See-Saw Films hires Stateless producer Liz Watts as head of film and television

London- and Sydney-based drama producer See-Saw Films has named Liz Watts, whose credits include Cate Blanchett drama Stateless, as head of film and television.

Liz Watts

In her new role, Watts will oversee the development and production of all film and television projects out of See-Saw’s Australian office, including for its joint venture with writer Sam Strauss, Picking Scabs.

Reporting to See-Saw’s joint managing directors Emile Sherman and Iain Canning, as well as the prodco’s UK-based creative director Helen Gregory, Watts will take up the position on December 14.

Watts joins See-Saw from her own company Spirit Pictures and will continue to executive produce shows developed under Spirit’s first look with Matchbox Pictures, which is part of Universal International Studios, a division of Universal Studios Group.

Prior to founding Spirit in 2020, Watts launched production company Porchlight Films with Vincent Sheehan and Anita Sheehan. Along with ABC drama Stateless, her credits include film Mary Magdalene, starring Joaquin Phoenix and Chiwetel Ejiofor.

Sherman and Canning said in a statement: “Liz brings an extraordinary wealth of experience and an unwavering eye for quality as a film and television producer and executive producer, with so many deep creative relationships with the most exciting Australian voices. The opportunity for Australian content is stronger than it’s ever been, both locally and internationally, and we’re excited to grow our Australian business with Liz at the helm.”