Cathy Payne
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Southern Star International - Sydney office
Catherine has held the position of Chief Executive of Southern Star International since April 2000. Since this time, Southern Star International has grown to become the sixth largest distributor of English language programming outside of the Hollywood studios.
Catherine has worked with Southern Star for 16 years, having sold television programming in all major international markets and in the process, has established an invaluable network of global contacts within the industry.
In early 2000 Catherine secured the sale of Home and Away to Britain's Channel 5 which remains the largest sale of an Australian television programme in history.
Catherine is responsible for the overall responsibility and management of the Southern Star International division which operates from Sydney, London and Paris, including the management of product acquired from third party producers for distribution.
In recent years, Catherine has expanded the Division's activities to include the procurement of international financing for television product.
Catherine holds a Master of Management from the University of Technology Sydney.
Phone: +612 9202 8508
Email: cpayne@sstar.com.au
Alison Baker
DIRECTOR OF SALES
Southern Star International - Sydney office
Alison joined Southern Star International in January 2000. Prior to joining Southern Star, Alison held senior management positions with several leading international television distribution companies, most recently with Mayfair Television where she was Head of Sales and Programming.
After taking her degree in German and Business Administration at Aston University in 1985, Alison started her career at Granada Television International. She moved on to become Head of Sales, Pavilion International, and Director of Sales, Polygram Television International. Alison is fluent in German and has conversational French.
Alison sold drama, factual and children's programming into the UK, Ireland & Germany and drama and children's programming in France. She has relocated to the Sydney office where she is responsible for television sales across all three catalogues into Australian pay television, New Zealand, USA, and The Republic of Ireland.
Alison is also responsible for the overall management of the London, Sydney and Paris based sales team.
Phone: +612 9202 8942
Email: abaker@sstar.com.au
Veronique Verges
HEAD OF EUROPEAN SALES
Southern Star International - London office
Veronique is responsible for handling television sales of drama, factual and children's programming into the UK and German speaking Europe. Veronique also manages the London based sales team.
Veronique joined Southern Star in 2003 with sales distribution experience gained while working for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, NVC Arts and Beyond International.
Veronique who is trilingual holds a BTS in Languages and Business Administration.
Phone: +44 207 317 1324
Email: vverges@sstar.uk.com
Gisela Asimus-Minnbergh
SENIOR SALES EXECUTIVE
Southern Star International - London office
Gisela is responsible for selling Southern Star's programme catalogue to Italy and Spain. Gisela joined Southern Star in 1999 from UK news producer Independent Television News (ITN) where she worked in international sales and special events production.
Between 1993 and 1998, Gisela worked with producing current affairs programming for Scandinavian and Japanese broadcasters, as well as project-managed live news events for various international news broadcasters. Assignments included APTN's (Associated Press Television News) coverage of President Clinton's visit to China; a live interview with Madeleine Albright for WTN (Worldwide Television News); and TV Asahi's (Japan) reporting of the Estonia ferry disaster in the Baltic.
Gisela has written several articles for international publications including The Tokyo Journal and Svenska Dagbladet (Swedish Daily).
Apart from her native Swedish Gisela also speaks fluent Spanish and English.
Phone: +44 207 317 1326
Email: gisela@sstar.uk.com
Claire Taltas
SENIOR SALES EXECUTIVE
Southern Star International - Paris office
Claire joined Southern Star International in February 1999. She is responsible for television sales across all genres in French speaking territories, Belgium and the Netherlands.
Prior to her arrival at Southern Star, Claire spent a few years as Marketing Services Co-ordinator at multinational film production and distribution company, Lumiere, in Paris. Previously she had been a Technical Services Supervisor for four years at Initial Groupe, also based in Paris.
Educated at the Sorbonne in Paris, at the Film Business School in Madrid and at the English Center in Miami, USA, Claire is a native French speaker and also speaks fluent Spanish and English.
Phone: +33 1 45 24 65 80
Email: ctaltas@sstar.uk.com
Joanne Azzopardi
SALES EXECUTIVE
Southern Star International - Sydney office
Joanne began her career with Southern Star in 1995 in film sales and has extensive experience in the sales and marketing of independent cinema on the international film and festival circuit including such prestigious festivals as the Cannes, Berlin, Venice, Sundance and Toronto International Film Festivals.
