Northern Ireland Screen Commission seeks new Vice-Chair

Culture, Arts and Leisure Minister Nelson McCausland has announced that he is seeking a Vice-Chair to the Northern Ireland Screen Commission.

Highlighting the importance of the position the Minister said: “I am keen to appoint a highly motivated individual to this position. An enormous amount of progress has been made over recent years to develop the screen industry in Northern Ireland.

“The Commission has been instrumental in attracting major international film productions to Northern Ireland such as “City of Ember”, produced by Tom Hanks’ company Playtone Productions and Universal Studios’ big budget film “Your Highness”, which is currently being filmed at the Paint Hall in the Titanic Quarter.

“The Vice-Chair will support the Chair in providing clear strategic leadership to the Northern Ireland Screen Commission and contributing to the development of policy and strategy for the screen industry in Northern Ireland.

“The Vice-Chair will be required to promote the highest standards of accountability and governance in the management of Northern Ireland Screen’s staff and financial resources. The successful applicant will also be responsible for contributing to the development of Northern Ireland Screen’s public profile and occasionally representing the Commission authoritatively in a wide range of circumstances.

“We have the talent, the expertise, the resources and a welcoming atmosphere that is sure to encourage more and more film and television productions to locate here. I hope to appoint a new Vice-Chair who will help us to build on the progress that has been made.”

Notes to editors:

1. Northern Ireland Screen’s mission is to accelerate the development of a dynamic and sustainable screen industry and culture in Northern Ireland.

2. Northern Ireland Screen was established in 1997. It is primarily funded by Invest NI, the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure and the UK Film Council and it is delegated by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland to administer Lottery funding for film in Northern Ireland.

3. The Northern Ireland Screen Commission has eight primary areas of activity:

• Development and production funding; production logistics support.
• Marketing to promote Northern Ireland as a base for production.
• Company development support initiatives for local production companies.
• Skills Development/training for the industry.
• Information services for producers and others.
• Moving image education policy development.
• Developing access to the audiovisual heritage of Northern Ireland.
• Specialised film exhibition development.

4. The post of Vice-Chair will attract an honorarium of £3,500 per annum plus travel and subsistence expenses. It will require a time commitment of 10 days per annum. The appointment will be for a term of up to four years.

5. The appointments process will be carried out in accordance with the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments Northern Ireland Code of Practice. A selection panel, which will include an independent assessor, as required under the Commissioner’s Code, will consider the suitability of all candidates. The final decision on the appointments will rested with the Minister. All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for the political activity of appointees (if declared) to be published.

6. Media enquiries should be addressed to the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure Press Office. Tel (028) 9025 8901 or email press.office@dcalni.gov.uk . Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned