The New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Leanne Saunders as Head of Production and Development. Leanne replaces Lisa Chatfield who recently left the NZFC for a role at Pukeko Pictures.
Leanne has over 15 years’ experience in film and television production. Her feature film credits include The Weight of Elephants, Born to Dance, The Devil’s Rock, Christmas and Desert. With Headstrong co-founder Ant Timpson, Leanne executive produced low budget features The Devil Dared Me To and A Song of Good. More recently, through Piki Films, Leanne has produced with company partners Carthew Neal and Taika Waititi, Hunt for the Wilderpeople.
Leanne is on the Executive Committee of New Zealand industry organisation, SPADA, and an active member of WIFT NZ. She has been a speaker on panels for Script to Screen and the Big Screen Symposium and guest lectured at Unitec’s film and television course and the University of Auckland’s screen course.
Making the announcement, NZFC CEO Dave Gibson said “Leanne is one of New Zealand’s most experienced film producers and I am delighted she has accepted this key role at the NZFC. Her regular attendance at international festivals and markets combined with her extensive development and production experience makes her an ideal addition to the NZFC team.”
Leanne is divesting all commercial interests in Piki Films and any projects in development and will resign her membership on the SPADA Executive Committee before commencing her new role in late May.