In 2000 Joanne joined Southern Star International where she oversaw sales of Southern Star's TV catalogue in the territories of Latin America, Middle East, Israel and Turkey for five years. Since September 2005 Joanne has overseen the Asian and South African regions, where Joanne is responsible for the sales and promotion of Southern Star programming to all on-screen media in these territories and DVD sales.
Before joining Southern Star, Joanne completed a BA in Mass Communications, majoring in film studies.
Phone: +612 9202 8513
Email: jazzopardi@sstar.com.au
Kirsten Cargill
SENIOR SALES EXECUTIVE - HOME ENTERTAINMENT
Southern Star International - Sydney office
Kirsten joined Southern Star in September 2001 and has worked in various positions within the Sales Division including licensing in Europe and Eastern Europe, global video sales and home video sales in Europe.
Her current role sees her responsible for management of video exploitation worldwide.
Kirsten first worked with Southern Star from April 1994 to September 1999 as a Television Sales Assistant and later as the Marketing Executive for the division.
During her absence from Southern Star, Kirsten was a Promotions Manager for a major internet service provider and also a Marketing Manager for a new technology company.
Kirsten has a diploma in Marketing Management and a degree in Performing Arts.
Phone: 2 9202 8540
Email: kcargill@sstar.com.au
Benn Watson
SALES EXECUTIVE - LICENSING AND BRAND MANAGEMENT
Southern Star International - Sydney office
Benn joined Southern Star International in October 2004 as Sales Executive - Video and Licensing. Benn has recently been appointed Sales Executive - Licensing and Brand Management worldwide.
Prior to joining Southern Star, Benn worked for Qantas in a number of positions including IT as an Information Technology Graduate in their IT Graduate Program, Project Manager and Corporate Account Manager with Qantas Corporate Sales.
Benn holds a Masters of Business Administration, Graduate Diploma of Corporate Management, Bachelor of Computer Science, Bachelor of Social Science (majoring in Psychology) and is currently studying a Bachelor of Laws. He is also actively involved in the administration of Bond University and it's Alumni on the Gold Coast.
Phone: +612 9202 8533
Email: bwatson@sstar.com.au
James Braham
SALES EXECUTIVE
Southern Star International - London office
James joined Southern Star International in mid-2005 as Sales Executive. James is responsible for television sales across Eastern Europe, Scandinavia and Iceland.
James brings with him over seven years experience in television programme sales. Prior to joining Southern Star, Braham held sales positions with several international distributors including Fremantle International Distribution, September International and ID Distribution. Most recently he worked as a sales consultant with Joseph Abrams International.
Phone: +44 207 317 1327
Email: jbraham@sstar.uk.com
Ann Hoddinott
SALES EXECUTIVE
Southern Star International - Sydney office
Straight out of school Ann started with Southern Star International in January 2003 as Personal Assistant to the Chief Executive. The following year Ann was promoted to Junior Sales Executive looking after sales across all genres in Bosnia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic Greece, Gibraltar, Hungary, Iceland, Malta and Serbia. Not long after the territories of Slovakia, Slovenia and Romania were added to Ann's sales responsibilities.
In August 2005 Ann moved into the role of Sales Executive for the Middle East, Israel, Turkey, Africa, Portugal, Iceland, Greece, Cyrprus Gibraltar and Malta
Ann has just recently changed territories and her sales responsibilities now cover Latin America and Portugal.
Ann has completed a degree of Bachelor of Commerce by correspondence at Deakin University.
Phone: +612 9202 8965
Email: ahoddinott@sstar.com.au
Daniel Edwards
SALES EXECUTIVE
Southern Star International - Sydney office
Dan commenced his career in the industry working on various Australian dramas including Water Rats, Grass Roots, The Cooks and Fireflies. Working in roles in art departments, production teams and sound, while working on his own projects, Dan came to Southern Star International with a broad and intimate knowledge of the television production process from the ground up.
