The Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS) has announced the appointment of Zareh Nalbandian and Jane Halton AO PSM to AFTRS Council.
Zareh Nalbandian co-founded global animation studio Animal Logic and is the Founder and CEO of production companies Animal Logic Entertainment and Truant Pictures, bringing over three decades of experience in developing and producing large-scale screen projects. Through partnerships with major studios and streaming platforms in Hollywood, he has built a successful portfolio of animated, indie and hybrid family-film franchises for both theatrical and streaming releases.
“I’m really excited and honoured to be appointed to AFTRS Council,” said Zareh Nalbandian. “I’ve always been passionate about supporting emerging creative talent and pushing the boundaries of innovative storytelling. I look forward to working alongside our Chair Rachel Perkins, CEO Nell Greenwood and fellow Council members to nurture and develop the next generation of talent in Australian film, television and radio.”
Jane Halton AO PSM is a former Secretary of the Australian Department of Finance. She has extensive experience in finance, insurance, risk management, information technology, human resources, health and ageing, and public policy. Jane’s previous roles include Secretary of the Australian Department of Health, Secretary for the Department of Health and Ageing and Executive Co-ordinator (Deputy Secretary) of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. Jane has held international appointments including the Executive Board of the World Health Organization, President of the World Health Assembly, Chair of the Executive Board of WHO and Chair of the OECD Health Committee.
“AFTRS has a proud reputation as a global leader in screen and audio education, having nurtured generations of creative talent,” said Jane Halton. “At a time of major change in the digital, media and entertainment landscape, it’s critical our emerging creative talent are equipped to tell our stories in new and innovative ways. I am delighted to join AFTRS Council, working with our Chair Rachel Perkins, CEO Nell Greenwood and fellow Council members, to help deliver the educational opportunities which will allow this next generation to realise their potential.”
AFTRS CEO Dr Nell Greenwood welcomed the two new appointments, stating, “With the addition of Zareh Nalbandian and Jane Halton to a highly distinguished Council, the School gains the breadth and depth of experience it needs to successfully navigate a fast-changing environment. We couldn’t have hoped for more knowledgeable, experienced and dedicated leaders to help steer AFTRS as it prepares future storytellers to thrive at home and around the world.”
The Federal Government recently reappointed Nell Greenwood and Deputy Chair Debra Richards to AFTRS Council until March 2030 and March 2028, respectively. Nell Greenwood was also reappointed as CEO for a five-year term.
AFTRS Council Chair Rachel Perkins also welcomed the appointments. “Zareh and Jane are outstanding Australians. They have both achieved excellence in their field and their support of the School will inspire and support our students on their journey as the next generation of our best storytellers,” she said. “Their appointment secures a very bright future for AFTRS, one of the world’s leading film, television and radio schools. I look forward to collaborating with Zareh, Jane, Nell, Debra and the rest of Council on continuing to anticipate the challenges and opportunities of our booming screen and audio industries, and to achieve excellence in training, education and research.”
Zareh Nalbandian
Zareh Nalbandian co-founded global animation studio Animal Logic and is the Founder and CEO of production companies Animal Logic Entertainment and Truant Pictures, bringing over three decades of experience in developing and producing large-scale screen projects. Through partnerships with major studios and streaming platforms in Hollywood, he has built a successful portfolio of animated, indie and hybrid family-film franchises for both theatrical and streaming releases.
Dedicated to fostering talent, Zareh supports mentorships, residencies and educational initiatives within the arts and creative industries, aiming to cultivate diverse careers. In collaboration with the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), he established the UTS Animal Logic Academy, offering a Master of Animation and Visualisation program and opportunities for post-graduate research. Recognising his contributions to the sector, UTS awarded him an Honorary Doctorate in 2018.
Zareh is a Trustee of the Sydney Opera House, Deputy Chair of the Sydney Film Festival and on the board of Australians in Film. He previously served as Deputy Chair of Ausfilm for a decade, further contributing to the industry’s development and growth.
Jane Halton AO PSM
Jane Halton is a member of the Boards of the Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ Bank) and Clayton Utz. She is Chair of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation, Suncorp Bank, and Ngamuru Advisory. She was previously a member of the National COVID-19 Commission Advisory Board and the boards of Crown Resorts Limited, the Australian Strategic Policy Institute and Naval Group. She was previously the Chair of the Council on the Ageing and Vault Systems and was co-chair of the Global COVAX mechanism.
Jane is a former Secretary of the Australian Department of Finance. She has extensive experience in finance, insurance, risk management, information technology, human resources, health and ageing and public policy. Jane’s previous roles include Secretary of the Australian Department of Health, Secretary for the Department of Health and Ageing and Executive Co-ordinator (Deputy Secretary) of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. Jane has held international appointments including the Executive Board of the World Health Organization, President of the World Health Assembly, Chair of the Executive Board of WHO and Chair of the OECD Health Committee.
Jane has held the position of Professor Health Policy and Security ANU, and is an Honorary Professor at ANU, Adjunct Professor at the University of Sydney, and Adjunct Professor at the University of Canberra. She also holds a Doctorate of Letters Honoris Causa from the University of New South Wales.
Jane has contributed extensively to community health through local and international organisations including the World Health Organization and National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Council with a particular emphasis on public health including in relation to tobacco control, food policy and communicable disease. Jane has been awarded the Order of Australia, the Public Service Medal, the Centenary Medal and the Geneva Health Prize. In 2016, she was elected to the National Academy of Medicine in the United States.
Visit https://www.aftrs.edu.au/
