Council | Australian Film Television and Radio School

Rachel Perkins

Rachel Perkins, a woman of the Arrernte and Kalkadoon nations and writer, director, and producer of award-winning television drama, documentaries, and feature films with a 30-year career in film and media, has been announced as AFTRS Council Chair.

Rachel Perkins

Rachel Perkins, a woman of the Arrernte and Kalkadoon nations and writer, director, and producer of award-winning television drama, documentaries, and feature films with a 30-year career in film and media, has been announced as AFTRS Council Chair.

Job title:

AFTRS Council Chair

Division:

Council

Link to Debra Richards

Debra Richards

Debra has been Director of Production Policy at Netlflix since September 2019, covering studio affairs, production policy and sensitive content for the Asia Pacific region. She has over 30 years communications, media & screen industry experience, previously 12 years as CEO of the Australian Subscription Television and Radio Association (ASTRA), over 13 years with Australia’s broadcasting regulator, then the Australian Broadcasting Authority (& Tribunal) and most recently almost nine years as the immediate past CEO of Ausfilm, attracting major production and post production work to Australia.

Debra has been involved in most screen content policy and production industry issues in Australia during her working life as regulator, stakeholder and advocate covering local content, sports rights, copyright, digital conversion and distribution disruption.

Debra is a Vice President of the Communications and Media Law Association (CAMLA) Board; a Director of the International Institute of Communications, Australia (IICA); Deputy Chair of the Alcohol Beverage Advertising Code (ABAC) adjudication panel; a Director of Northcott, a professional member of the Australian Film Institute (AFI) and a marriage celebrant.

Debra is a Council Member of the Australian Film Television & Radio School’s (AFTRS) Council and to the NSW Film & Television Advisory Committee.

Debra Richards

Debra has been Director of Production Policy at Netlflix since September 2019, covering studio affairs, production policy and sensitive content for the Asia Pacific region. She has over 30 years communications, media & screen industry experience, previously 12 years as CEO of the Australian Subscription Television and Radio Association (ASTRA), over 13 years with Australia’s broadcasting regulator, then the Australian Broadcasting Authority (& Tribunal) and most recently almost nine years as the immediate past CEO of Ausfilm, attracting major production and post production work to Australia.

Debra has been involved in most screen content policy and production industry issues in Australia during her working life as regulator, stakeholder and advocate covering local content, sports rights, copyright, digital conversion and distribution disruption.

Debra is a Vice President of the Communications and Media Law Association (CAMLA) Board; a Director of the International Institute of Communications, Australia (IICA); Deputy Chair of the Alcohol Beverage Advertising Code (ABAC) adjudication panel; a Director of Northcott, a professional member of the Australian Film Institute (AFI) and a marriage celebrant.

Debra is a Council Member of the Australian Film Television & Radio School’s (AFTRS) Council and to the NSW Film & Television Advisory Committee.

Job title:

Deputy Chair of Council (Governor-General appointment)

Division:

Council

Link to Fiona Donovan

Fiona Donovan

Fiona Donovan completed her first degree in Architecture at Canberra University, before moving to Sydney and taking up a place in the Set and Costume Design Course at NIDA. Since graduating from the NIDA in 1992, Fiona has worked in many genres of film, television and theatre.

Fiona has production designed extensively in both television and film and has been nominated four times for the AACTA Award for Best Production Design in Television for her work on the internationally successful period drama, A Place to Call Home. Fiona also won the APDG Award for Production Design on a Television Drama for Series 6 of A Place to Call Home in 2019. Fiona has also been nominated for an APDG award in 2023 for The Twelve and 2022 for Frayed Series 2.

Most recently, Fiona was the production designer on the upcoming series Silver for Stan, the feature film The Correspondent, prior to this she designed feature Sting and the hugely successful Stan feature Christmas Ransom as well as Back to the Rafters and Between Two Worlds.

