Disney+ taps Sarah Christie as Australia Content Head

Disney+ has recruited former Amazon MGM Studios executive Sarah Christie to lead local content across Australia and New Zealand, as the streamer prepares to increase spending on Australian originals.

Christie will begin in November as executive director for local content, overseeing commissioning and acquisitions across both markets, Variety Australia reports.

Her remit includes developing and producing scripted and unscripted programming.

From Amazon to Disney+

Christie spent five years at Amazon MGM Studios, including more than two years heading Australian and New Zealand originals, following almost three years as senior development executive for Australia.

Her commissioning credits include The Narrow Road to the Deep North, both seasons of Deadloch, The Office Australia and Inside the AFL.

Last month, she commissioned Madness of Three, Free Spirits: The Backpacker Poisonings and a fourth season of The Test.

At Disney+, Christie will report to Jon Wax, executive vice president, international content, Disney Entertainment.

She will also work closely with Carol Choi, executive vice president of integrated marketing and original strategy, APAC, and Kylie Watson-Wheeler, senior vice president and managing director, ANZ, and head of ESPN, Asia-Pacific.

Australian originals spending to increase

The appointment follows Wax’s comments at the Busan International Film Festival, where he outlined plans to recruit an Australian content commissioner and increase investment in local originals.

As Mediaweek previously reported, Disney+ plans to triple its local-language production globally. That target applies to worldwide output, rather than Australian production alone. 

Christie’s arrival comes as production begins in Sydney on the third and final season of The Artful Dodger.

A docuseries featuring Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman as co-owners of the Australian SailGP team, the Bonds Flying Roos, is also filming.