Netflix ANZ exec Penny Smallacombe to lead scripted at Australia’s Blackfella Films

Penny Smallacombe

Netflix’s Penny Smallacombe has been named head of scripted at Australia’s Blackfella Films.

Smallacombe had led the streamer’s Grow Creative educational program for two years but will now lead all creative for Blackfella Films, which is behind shows including the ABC’s Total Control and First Wars.

She has previously worked as a producer at Bunya Productions, working on shows including ABC drama Mystery Road, and also had stints at financing body Screen Australia.

Smallacombe, who joins the prodco 18 months after the departure of founder Rachel Perkins, also worked in the Indigenous Program Unit for the ABC.

She said: “Titles like Redfern Now, Mabo, Total Control, First Australians, First Wars and numerous other scripted and factual shows have broken new ground in the Australian screen industry, and to have an opportunity to build on these successes at this time in my career is a great privilege. I can’t wait to see what we can do together.”

Blackfella Films was set up by Perkins in 1992, with Darren Dale joining the business a decade later.

Dale, who now runs the company, said: “As a First Nations woman Penny also brings a deep understanding of the storytelling Blackfella Films has been championing for over 25 years and I am so thrilled we will be working together across an exciting and growing slate of projects.”