Fiona has been art director of several high-profile Australian television series, including the police drama Young Lions, the 22-part ABC legal drama Crownies and the 1960s period comedy-drama Love Child. She has art directed on international film productions including Truth, The Shallows and Pacific Rim Uprising.

Fiona is Council Member of the Australian Film Television & Radio School (AFTRS), Vice President of the Australian Production Design Guild (APDG), Council Member of Creative Workplaces (Creative Australia) and is active on both the screen and awards committees, as well as a professional member of the Australian Academy of Cinema and Televisions Arts (AACTA).

Fiona Donovan

Fiona Donovan completed her first degree in Architecture at Canberra University, before moving to Sydney and taking up a place in the Set and Costume Design Course at NIDA. Since graduating from the NIDA in 1992, Fiona has worked in many genres of film, television and theatre.

Fiona has production designed extensively in both television and film and has been nominated four times for the AACTA Award for Best Production Design in Television for her work on the internationally successful period drama, A Place to Call Home. Fiona also won the APDG Award for Production Design on a Television Drama for Series 6 of A Place to Call Home in 2019. Fiona has also been nominated for an APDG award in 2023 for The Twelve and 2022 for Frayed Series 2.

Most recently, Fiona was the production designer on the upcoming series Silver for Stan, the feature film The Correspondent, prior to this she designed feature Sting and the hugely successful Stan feature Christmas Ransom as well as Back to the Rafters and Between Two Worlds.

Fiona has been art director of several high-profile Australian television series, including the police drama Young Lions, the 22-part ABC legal drama Crownies and the 1960s period comedy-drama Love Child. She has art directed on international film productions including Truth, The Shallows and Pacific Rim Uprising.

Fiona is Council Member of the Australian Film Television & Radio School (AFTRS), Vice President of the Australian Production Design Guild (APDG), Council Member of Creative Workplaces (Creative Australia) and is active on both the screen and awards committees, as well as a professional member of the Australian Academy of Cinema and Televisions Arts (AACTA).

Job title:

Council Member (Governor-General appointment)

Division:

Council

Link to Greg Woods

Greg Woods

Greg Woods is the CEO of Fremantle Australia, a world leader in creating, producing and distributing content.

Greg joined Fremantle in 2007 which led him to gain experience and expertise across multiple disciplines and territories within the group. From 2015-2021 he was Chief Financial Officer of the organisation and in 2022 Greg was appointed Fremantle’s CEO for Australia. He assumes full responsibility for the company’s overall management and business performance including leading the financing, development and production of programming across a wide range of genres. Throughout his tenure at Fremantle Greg has played an integral role in top-rating and iconic programs such as Neighbours, Wentworth, Heartbreak High, Grand Designs as well as the Fremantle unscripted catalogue programs.

Greg began his career with PricewaterhouseCoopers where he progressed to becoming an audit manager consulting with a variety of clients in the media and entertainment industries. He is a member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and has a Bachelor of Business, majoring in Marketing and Accounting from the University of Technology Sydney.

Greg Woods

Greg Woods is the CEO of Fremantle Australia, a world leader in creating, producing and distributing content.

Greg joined Fremantle in 2007 which led him to gain experience and expertise across multiple disciplines and territories within the group. From 2015-2021 he was Chief Financial Officer of the organisation and in 2022 Greg was appointed Fremantle’s CEO for Australia. He assumes full responsibility for the company’s overall management and business performance including leading the financing, development and production of programming across a wide range of genres. Throughout his tenure at Fremantle Greg has played an integral role in top-rating and iconic programs such as Neighbours, Wentworth, Heartbreak High, Grand Designs as well as the Fremantle unscripted catalogue programs.

Greg began his career with PricewaterhouseCoopers where he progressed to becoming an audit manager consulting with a variety of clients in the media and entertainment industries. He is a member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and has a Bachelor of Business, majoring in Marketing and Accounting from the University of Technology Sydney.

