Maddock to head Screen Oz merger

New agency will handle all film business

By MICHAELA BOLAND

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SYDNEY -- The Oz government has tapped vet bureaucrat Lyn Maddock as temporary topper of Screen Australia, the agency that will manage all federal film biz beginning July 1.

Legislation was passed last week confirming that documentary agency Film Australia, the Film Finance Corp. and culture and marketing org the Australian Film Commission would merge into one body, Screen Australia, by the end of the year.

Maddock is charged with aiding the smooth transition until a permanent topper starts in July or August. The government is expected to call for applications for the job soon.

Maddock oversaw the creation of the Australian Communications and Media Authority, of which she is deputy chairwoman.