Cleverman studio appoints scripted dev chief

Pukeko Pictures, the New Zealand-based producer behind new drama Cleverman, has appointed a head of scripted development.

Lisa Chatfield (pictured) will work closely with chief creative officer Martin Baynton and head of production Angela Littlejohn after joining the Wellington-based prodco.

Chatfield was most recently at the New Zealand Film Commission, where she was head of development and production.

She has also worked at Working Title Australia, NHNZ and Eyeworks New Zealand, which is now part of Warner Bros. International Television Production.

Pukeko, which was formed in 2008, is with Goalpost Pictures a coproducer on Cleverman, the new sci-fi drama for Australian pubcaster the ABC and US cable channel SundanceTV. It is also a coproducer on ITV Studios’ animated series Thunderbirds Are Go.

Chatfield’s hire comes less than a year after Clive Spink succeeded Andrew Smith as CEO of Pukeko.

“Lisa brings to her role a strong development and production background with experience in both film and television content for adults and children,” said Spink of the new hire.

“Lisa will work closely with our talented development and production team led by Martin Baynton and Angela Littlejohn on our future television slate as well as our current line-up to continue to produce world-class internationally rich content.”