SAFC & MATCHBOX PICTURES INVITE YOU TO ATTEND A
TELEVISION DRAMA SERIES DEVELOPMENT BRIEFING WITH
MATCHBOX PICTURES’ EXECUTIVES:
CHRIS OLIVER–TAYLOR, MANAGING DIRECTOR
DEBBIE LEE, DIRECTOR, SCRIPTED DEVELOPMENT, AND
PADDY MACRAE, SCRIPTED DEVELOPMENT
TUESDAY 28 February, 10am – 2pm
Adelaide Studios, SA Film Corporation
226 Fullarton Rd, Glenside
EVENT DETAILS – Tuesday 28 February
This briefing will give South Australian practitioners – Producers, Writers and Directors the opportunity to expand their understanding of the Matchbox Pictures TV development
process, learning how and what type of projects to pitch to Matchbox, what materials
need to be presented, and how projects fit into the global TV marketplace.
Applications for submissions to Matchbox Pictures
(Submissions open 1 March, deadline Monday 17 April)
South Australian writers will receive the chance to submit a television drama series idea to
Matchbox Pictures. Writers are strongly encouraged to attend the briefing if they wish to
submit their TV project to the Matchbox Pictures program.
Apply using the online application portal link, available on the SAFC website from 1 March
2017. Applications are due 17th April 2017 COB.
One South Australian writer could be selected by Matchbox to have their TV project
developed by Matchbox Pictures. If selected the writer will be flown to Melbourne to
participate in a writer’s table.*
MatchBox Pictures
Matchbox Pictures develops and produces scripted and non-scripted television programs
and feature films for audiences throughout the world.
Formed in 2008 by Tony Ayres, Penny Chapman, Helen Bowden, Michael McMahon and
Helen Panckhurst, Matchbox is one of the most dynamic production houses in Australia.
In May 2011, NBC Universal took a majority stake in Matchbox Pictures and consequently
acquired full ownership of the company in January 2014. With a diverse output, the
business produces television drama, children’s programming, factual and entertainment
content, animation and feature films for the domestic and international marketplace.
Matchbox has also developed games and apps to enhance its programs across all available
platforms.
Matchbox works with some of the most exciting writers, directors and producers in
Australia to deliver content that is internationally renowned.
Chris Oliver-Taylor, Managing Director (Matchbox Pictures)
Chris started his career at the BBC in London, working across a number of production roles and
programs including Top of the Pops and The Generation Game before he emigrated to Australia in
2000 and worked at the ABC as a Production Executive, overseeing the business side of ABC
Drama, Arts & Entertainment and Comedy on programs including Kath & Kim, MDA, Fireflies, We
Can Be Heroes and Summer Heights High.
Chris became Head of Production in 2005, responsible for the production, delivery and resource
allocation of the entire ABC TV slate, over 2500 hours of content. In 2008, Chris took on the role of
Head Business & Operations for ABC Television, and as well as maintaining responsibility for
production, took on a more strategic role, ensuring that ABC TV was best positioned in a
converging media environment. In 2011, Chris moved to the independent production sector as
Managing Director of Matchbox Pictures. His role has oversight of all strategic and operational
aspects of the business. Managing a team of experienced producers to deliver a diverse content
plan across all networks in Australia and in partnership with majority owner, NBC Universal
internationally. Chris is also a board director of Screenrights and the former President of Screen
Producers of Australia.
Debbie Lee, Director, Scripted Development (Matchbox Pictures)
Debbie Lee is Matchbox Pictures’ Director of Scripted Development. Debbie provides creative
leadership to the development of scripted content across a broad range of genres and markets.
Debbie joins Matchbox Pictures from ABC Television where her most recent role was as Head of
Comedy. Prior to that, Debbie held roles at ABC Television as Commissioning Editor, Entertainment
and Comedy and at SBS Television where she was Commissioning Editor, Drama and Comedy for
SBS Independent. During her time at ABC Television, Debbie has commissioned such programs
as A Moody Christmas, Laid, Lowdown, The Librarians, At Home with Julia and Angry Boys. At the
SBS Debbie commissioned Wilfred and John Safran vs. God amongst many others.
Paddy Macrae , Producer (Matchbox Pictures)
Coming from an advertising background in London, since joining Matchbox Pictures in 2015 Paddy
has worked across numerous Matchbox shows including The Family Law (SBS), Glitch (ABC), Seven
Types of Ambiguity (ABC), Barracuda (ABC), and most recently was Script Editor on the second
season of Wanted (Network 7).
Briefing RSVP here: register online here
Application Portal: Applications available on the SAFC website from March 1
For more information contact:
[email protected]
08 8394 2004
*SAFC and Matchbox Pictures make no guarantee the selected writer will be hired to write episodes if their material is
optioned. Writer would receive a minimum ‘story by’ credit. Matchbox will negotiate all option deals. SAFC Is not
involved in the final decision or option for the projects and cannot offer legal advice. If projects submitted to
Matchbox are not commercially viable then Matchbox has the right to not option any project.