Job title:

Council Member (Convocation appointment); FARM Committee Chair

Division:

Finance, Audit & Risk Management Committee, Council

Link to Jane Halton (AO PSM)

Jane Halton (AO PSM)

Jane Halton is a member of the Boards of Clayton Utz, chair of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation, Suncorp Bank and Ngamuru Advisory. She was previously a member of the National COVID-19 Commission Advisory Board and the boards of the Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited, Crown Resorts Limited, the Australian Strategic Policy Institute and Naval Group. She was previously the Chair of the Council on the Ageing and Vault Systems and was co-chair of the Global COVAX mechanism.
Jane is a former Secretary of the Australian Department of Finance. She has extensive experience in finance, insurance, risk management, information technology, human resources, health and ageing and public policy. Jane’s previous roles include Secretary of the Australian Department of Health, Secretary for the Department of Health and Ageing and Executive Co-ordinator (Deputy Secretary) of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. Jane has held international appointments including the Executive Board of the World Health Organization, President of the World Health Assembly, Chair of the Executive Board of WHO and Chair of the OECD Health Committee.
Jane has held the position of Professor Health Policy and Security ANU and is an Honorary Professor at ANU, Adjunct Professor at the University of Sydney, and Adjunct Professor at the University of Canberra. She also holds a Doctorate of Letters Honoris Causa from the University of New South Wales.
Jane has contributed extensively to community health through local and international organisations including the World Health Organisation and National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Council with a particular emphasis on public health including in relation to tobacco control, food policy and communicable disease. Jane was awarded the order of Australia, the Public Service Medal, the Centenary Medal and the Geneva Health Prize. In 2016, she was elected to the National Academy of Medicine in the United States.

Jane Halton (AO PSM)

Jane Halton is a member of the Boards of Clayton Utz, chair of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation, Suncorp Bank and Ngamuru Advisory. She was previously a member of the National COVID-19 Commission Advisory Board and the boards of the Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited, Crown Resorts Limited, the Australian Strategic Policy Institute and Naval Group. She was previously the Chair of the Council on the Ageing and Vault Systems and was co-chair of the Global COVAX mechanism.
Jane is a former Secretary of the Australian Department of Finance. She has extensive experience in finance, insurance, risk management, information technology, human resources, health and ageing and public policy. Jane’s previous roles include Secretary of the Australian Department of Health, Secretary for the Department of Health and Ageing and Executive Co-ordinator (Deputy Secretary) of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. Jane has held international appointments including the Executive Board of the World Health Organization, President of the World Health Assembly, Chair of the Executive Board of WHO and Chair of the OECD Health Committee.
Jane has held the position of Professor Health Policy and Security ANU and is an Honorary Professor at ANU, Adjunct Professor at the University of Sydney, and Adjunct Professor at the University of Canberra. She also holds a Doctorate of Letters Honoris Causa from the University of New South Wales.
Jane has contributed extensively to community health through local and international organisations including the World Health Organisation and National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Council with a particular emphasis on public health including in relation to tobacco control, food policy and communicable disease. Jane was awarded the order of Australia, the Public Service Medal, the Centenary Medal and the Geneva Health Prize. In 2016, she was elected to the National Academy of Medicine in the United States.

Job title:

Council Member (Convocation Appointment)

Division:

Council

Link to Zareh Nalbandian

Zareh Nalbandian

Zareh co-founded global animation studio Animal Logic and is the Founder and CEO of production companies Animal Logic Entertainment and Truant Pictures, bringing over three decades of experience in developing and producing large-scale screen projects. Through partnerships with major studios and streaming platforms in Hollywood, he has built a successful portfolio of animated, indie and hybrid family-film franchises for both theatrical and streaming releases.

Dedicated to fostering talent, Zareh supports mentorships, residencies, and educational initiatives within the arts and creative industries, aiming to cultivate diverse careers. In collaboration with the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), he established the UTS Animal Logic Academy, offering a Master of Animation and Visualisation program and opportunities for post-graduate research. Recognising his contributions to the sector, UTS awarded him an Honorary Doctorate in 2018.

