David has been a Film Commissioner since 2000 and recently launched the Vancouver Film Commission, which is the fourth new Film Commission he has launched around the World over the last 19yrs. David’s background is a mixture of working in Film, TV, live music, theatre production management.

He brings a wealth of knowledge and extensive experience working in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and North America having positions such as Film Commissioner and a Specialist Consultant in forming and leading Film Commissions and media development agencies at City, Regional and State levels. David has a deep understanding of the international government and commercial support mechanisms for developing the creative and media economy.

David has been a member of AFCI since 2000 and has previously served on the Board of AFCI and has sat on various committees and sub-groups and is completing second term on the board. He has also served on the Boards of Film Festivals and Arts Organisations.

I have held different roles in the Production and Entertainment sector. This mixed with working for Government agencies and serving on the boards of various non-profit organisations, has given me a varied and deep experience in working in business and Government environments and establishing 4 new Film Commissions around the World. I am the inaugural Film Commissioner for the City of Vancouver and currently serve as the co-chair of the Canadian Film Commission network.

The AFCI need to provide strong services to it’s members in Education, Policy Development, Advocacy, Best Practices and setting industry standards and benchmarks for members to rely on and use in the development and sustainability of their organization. Importantly, provide support from a global organization when members face challenging situations. AFCI has faced challenges and changes over recent years and I have worked with the current Board to support staff face those challenges and create a stronger organization for our members.

The AFCI has been through some challenges recently and as we face the future of a changing industry with our members, the AFCI has be reactive responsive and innovative moving forward. I believe in the role and value of the AFCI and want to continue helping it be a responsive and of real value to members and a respected advocate and leader in our industry. We are still evolving as an organisation as our business becomes more global and the historical business structures are being disrupted. AFCI needs to flex and evolve and stay informed of these changes, in order to help educate and support members deliver the best services to their jurisdictions and stay relevant to the future businesses that are leading the industry.