15/6/2015 - Experienced producer Mary Burke is appointed as Senior Production and Development Executive of the BFI Film Fund

The British Film Institute (BFI) has announced the appointment of experienceproducer Mary Burke as Senior Production and Development Executive of the BFI Film Fund. Her key editorial role puts her in charge of identifying and supporting a divese range of new British features and working closely with writers, producers and directors across the development and production stages of the projects.

Mary Burke has a wealth of experience in film, TV and multi-platform project productions. Some of her career highlights include the production of Paul King's feature debut Bunny and the Bull (2009), Richard Ayoade's directorial feature debut Submarine (2010) and the critically acclaimed Berberian Sound Studio (2012) by Peter Strickland.

Mary Burke said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real contribution to shaping the landscape of British film – I could not be happier to be joining Ben and the BFI team. After 13 years, I will miss my talented and dedicated family at Warp – we shared so many amazing experiences that I will carry with me into my future work. I know first-hand the enormous impact that BFI investment has on the careers of writers, directors and producers here in the UK. I look forward to returning that support in the years to come.“

Director of the BFI Film Fund, Ben Roberts said: "I feel very lucky to have Mary joining the team, she will be a great friend and ally to filmmakers. We want her to bring all of her fire and creativity to the BFI. It's going to be – in her words –awesome."

Recent titles backed by the BFI Film Fund and screened at international film festivals have included The Lobster by Yorgos Lanthimos and 45 Years by Andrew Haigh. Some of the titles that will be presented shortly include John Michael McDonagh's War on Everyone and Sarah Gavron's Suffragette, which will also be the Opening Night Gala film of this year's BFI London Film Festival.