Congratulations to Dale Corlett (Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa, Rangitāne, Ngāti Ira) who as of 10 July 2024 will be Script to Screens’ new Executive Director.
Dale is a BAFTA Scotland nominated feature film director who has worked in talent development for the past 30 years including 11 years as CEO/Creative Director of GMAC Film, a not-for-profit charity in Scotland recognised as one of the leading talent development and independent filmmaker centre’s there, and more recently 9 years as the Head of Talent Development at the New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC).
During his time at the NZFC Dale led in the planning, development and implementation of the NZFC’s Te Rautaki Māori and more recently the Diversity and Inclusion Strategy. He also led in the development and implementation of the NZFC Talent Development strategy and worked closely with Script to Screen and all the guilds and industry organisations across the sector.
Dale is passionate about untapping the potential of Aotearoa’s screen talent and he knows the local screen industry well. He shared, “I have always been inspired by the work Script to Screen delivers and the impact its programmes make for our screen storytellers. So, it is a huge honour and privilege to have been chosen by the board of Script to Screen to be the next Executive Director”.
On this note we’d also like to extend a massive gratitude to Jackie Denis and all she has contributed to our members through her dedication at Script to Screen over the past seven years.
During her tenure Jackie made meaningful contributions, including founding the Script Development Service, partnering on the annual Kōpere Hou Fresh Shorts program with New Zealand Film Commission, launching Awhi peer-to-peer support for alumni during COVID-19 lockdown, overseeing the creation of a free online short film and web series tutorial, and collaborating on development programs in the South Island with Te Puna Matarau and Film Otago Southland. She also managed Script to Screen taking full ownership of the Big Screen Symposium, and kept the two-day event a vibrant, much-loved gathering of screen creatives despite pandemic challenges.
According to Michael Harper, Chair of the Board of Script to Screen “Jackie has made an incredible contribution to Script to Screen. She has steered our organisation through the significant challenges of recent years with grace, humour, passion and great wisdom. On behalf of all of the current and former trustees and staff of Script to Screen, I want to thank Jackie for all of her hard work. She has achieved much during her 7 years, and we are very sad to say goodbye.”
Reflecting on her time, Jackie said, “It has been an absolute pleasure being part of such a talented creative community. I am proud of our shared accomplishments and will always cherish the memories from my time here. I hope to continue contributing in some way to a vibrant screen industry.”
Please join us in welcoming the new Executive Director of Script to Screen. We wish you all the best Dale! As well as send our blessings to Jackie as she begins a new chapter.