In a strategy designed to build on the success of its recent his TV series Swift Street, which premiered in competition at Canneseries 2024 and screened on SBS, Magpie Pictures has announced new Development Producer and Business Executive appointments.

The new roles, funded by Screen Australia Enterprise Business support, will see Matthew Kelly, a highly experienced media and communications executive, join founding Producer Lois Randall and newly promoted General Manager Meredith Hussey.

Claire Lindsay and Ree Evans will job-share a new Development Producer role and will be based at the company’s Northern Rivers’ (NSW) offices.“These new appointments, and Meredith’s promotion, will build the development and production capacity of the company,” said Lois Randall.

“Magpie Pictures produces bold and impactful scripted television. We are passionate about female-led, diverse and regional stories. Our ambition is to take audiences on a deep dive into a different point of view that will change the way they see the world. We have earned a reputation for our rigour in supporting creators to write with a fresh authentic voice, and we’re excited about our new slate which includes highly distinctive original concepts from new and experienced writers, and adaptations of works from Australian women novelists set in unique worlds.”

Ms Randall added: “With Enterprise Business support we aim to take advantage of new creative and market partnerships and opportunities to produce game-changing scripted series. We know it’s an increasingly competitive global market but we believe Magpie Pictures is offering something fresh and original.“

“I thank Screen Australia for their support, and I’m thrilled to welcome the new team to Magpie Pictures”.

Matthew Kelly will support Magpie Pictures as Consulting Business Executive and EP. With broad business and legal experience and roles including Principal Legal Counsel at Foxtel and Senior Lawyer at Screen Australia, Matt will advise on business strategy and development.

Claire Lindsay and Ree Evans will job-share a new Development Producer role. Claire is an emerging producer with over a decade’s experience in First Nations and factual entertainment production before pursuing her passion for scripted television through a 2023 Emerging Producer Placement at Screen NSW and Roadshow Rough Diamond. Ree is an emerging development creative with a passion for inclusive storytelling and over 25 year’s experience in film and television production and script services, and who has recently undertaken professional development with Pixar and UCLA Extension programs.

 Randall concluded that “with our expanded team, Magpie Pictures is developing bold new projects to back up the success of Swift Street and our multi-award-winning children’s series Grace Beside Me. In an increasingly competitive global market we believe Magpie Pictures’ offering is fresh and original.“