ABC TV has confirmed the appointment of award-winning Indigenous film-maker and development executive Kelrick Martin to the role of Head of Indigenous starting 26 September 2016.
Kelrick brings to the ABC a wealth of unique experience in developing Indigenous talent and projects for Australian audiences.
He is a descendant of the Ngarluma, Bunuba and Gooniyandi people of northern Western Australia, whose career in Indigenous broadcasting spans 20 years. His passion is for scripted and factual storytelling that celebrates Indigenous characters, communities and culture in ways that surprise, entertain and engage Australian and global audiences.
Kelrick joins the ABC from Screenwest, where he was Indigenous Manager, responsible for the development and support of WA’s Indigenous filmmaking community. Prior to this he was Commissioning Editor for NITV.
He formed Spear Point Productions in 2010 whose credits include documentaries Yagan, Outside Chance, Prison Songs, and short drama, Karroyul – a 2015 AACTA Award nominee.
Kelrick began his career as a cadet radio broadcaster for Goolarri Media. Moving to Sydney in 1998, he presented ABC Radio National’s Awaye! and was the inaugural presenter of ABC TV’s Message Stick. In 2002 he completed his Masters in Documentary Writing and Directing at AFTRS.
Sally Riley, ABC TV Head of Scripted Production said: “We are delighted to welcome Kelrick to the team. He is an immense talent who brings with him an extensive working knowledge of creating compelling content with and about Indigenous Australia. He will be leading a passionate team at an important time, as the ABC strives to build on the vital and growing legacy of the Indigenous department.”
Kelrick Martin said: “The ABC has an incredible track record of producing cutting-edge Indigenous screen content in Australia, most recently seen with Cleverman and the iview series Black As. This opportunity is both an honour and a true milestone in my career, and I’m excited to begin working with the current generation of skilled, passionate Indigenous filmmakers who are forging their path locally and overseas.”
