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Norris replaces Luckwell as UK Screen Association Chair

UK Screen announced today that after six years in office Mike Luckwell will step aside handing the reins to Steve Norris who takes up his appointment as Chairman with immediate effect.

UK Screen, the UK trade body representing and promoting over 140 service companies working in film, commercials and television in the UK, announced today that after six years in office Mike Luckwell will step aside handing the reins to Steve Norris who takes up his appointment as Chairman with immediate effect.

Norris has had a rich and diverse career in the industry and is now an independent Film Producer and Consultant. For the last three years, he was Managing Director of Film at Framestore, before which he spent nine years as British Film Commissioner with the UK Film Council.

Speaking of the new appointment and recalling his own experiences, Luckwell said: “In 2004 some of the larger post production and CGI companies and the UK Film Council asked me to establish a new trade association. Later it was resolved to enlarge its remit to embrace all companies providing services to the UK Screen Based industries. I am delighted to say that today, not only are virtually all the major sector companies a member, but it also plays a constructive role in helping its many smaller company members. As government takes a greater interest in both helping, and regulating, a booming communications and entertainment industry, lobbying and the provision of advice and assistance to members, is critically important.

“Having been Chairman since its inception I felt it was now time for new blood to bring an infusion of new ideas and drive. I am delighted that in Steve we have found just the right mix of ‘respect from his peers’ and energy, combined with knowledge of the industry. The early days involved a lot of work but after the set up phase I am delighted to admit that Gaynor Davenport, the CEO of UK Screen, has done most of the work and I would like to express my thanks to her for making my role enjoyable. I feel confident that UK Screen will continue to make a major contribution to the well being of all of its members”.

Davenport paid tribute to Luckwell. “Mike’s an individual, one of kind, in fact I don’t think there was anyone else who could have united the sector in the way he has done; people today still remember with awe that inaugural meeting at BAFTA! We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Mike and whilst he will be missed we know he will remain a strong supporter of UK Screen”.

Speaking of Norris’s appointment, Davenport said: “I’m absolutely delighted; Steve brings valuable experience to UK Screen’s future work, both in relation to trade practices and his understanding of the mechanics of government which will be crucial to the evolution of the association. He’s the perfect person for the role, I know the sector itself will see this appointment in the same way, and I look forward to working with him on the challenges ahead.”

Steve Norris himself commented: “This is a time of fast and exciting development in the industry and I’m looking forward to working with our members to find ways to improve the commercial environment in which we all have to operate. If we’re going to maintain Britain’s cutting edge in the audio visual production industry, then there’s going to be some tough fights ahead for the association and its members, something I look forward to supporting in the future.”

www.ukscreenassociation.co.uk