03/09/2003

Mark Woods has just been appointed as the new head of the Irish Film Board in replacement of Rod Stoneman. Woods is an expatriate Irishman who spent his last 12 years in Australia, working as Australian correspondent for various film trade magazines then as Head of Acquisitions and Investment for the Premiere Movie Partnership’s Showtime and Encore film channels.

Ossie Kilkenny, Chair of the IFB said that Woods’ experience in the international arena will “prove invaluable in developing the Irish film industry”. Woods for his part stressed that independent film co-financing is his passion. “Building on the fine traditions of the Board, I am committed to offering strong support in bringing a rich and diverse range of Irish stories to local and international audiences by facilitating co-financing for today’s top Irish talent as well as the emerging teams behind tomorrow’s triumphs”.
Woods will take up his new position in October. In the meantime, the interim responsibility will be shared by Ossie Kilkenny and the Deputy Chair Ann O’Connell.