See-Saw Films’ joint managing directors Emile Sherman and Iain Canning have announced the appointment of Liz Watts to join See-Saw Films as head of film and television, Australia. Effective 14th December, Watts will oversee the development and production of all film and television projects out of See-Saw’s Australian office, including for its joint venture Picking Scabs with writer Sam Strauss. Watts is reporting to Sherman and Canning, as well as See-Saw’s UK based creative director Helen Gregory. Gregory joined the company this year to steer See-Saw’s television output, as well as integrating its global film and television strategy.
Watts will draw on See-Saw’s development, production and finance teams in Australia, including head of production Libby Sharpe, head of legal and business affairs Rebecca Hardman, development producer Billy Bowring, and UK based COO Simon Gillis. Watts joins See-Saw from her own company Spirit Pictures, bringing with her a select group of projects to build at See-Saw and will continue to EP key shows developed under Spirit’s first look with Matchbox Pictures, which is part of Universal International Studios, a division of Universal Studios Group.
Watts said: “I’ve long admired the brilliance, creative drive and tenacity of See-Saw, and the excellent taste of its Managing Directors Emile and Iain. Stacked with so many talented people with so many skillsets, it’s a truly global production house. I’m hugely excited about joining a company that isn’t resting on its laurels but is firmly looking to the future of original, enthralling television and feature storytelling. I can’t wait to dive in!”
Emile Sherman and Iain Canning said: “We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Liz Watts into the See-Saw family. Liz brings an extraordinary wealth of experience and an unwavering eye for quality as a film and television Producer and Executive Producer, with so many deep creative relationships with the most exciting Australian voices. The opportunity for Australian content is stronger than it’s ever been, both locally and internationally, and we’re excited to grow our Australian business with Liz at the helm.”