Zareh is a Trustee of the Sydney Opera House, Deputy Chair of the Sydney Film Festival and on the board of Australians in Film. He previously served as Deputy Chair of Ausfilm for a decade, further contributing to the industry's development and growth.

Zareh Nalbandian

Zareh co-founded global animation studio Animal Logic and is the Founder and CEO of production companies Animal Logic Entertainment and Truant Pictures, bringing over three decades of experience in developing and producing large-scale screen projects. Through partnerships with major studios and streaming platforms in Hollywood, he has built a successful portfolio of animated, indie and hybrid family-film franchises for both theatrical and streaming releases.

Dedicated to fostering talent, Zareh supports mentorships, residencies, and educational initiatives within the arts and creative industries, aiming to cultivate diverse careers. In collaboration with the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), he established the UTS Animal Logic Academy, offering a Master of Animation and Visualisation program and opportunities for post-graduate research. Recognising his contributions to the sector, UTS awarded him an Honorary Doctorate in 2018.

Zareh is a Trustee of the Sydney Opera House, Deputy Chair of the Sydney Film Festival and on the board of Australians in Film. He previously served as Deputy Chair of Ausfilm for a decade, further contributing to the industry's development and growth.

Job title:

Council Member (Convocation appointment)

Division:

Council

Link to Dr. Nell Greenwood

Dr. Nell Greenwood

Nell Greenwood is an academic leader, screenwriter and creativity advocate with more than 25 years of experience in screen education and international film and television production.

Nell’s career started in content development and she has held several senior industry roles including Head of Development at the Irish Film Board, Head of Development at Natural Nylon Entertainment (home to Jude Law and Ewan McGregor) as well as Head of Development at Element Films (producers of The Lobster and The Favourite) before embarking on a career as a screenwriter. Her writing credits include False Witness for UKTV (Foxtel), which won an AFI, as well as Pride and Joy, which was nominated for Best TV Film at the 46th Monte Carlo TV Film Festival. Nell began teaching and discovered a passion for education, in particular creativity and how to engage and foster students’ brilliance and unique creativity in the classroom. She is also passionate about increasing female representation and diversity within the screen and broadcast industry and forging deeper inter-disciplinary connections across industries here and abroad.

Since 2013 Nell has held multiple senior roles at AFTRS including Head of Screenwriting, Course Leader Masters and Head of Programs and, most recently, Director of Curriculum & Student Registrar. She has a PhD from The University of Sydney on Creativity and the Unconscious in the Screen Arts Classroom.

Dr. Nell Greenwood

Nell Greenwood is an academic leader, screenwriter and creativity advocate with more than 25 years of experience in screen education and international film and television production.

Nell’s career started in content development and she has held several senior industry roles including Head of Development at the Irish Film Board, Head of Development at Natural Nylon Entertainment (home to Jude Law and Ewan McGregor) as well as Head of Development at Element Films (producers of The Lobster and The Favourite) before embarking on a career as a screenwriter. Her writing credits include False Witness for UKTV (Foxtel), which won an AFI, as well as Pride and Joy, which was nominated for Best TV Film at the 46th Monte Carlo TV Film Festival. Nell began teaching and discovered a passion for education, in particular creativity and how to engage and foster students’ brilliance and unique creativity in the classroom. She is also passionate about increasing female representation and diversity within the screen and broadcast industry and forging deeper inter-disciplinary connections across industries here and abroad.

Since 2013 Nell has held multiple senior roles at AFTRS including Head of Screenwriting, Course Leader Masters and Head of Programs and, most recently, Director of Curriculum & Student Registrar. She has a PhD from The University of Sydney on Creativity and the Unconscious in the Screen Arts Classroom.

Job title:

Chief Executive Officer; Director of Council

Division:

Academic Board, CEO Office, Council

Link to Krista Jordan

Krista Jordan

Krista has over 25 years of professional experience in the screen industry, spanning creative and commercial filmmaking. Her professional film credits include The Matrix, The Matrix Reloaded, Rabbit- Proof Fence, Moulin Rouge, and the Academy Award-winning Happy Feet. In addition to her film credits, she has extensive experience in online and offline visual effects commercial production and broadcast design for international and local clients and campaigns. Alongside her ‘on-box’ creative contributions, she has held business leadership positions in human resources, people and culture, recruitment and learning and development.

