South Australia’s Film Corporation (SAFC) has announced the appointment of eight new staff members across the agency. This has been reorganized so that production manager Leanne Saunders oversees all industry programs and funding, including the operation of Adelaide Studios.
New recruits include Mags Scholes (Production Executive (SA LED), Neil Rennison (Acting Game Development Executive), Jessica Giako (Talent Development Manager), Astrid Samuel (Program System Manager), Carmelbofa (Client Services Coordinator), and Januy (James) FU (Cleaning and Maintenance Manager).
Brian Scoerth joined SAFC in his new role as First Nations Program Lead, while Gavin Heard is the new corporate head within the SAFC executive team.
They will support the delivery of SAFC’s new strategic plan 2025-2028, officially launched on October 30th along with the industry programme for 2025-26.
SAFC CEO Kate Closer said he was “very impressed” by the new staff caliber.
“All new staff brings extensive expertise and networks to the agency. By investing in building a strong SAFC team, we can build on SAFC’s strong support for the SAFC’s SA screen industry,” she said.
Of the newly created positions, Scholes, who began her role on September 15th, will provide particularly targeted support to SA producers and production companies, and will be contacting SA applications that utilize SAFC’s Screen Production Fund, ABC SAFC Content Pipeline Fund, Post-Production, Digital and Visual Effects (PDV) Rebates. Starting September 15th, Boffa is responsible for professional and efficient client services as a contact for Adelaide Studios tenants and existing production clients. Starting today, FU will report to facility manager Alan Lloyd to provide enhanced support to Adelaide Studios users. And the rare that has started his role today will serve as contact points for First Nations applicants and partners, supporting cultural considerations throughout the SAFC program.
Elsewhere, Giacco will oversee programs such as development funding, Film Lab: New Voices, Markets, Conference Support, and partnerships with SAFC from October 13th. Lenison will be contacting all gaming industry programs inquiries starting September 29th. Samuel, who began her role on August 19th, will oversee the management of the production team’s programs and activities.
