Pitt, Newbegin take reins at Screen England
Ruth Pitt has taken on the newly created position of Screen England Executive Director and John Newbegin is the organisation’s first independent chair.
Screen England is an umbrella body comprising the nation’s nine Regional Screen Agencies (RSAs). Pitt, who brings vast experience in the film sector with her, will prioritise implementing the ambitious vision of the Government’s Digital Britain report.
Pitt said, “Digital Britain demonstrates how dramatically the media landscape is changing. We believe the regional screen agencies are perfectly placed to help content producers, new talent and also consumers to make the transition to a fully digital universe. Thousands of jobs and businesses have been created or supported across the network in England, so maintaining that momentum is more important now than ever before.
"I intend to play a full part in ensuring that our film and TV, games and new media producers stay ahead of the game - and continue to offer the best creative ideas and value for money as the national economy weathers recession.”
Newbigin comes from a public sector funding background and has ample experience in working with RSAs. He said, “The screen agencies have played a heroic but largely unsung role in brokering investment, skills development and strategic support for media and creative businesses. This initiative will enable us to increase the screen agencies’ contribution to a dynamic creative economy in the English regions.”
The position of deputy chair will rotate annually between the RSAs and its first incumbent is Sally Joynson, CEO of Screen Yorkshire.
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