The Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS) has appointed Darren Chau as its new Director, Production & Facilities.
Chau will oversee the school’s production operations, facilities and technical infrastructure, while leading efforts to expand distribution and sales pathways for student productions. The role also includes ensuring AFTRS remains aligned with developments across the screen, broadcast, audio and education sectors through investment in industry-standard production technologies and practices.
He steps into the position with extensive experience across screen and audio production, content strategy and education. Before joining AFTRS, Chau was part of the ANZ senior executive leadership team at Warner Bros. Discovery, where he oversaw content across more than 20 channels. During his tenure, he led commissioning and content teams, helped expand Discovery’s presence across emerging platforms and co-created the 9Rush free-to-air channel in partnership with Nine.
His broader industry experience includes serving as an official judge for the International Emmys, moderating the Comedy Nominee Panel at the Emmy’s World Television Festival in New York, membership of the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, and two terms on the Screen Forever Advisory Board for Screen Producers Australia.
Chau most recently served as Discipline Lead, BA Production at AFTRS before stepping into the acting Director, Production & Facilities role earlier this year.
AFTRS CEO Dr Nell Greenwood said Chau had already made a significant contribution to the school through his leadership.
“Darren has deep experience in educational leadership and has had a tremendous impact in his time at AFTRS, driving brilliant student outcomes, including the introduction of initiatives that have resulted in increased industry-aligned learning outcomes and safer, more inclusive learning environments,” he said.
Love Film & TV?
Get your daily dose of everything happening in music, film and TV in Australia and abroad.
Chau said he was honoured to take on the role permanently. “AFTRS is a prestigious institution with a rich and continuing legacy of developing and nurturing globally leading creative practitioners who grow Australia’s screen and audio industries and shape our stories and culture. I am therefore incredibly honoured to accept this role and excited to help lead the organisation into the future.”