Duo enlist at Oz coin org

Brady, Ikin appointment reps FFC's change to funding pix

By DON GROVES

SYDNEY -- Distrib Tait Brady and producer Bridget Ikin, named Tuesday as evaluation managers at the Film Finance Corp., have won two of the most coveted jobs in the Australian film industry.

Brady, who is stepping down as general manager of Palace Films, and Ikin will work with FFC chief exec Brian Rosen to evaluate the creative merit and audience potential of films in which the agency will invest.

This is a departure from the FFC's traditional model of funding films based on pre-sales and distrib guarantees.

Ikin, whose credits include "Floating Life," "An Angel at My Table" and "Crush," can't move to the FFC until February, after she completes "Life Story." She was general manager of pubcaster SBS' production arm, SBS Independent, from 1996-2000.

Brady, who will continue to be based in Melbourne, starts his two-year contract in August.

"The FFC's new approach puts the emphasis on quality rather than simply projects that have financial backing, and I think that's the right approach," said Brady, who has released a slew of Aussie films including 'Lantana," "Japanese Story" and "Chopper."

In the interim, Rosen will oversee evaluations, supported by an advisory team including John Politzer, previously manager of buying and programming for exhib Greater Union.

Ikin and Brady will be asked for their recommendations before any project goes to the FFC board for approval.