KENNEDY APPOINTED CHAIRMAN OF IFTA

THE Northern Ireland Film Commission (NIFC) have welcomed the appointment of Ian Kennedy as Chairman of the Irish Film & Television Academy (ifta).
Kennedy, a high profile figure in the media industry, is also Chairman of Holywood-based independent production company, Straight Forward Productions.
Kennedy, who succeeds Morgan O’Sullivan as Chairman of ifta, previously worked for the BBC. During this 18-year period he was Manager of Radio Foyle, Head of Radio at BBC Northern Ireland, Head of Television at BBC Northern Ireland, and Head of Broadcasting for the BBC’s South & East Region of England.
Upon leaving the BBC in 1992, Kennedy established Straight Forward Productions, one of Northern Ireland’s most successful independent companies, producing programmes for the BBC, RTE, Channel 4 and UTV.
Kennedy said: “I am keen to develop ifta as a forum to discuss all the issues and challenges that face our industry as the digital age develops. It is my hope that ifta will play a central role in helping all the professionals on this island look to the future with confidence.”
In the face of new industry developments, the NIFC are also preparing for a major expansion of their remit and activity in 2002. Their work in film, television, animation and new media is at the heart of the development of the creative industries in Northern Ireland. These are industries with the potential to create more jobs and inward investment for Northern Ireland. (CD)