Paramount Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) has announced that head of drama and executive production, Rick Maier, will move into a newly created role as creative advisor drama, Paramount ANZ.
The newly created role will afford Maier more time to oversee and represent Paramount across key local dramas and advise on international dramas for co-productions and acquisitions including series such as NCIS: Sydney, Last King of The Cross and Neighbours.
Maier has a track record in producing and creating content across a myriad of genres including drama, reality, comedy and entertainment for Network 10 and more recently Paramount+.
Beverley McGarvey, executive vice president, chief content officer and head of Paramount+, Paramount Australia & New Zealand said: “I am thrilled Rick has agreed to stay and be part of our team as he transitions to the next stage of his career.
“Not only has Rick been an outstanding leader in the scripted space over many years but he has been a critical member of the content leadership team and a great colleague, mentor, and friend to me and many others.”
Over the last 16 years, Rick has overseen the commissioning, casting, script, production and post-production of a plethora of drama series, telemovies, and event mini-series.
As head of drama, Rick has been responsible for drama series that have captivated Australian audiences including NCIS: Sydney, Last King of the Cross, The Secrets She Keeps, Five Bedrooms, North Shore, Puberty Blues, Offspring, Wake in Fright, Bikie Wars: Brothers in Arms, Brock, My Life is Murder, The Wrong Girl, Playing for Keeps, Wonderland, Hawke, Rush, and Neighbours.
Maier is also synonymous with MasterChef Australia having been the Network executive producer for 11 seasons.
Maier said: “As a curious writer I came to 10 wanting to understand how Networks operate. Fair to say it’s still a mystery. But in a good way. I’m grateful to everyone at 10 for their enduring friendship, with hopefully many more great challenges ahead in this new role.”
Maier will commence his new role early next year.