Carr to head Film New Zealand

A woman with an extensive background in creative industry sectors has been appointed to head Film New Zealand.

Gisella Carr's appointment as chief executive of the national film office based in Wellington was announced today by Film New Zealand chair Julian Grimmond.

He said Ms Carr had an extensive background in New Zealand's creative industries, arts management and cultural policy, including a range of developmental national roles and projects.

She is the co-author of a major report to New Zealand Trade and Enterprise on the international export potential of New Zealand's visual arts and crafts, and has been principal New Zealand consultant on raising successful offshore financing for the Wellington company Gibson International (part of the Gibson Group) on delivering an interactive digital wall for the Museum of Copenhagen.

In 2006 Ms Carr was appointed director of funds development at Te Papa, where she has been responsible for the national museum's multi-million dollar fund-raising programme involving national and international corporates and government organisations.

Mr Grimmond said he was confident Ms Carr would succeed in sharpening Film New Zealand's marketing focus and building on the success of its current work to create a stronger international brand.

Ms Carr said the role offered a chance to energise and lead a lean organisation that faced the challenge of developing New Zealand's competitiveness.

"We are one of the world's best screen production destinations, but we need to be ever-alert to the increasingly complex international landscape."