New Zealand Film Commission Head of Development and Production Leanne Saunders will depart the agency at the end of May 2024. Leanne announced the news to staff today. Leanne joined NZFC in 2016 following a career in producing, culminating in the box office success of Hunt For The Wilderpeople. She has led the department through a significant period of change and growth and is proud of the success of locally grown screen stories reaching global audiences, including the recent high-profile Premium Fund. During her tenure, over 100 high impact and culturally significant productions were funded from a diverse range of filmmakers and talent, including The Power Of The Dog, After The Party, The Convert and We Are Still Here. She remains passionate about the sector and wants to express gratitude to colleagues and industry for their collaboration and support over the past years during a rapidly changing environment. She is excited about opportunities ahead of her and for the wider industry and wishes Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga New Zealand Film Commission all the best for their new direction.
The Commission wishes Leanne all the very best with this next chapter in her career.