Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this post contains names of deceased persons.
NITV has announced the appointment of Taryne Laffar as its new commissioning editor for documentaries, drama, entertainment and children’s programmes.
Laffar, who is descended from the Bardi and Jabbir Jabbir nations in West Kimberley, has more than 15 years’ experience in the Australian film industry as a writer, producer, director and in casting. He joins NITV from Pink Peepper, a Western Australian First Nations and women-owned production company which he founded in 2020, specializing in the development and production of Indigenous-led screen content.
His credits include NITV documentary series Our lawinitiative of a short series of documentaries Our stories; and the food series NITV About Country Cooking.
Marissa McDowell, Head of Commissions at NITV, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Taryne to the team, bringing her extensive experience, creativity and passion for authentic First Nations storytelling. Taryne is dedicated to creating powerful stories by and about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and she will be a fantastic asset to our commissioning team. We are thrilled to have her on board.”
Taryne Laffar added: “Having worked as an independent producer and arts worker or manager my entire working life, I am very excited to join the Commissioning Editor team at NITV.
“To be chosen to work with First Nations producers and creators across the continent to bring their stories to free-to-air Australian television is a profound privilege. The fact that NITV also invests in building and fostering First Nations talent in the screen industry for me personally demonstrates the matriarchal values of my origins and who I am now. My selection for this new role is a deep dedication to the deadly Black women of my flesh and blood: my mother Carla Laffar, her mother Bridgette Buckeridge and her mother Josephine Hunter (all RIP) and my daughters Koda and Fenix and my Mim (granddaughter) Mila Grey.
NITV is currently offering its largest line-up of original content, including 10 co-commissions The first inventors AND logie appointed Barrumbi Kids.
Laffar starts today, Wednesday July 19th.
