Screen NSW appoints acting head Lauren Edwards, launches new programme to tackle skills shortage

Screen NSW has elevated Lauren Edwards to the role of acting head of the agency following the sudden departure of Kyas Hepworth.

Lauren Edwards

Hepworth announced last week she would be stepping down from to top role at Screen NSW.

Edwards is currently Screen NSW’s senior manager content investment, leading the agency’s investment team.

The succession planning comes as the agency launches a new A$1m (US$660k) programme accelerating careers for crew in tandem with screen educational institutions the Australian Film TV and Radio School (AFTRS), TAFE NSW and the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA), to provide intensive training opportunities.

The new Screen NSW Crew Development Program, was created due to a detected shortage of skilled crew nationally and will offer paid production placements and mentorship across six departments for entry-level and mid-career crew professionals.

Edwards said that the bespoke, hands-on programme would ensure that the NSW screen sector was growing its capacity for more screen production in the state.

“We have heard from the industry that there is a shortage of skilled crew, and the impact this is having on screen production in NSW. To make sure we continue to see local stories being made, and to ensure we continue to attract international blockbusters, we are growing our skilled workforce to better support our screen sector,” Edwards said.

The programme was first announced as part of the three-year NSW Screen & Digital Games Strategy, announced in June which identified the need for training in the areas of production accounting, location department, production management, post-production supervision, costume and art departments.

Director and producer Jane Campion said the industry needed more programmes that educate emerging practitioners and young people.

“It’s what us older generation should be doing all the time because it’s crucial for the entire industry for there to be the passing on of knowledge and uplifting of young people entering our sector. Programs like this will create a flourishing and diverse screen community,” she said.

The programme is pitched to attract both those aspirants who are looking for a way into the screen industry and/or screen professionals already working in the sector, wanting to expand into other areas.