reinforced their drive to develop and promote the export of UK films, talent, services and skills to the world’s film industry with the appointment of Sarah McKenzie to the new post of Senior Executive, Export Development.
McKenzie will work closely with international film industries as well as government departments and agencies to develop and deliver a range of initiatives to promote and support UK film exports to the international market place. Working towards a joint strategy across all UK film industry exports her work will initially focus on key established markets, Europe and the US (in liaison with Film Council US) and emerging markets, India and China.
In her previous position as Head of International Marketing at the Film Council, McKenzie was responsible for marketing strategies and initiatives to support the promotion of international trade with the UK, including organising presences at major markets in Europe, the US and India.
Prior to joining the Film Council McKenzie was Director of the Birmingham International Film and Television Festival (1994 – 2000). In 1998 she established the Rushes Soho Shorts Festival, and remains involved in an advisory capacity. She is also a former Executive Committee member of the UK Network of Film Festivals, was a founder member and Chair of the Midlands/Birmingham Chapter of Women in Film and Television, and has judged a number of UK film awards.
Announcing the appointment British Film Commissioner Steve Norris, who heads up the Film Council’s inward investment and export promotion activity, said: “The UK has a wealth of film talent both in front of and behind the camera, and the success of films such as 'Bend it like Beckham', 'Gosford Park' and '28 Days Later' shows that there is an international market for new distinctively UK films. Sarah’s appointment to this new role underlines our commitment to developing and promoting the export of UK films, talent, services and skills across the world.”
(GB)