Press release from SAFC
The South Australian Premier Mike Rann, today announced the appointment of Des Monaghan, Underbelly Producer and Executive Chairman of Screentime, to the South Australian Film Corporation Board for a three-year term.
“The SAFC is about to enter a new and exciting era as it prepares to move into the Adelaide Studios and television production will be a crucial part of this future,” said the Premier.
“As one of Australia’s leading television producers, Des Monaghan will play an important part in ensuring that the South Australian Film Corporation has a television strategy that makes the most of the great opportunities provided by these new facilities.”
SAFC Chairman Cheryl Bart welcomed Mr Monaghan to the Board.
"I am delighted to have Des join the SAFC Board at this significant time. His knowledge, experience and wisdom, especially in television drama and reality production, will be invaluable."
Des Monaghan has had a long and distinguished television career as a network executive, and as a producer and production company owner, in both Australia and New Zealand. He began his New Zealand producing career on the pioneering 1960s and ‘70s news and current affairs shows Town and Around, Compass, and Gallery.
In the early 1980s, Monaghan was Controller of Programming and subsequently the Director of Programmes and Production for Television New Zealand.
In the late 1980s, Monaghan set up South Pacific Pictures, before being head-hunted to take up the position of Network Director of Production and Programme Development at The Seven Network in Australia.

In the mid 1990s, Monaghan joined forces with Bob Campbell (then Managing Director of The Seven Network) to set up Screentime, an independent production company with operations in Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland. The company has produced acclaimed telemovies, mini-series, long form drama, serial drama, comedy, infotainment, and reality TV; and has had significant success selling Popstars and other format shows around the world. The Underbelly drama series franchise is a worldwide success including the U.S.


"The South Australian Film Corporation has a wonderful legacy of production and this is an exciting time for the organisation with new studios coming online and a new generation of talent beginning to shine through,” said Des Monaghan.
“I look forward to working with Cheryl Bart and the SAFC Board in facing the challenges that lie ahead for our industry, while taking advantage of the new opportunities opening up."