NZ Film Commission Chief Executive David Strong has announced he has stepped down from the role amid a conflict of interest assessment over his involvement in a government-funded television project.
The decision comes after concerns were raised in the screen industry about Strong receiving NZ on Air funding to develop his script for The Pilgrim, written as a feature film in 2008, into a television drama series.
Strong was placed on paid leave in May while a conflict of interest was investigated. The review was put on hold for several months, prompting the committee’s chairman of the board, Dame Kerry Prendergast, to resign.
Strong’s departure was announced Monday in a statement from the NZ Film Commission.
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David Strong has stepped down as CEO of the NZ Film Commission.
“It was a privilege to be the CEO of the Commission, working with the highly dedicated team and passionate filmmakers across New Zealand and internationally,” said Strong.
“It’s a role I took very seriously and gave everything for. But my commitment to an important television project that I have been working on for a number of years means I have decided to leave the Film Committee,” the statement said.
“My interest in The Pilgrim TV series was fully declared before I was appointed, taken with expert advice and then managed well with the board. Recently, the board and I went through the issues. We unfortunately agree that my continued growing private commitments are no longer compatible with this role.”
In the statement, Prendergast thanked Strong for his work as CEO, but said the board agreed with his decision.
“We respect his decision to step down as the best way forward for him and the Board of the Film Commission at this time, and we fully support him in making that decision,” said Prendergast.
Until the committee’s board of directors appoints a permanent replacement, acting chief executive Mladen Ivancic will remain in the position.