KEO Films UK has confirmed that as of December 31 2017 the company will no longer be operating a production office in Sydney, Australia. This change in focus has come about as a result of an organisational review to realign the business.
KEO Films is the company behind SBS’s biggest-ever local series Struggle Street and more recently produced the ABC hit War On Waste. KEO was also behind River Cottage Australia for Foxtel’s Lifestyle channels.
The Australian arm of the business was launched by Leonie Lowe in 2013 and more recently Brendan Dahill has been in charge.
Andrew Palmer, London-based chief creative officer and board director, KEO Films UK, said today, “This decision has not been easy, especially given the incredible successes that our Australian team have enjoyed – most recently with the ABC’s huge hit War on Waste. Operationally, however, this decision best serves our corporate interests at this stage.
“We have enjoyed a highly productive and effective period of activity in Australia. KEO will work closely with our Australian partners, throughout this transition period, to deliver all of the projects currently in production. We are also committed to building partnerships that ensure our shows will still be seen in Australia.”
In light of the changes, Brendan Dahill (managing director) and KEO Films have mutually agreed that he will shortly be leaving the business to pursue new opportunities in the industry.
Palmer said: “We’d like to thank him for the enormous contribution that he has made to KEO Films.”
Dahill told Mediaweek: “I love TV and so I am very keen to remain in the industry. I have thoroughly enjoyed being on the production side of the business.
“At the moment, I am considering my options having never had any time off between jobs.”
Brendan Dahill
Following the recent departure of CEO Debbie Manners, KEO Films will now be led from the UK on a day-to-day basis by Andrew Palmer (chief creative officer) and Simon Huntley (chief operating officer).
As to specifics about two of the KEO hit formats: The update episode of War on Waste (episode four) is about to go into pre-production and will be on air towards the end of the year. Beyond that, KEO is working with the ABC to continue the franchise.
Filming for Struggle Street season two has been completed with no confirmation yet of when SBS will put it to air.