Simonne Overend has joined Screen Queensland in the newly created position of LA consultant, facilitating strategic connections for Queensland practitioners and companies in Hollywood and promoting the state as a production destination.
Overend is the current Head of Scripted Content for Essential Media and Entertainment’s LA office and her appointment coincides with SQ's recently announced workspace at Charlie’s, the hotdesking space for Australian industry based at LA's Raleigh Studios.
"We have created this new role to promote Queensland projects and talent and to capitalise on the momentum growth Queensland is experiencing on a global scale and the excellent reputation we are enjoying in the US," said SQ CEO Tracey Vieira.
"Simonne has joined our SQ team as a tactical member to help individuals and sole company operators who want to forge professional relationships with US producers. She will be in a position to provide valuable support and market feedback on SQ-supported projects from a US perspective."
"Through our flagship LA creative base and personnel, we aim for increased co-productions and investors in Queensland screen productions. We operate in a global economy and therefore by focusing on attracting more international investment to Queensland and helping our practitioners on-ground in LA, we are giving our local industry the competitive advantage it needs."
In addition to her current post with Essential Media, Overend has worked at RGM Artist Group, BBC4, IWC Media, December Films and Village Roadshow. She is the Chair of Australians in Film and consults for Screen Producers Australia.