Whilst at Animal Logic Krista represented the company as it worked with the University to establish the UTS Animal Logic Academy Master of Animation and Visualisation degree in 2017. In 2019 she was appointed to the role of Head of Animation at AFTRS, bringing her energy and passion to the school and a focus on animation, visual and virtual effects in contemporary screen craft. In her current work she focuses specifically on industry engagement and consultation for contemporary screen practice, animation, hybrid and 'Virtual' production and continues her teaching at AFTRS as the Discipline Lead, Innovation and Technology for the Master of Arts Screen: Business.

Krista Jordan

Krista has over 25 years of professional experience in the screen industry, spanning creative and commercial filmmaking. Her professional film credits include The Matrix, The Matrix Reloaded, Rabbit- Proof Fence, Moulin Rouge, and the Academy Award-winning Happy Feet. In addition to her film credits, she has extensive experience in online and offline visual effects commercial production and broadcast design for international and local clients and campaigns. Alongside her ‘on-box’ creative contributions, she has held business leadership positions in human resources, people and culture, recruitment and learning and development.

Whilst at Animal Logic Krista represented the company as it worked with the University to establish the UTS Animal Logic Academy Master of Animation and Visualisation degree in 2017. In 2019 she was appointed to the role of Head of Animation at AFTRS, bringing her energy and passion to the school and a focus on animation, visual and virtual effects in contemporary screen craft. In her current work she focuses specifically on industry engagement and consultation for contemporary screen practice, animation, hybrid and 'Virtual' production and continues her teaching at AFTRS as the Discipline Lead, Innovation and Technology for the Master of Arts Screen: Business.

Job title:

Discipline Lead MASB (Innovation and Technology); Staff Member of Council

Division:

Teaching & Learning, Council

Link to Zali Hamilton

Zali Hamilton

Zali Hamilton is a keen director/producer in her third year studying Bachelor of Arts: Screen Production at AFTRS.
To the role of Student Member for Council, she brings her passion for AFTRS and its students. Having started studying at another tertiary school, Zali recognises and thrives on the inspiring and supportive environment that AFTRS provides.
Over 2025-20026 she held the role of AFTRS' Student Representative Council Secretariat position where she coordinates their logistics of meeting agendas and minutes, alongside of organising school-wide events for students. Zali will transfer this knowledge and lived-experience of student life into the Student Member for Council role.
Zali’s creative passion lies with sharing Australian stories about women. In her second year of the BA course, she directed her debut 6-minute documentary ‘Maryanne.’
Zali’s passion lies with the people of AFTRS and is known for keenly engaging in conversations with everyone at the school. Zali is excited to transfer her passion for AFTRS into the Student Member for Council position.

Zali Hamilton

Zali Hamilton is a keen director/producer in her third year studying Bachelor of Arts: Screen Production at AFTRS.
To the role of Student Member for Council, she brings her passion for AFTRS and its students. Having started studying at another tertiary school, Zali recognises and thrives on the inspiring and supportive environment that AFTRS provides.
Over 2025-20026 she held the role of AFTRS' Student Representative Council Secretariat position where she coordinates their logistics of meeting agendas and minutes, alongside of organising school-wide events for students. Zali will transfer this knowledge and lived-experience of student life into the Student Member for Council role.
Zali’s creative passion lies with sharing Australian stories about women. In her second year of the BA course, she directed her debut 6-minute documentary ‘Maryanne.’
Zali’s passion lies with the people of AFTRS and is known for keenly engaging in conversations with everyone at the school. Zali is excited to transfer her passion for AFTRS into the Student Member for Council position.

Job title:

2026 BAY3 Student; Student Member of Council

Division:

Academic Board, Council