Minister for the Arts Peter Garrett today announced the appointment of Mr Michael Smellie as Chair of the Australian Film, Television and Radio School (AFTRS) Council.
Minister for the Arts Peter Garrett today announced the
appointment of Mr Michael Smellie as Chair of the Australian Film,
Television and Radio School (AFTRS) Council.
"I am very pleased to announce the appointment of Michael
Smellie to the AFTRS," Mr Garrett said.
"With more than 25 years experience in the music industry Mr
Smellie has held finance and management positions with a range of
international music businesses including Sony BMG and Polygram (now
part of Universal) in Australia, Brazil and the United Kingdom. He
was appointed Managing Director for BMG in Australasia in 1993 and
then Head of the Asia/Pacific Region for the organisation.
"In 2001 Mr Smellie was appointed as Chief Operating Officer
(COO) for BMG worldwide and in 2004 for Sony BMG. From 2006 to 2008
Mr Smellie was President of Media Development, Asia Pacific for
German media group Bertelsmann.
"Mr Smellie brings valuable business and financial expertise to
the AFTRS Council having played a significant role in the global
music industry," Mr Garrett said.
Mr Smellie has been appointed for a three year term and will
replace Mr Peter Ivany AM as Chair.
"I want to acknowledge Mr Ivany's leadership and dedicated
service over the last three years. In particular, I want to thank
him for his work which resulted in the establishment of the
School's new state-of the-art facilities at Moore Park," Mr Garrett
said.
AFTRS is the Australian Government's national centre for
professional education and advanced training in film, television
and radio. AFTRS provides advanced education and training for
talented students through a suite of undergraduate and postgraduate
award courses in the screen arts and broadcasting, as well as
running a national Open Program of vocationally focused short
courses for industry professionals and to meet the training needs
of industry.
Media contact: Ben Pratt 0419 968 734
