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This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007

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Appointments to Scottish Screen

21/03/2003

Five new members for the board of Scottish Screen, and the re-appointment of one member, have been announced

Dinah Caine, Richard Findlay, Kay Henning, Malcolm Ritchie and Iain Smith have been appointed and Bryan Beattie has been re-appointed.

The appointments are for a four year term to January 31, 2007. The posts are not paid.

Scottish Screen is based in Glasgow and its board has an essential role in determining strategies, policies and priorities, in overseeing the work of the chief executive and his staff, and in ensuring good value for money for publicfunds.

The organisation receives annual funding of £2.6 million from the Executive.

Culture Minister Mike Watson said:

"I am delighted to be able to make these appointments to Scottish Screen. The appointments are clear statements of the Executive's support for, and recognition of, the crucial role Scottish Screen plays in promoting and developing all aspects of the screen industry in Scotland.

"The board members represent a rich variety of backgrounds and have considerable experience that will benefit Scottish Screen. I am confident that, under the leadership of the chair, Ray MacFarlane, they will make a significant contribution to the development of Scottish Screen.

"I look forward to working with Ray MacFarlane and her colleagues in pursuing Scottish Ministers' policies for the screen industries in Scotland and ensuring Scottish Screen's future."

Ray MacFarlane said:

"I am delighted that the new board members have been selected from a strong field of applicants. I am confident that we have a board which can take forward to work of Scottish Screen and deliver its corporate objectives."

Dinah Caine OBE is the Chief Executive of Skillset, the Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual Industries. Skillset is very active in Scotland and has a highly effective relationship with Scottish Screen. Ms Caine has a detailed knowledge of the screen industry. She is a member of the Northern Ireland Television Commission, a member of the British Screen Advisory Council and has been recently been awarded Fellowship of the Royal Television Society.

Ms Caine declared political activities in her application: she is a member of the Labour Party and currently holds office as Chair of the Kentish Town Branch. She holds noother ministerial appointments.

Richard Findlay is an Entertainment Law Partner with Tods Murray WS. His knowledge and experience will help strengthen the business expertise of the Board. Mr Findlay is also Vice Chairman of the Royal Lyceum Theatre Company, a Director of the Scottish National Photography Centre Ltd and a member of he Scottish Committee of BAFTA. Mr Findlay declared no political activities in the last five years in his application, and holds no other ministerial appointments.

Kay Henning is a Director of Catalyst Media, an independent Media Consultancy specialising in new digital media. Although based in London, she is Scottish. Prior to 1995 when she established her own business, she worked in the BBC drama department, where she was Head of Research in Interactive Media. At present she is engaged in several new media developments at a strategic level, including broadband and content development. Ms Henning declared no political activities in the last five years, and holds no other ministerial appointments.

Malcolm Ritchie is a film and media consultant with Kuhn & Co in London, non-executive chairman of Waterside Television, Edinburgh and financial and strategic advisor or non-executive director to various other Scottish film and television companies. A Scottish CA by profession, he has extensive experience and knowledge of the international film industry and, as Chief Operating Officer of PolyGram Filmed Entertainment, played a key role in the start-up and development of what became Europe's most significant film production and distribution group. He declared no political activities in the last five years, and holds no other ministerial appointments.

Iain Smith is a significant figure in the international film production community. He is a Producer at Applecross Productions Ltd., Deputy Chair of the British Film Commission Advisory Group, Vice President of the Production Guild of Great Britain, and a Director of the Children's Film and Television Foundation. His list of production credits includes: Local Hero, The Killing Fields, City of Joy, and Seven Years in Tibet. He declared no political activities in the last five years. He is a Member of the British Film Council, which is an appointment made by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. The post is not remunerated.

Bryan Beattie has been re-appointed after a successful first term as a member of the Scottish Screen Board. He is an independent arts consultant and writer. He has served as a member of Ross and Cromarty Enterprise, Chairman of Eden Court Theatre, and Director of Scottish Youth Theatre. From 1994 to 1999 he was an Independent Councillor in the Highland Council during which time he was Chairman of the Cultural and Leisure Services Committee. He holds no other ministerial appointments.

The appointments were made in accordance with guidance issued by the Office of the Commissioner of Public Appointments (OCPA). Statements of validation from the Independent Assessor appointed by OCPA have been obtained. This confirms full compliance with the OCPA Code of Practice at each stage of the appointments process.

Page updated: Wednesday, July 21, 2004