In 2004 Dan started with Southern Star International in a dual role assisting the Contracting and Marketing departments. Later that year he assisted a number of executives including Southern Star International’s current Head Of Sales Alison Baker. In 2006, Dan moved into his current role of Sales Executive responsible for Canada, Greece, Cyprus, Malta, Middle East, Israel, Gibraltar and Africa excluding South Africa.
Dan is a dual Australian and Canadian citizen.
Phone: +612 9202 8509
Email: dedwards@sstar.com.au
Cecilia Twomey
SALES EXECUTIVE EUROPEAN VIDEO AND LICENSING
Southern Star International - London office
Cecilia commenced her career with Southern Star in August 2005 as Sales Assistant for Scandinavia, Spain, Italy and DVD and merchandising Europe. In 2006 she covered the role of Sales Executive – Scandinavia, Spain and Italy during a colleague’s maternity leave.
Her current position sees her responsible for video and licensing in Europe.
Prior to Southern Star, Cecilia worked as a Sales Co-Ordinator – Australasia and Asia for Alliance Atlantis Entertainment.
Cecilia holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Journalism, Bachelor of Arts (Communications Major) and Advance Diploma in Advertising.
Phone: 207 317 1336
Email: ctwomey@sstar.uk.com
Judy Innes
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO CHIEF EXECUTIVE
Southern Star International - Sydney office
Judy is the Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive
Phone: 2 9202 8564
Email: jinnes@sstar.com.au
Kirrilee James
PA
Southern Star International - Sydney office
Sales Assistant providing administration support to Benn Watson, Kirsten Cargill and Daniel Edwards.
Phone: +61 2 9202 8584
Email: kjames@sstar.com.au
Caroline Reid
SALES ASSISTANT
Southern Star International - Sydney office
Sales Assistant providing administration support to Alison Baker, Joanne Azzopardi and Ann Hoddinott.
Phone: +61 2 9202 8912
Email: CReid@sstar.com.au
Kate Green
SALES ASSISTANT
Southern Star International - London office
Sales Assistant providing administration support for Veronique Verges and Cathy Meacock.
Phone: +44 207 317 1335
Email: kgreen@sstar.uk.com
Winnie Malek
SALES ASSISTANT
Southern Star International -
Sales Assistant providing administrative support to Claire Taltas and Cecilia Twomey.
Phone: +44 207 317 1329
Email: wmalek@sstar.uk.com
Nina Richardson
SALES ASSISTANT
Southern Star International -
Sales Assistant providing administrative support to Gisela Asimus-Minnbergh and James Braham.
Phone: 20 7317 1325
Email: nrichardson@sstar.uk.com
Shannon Becker
MARKETING MANAGER
Southern Star International - Sydney office
Marketing Manager responsible for the overall co-ordination of marketing for the Division and vast publicity requirements for Southern Star Entertainment.
Phone: +612 9202 8504
Email: sbecker@sstar.com.au
Megan Bulmer
MARKETING CO-ORDINATOR
Southern Star International - Sydney office
Coordination of marketing materials, trade market festivals and assisting the Marketing Manager with marketing administration duties. Point of contact for Clip Licensing enquiries and general video enquiries.
Phone: + 612 9202 8581
Email: mbulmer@sstar.com.au
Phoebe Price
MARKETING CO-ORDINATOR
Southern Star International - Sydney office
Coordination of marketing materials, trade market festivals and assisting the Marketing Manager with marketing administration duties. Point of contact for Clip Licensing enquiries and general video enquiries.
Phone: +612 9202 8582
Email: pprice@sstar.com.au
Cathy Meacock
UK OPERATIONS MANAGER
Southern Star International - London office
Cathy is the Business Operations Manager UK responsible for producer liaison and acquisitions in UK and day to day management of all Southern Star Sales systems for UK office.
Phone: +44 207 317 1338
Email: cmeacock@sstar.uk.com
Lucie McMaster
RIGHTS MANAGER
Southern Star International - Sydney office
Lucie is responsible for maintenance of rights database including availability and sales analysis.
Phone: +612 9202 8573
Email: lmcmaster@sstar.com.au
Katerina Ilievska
RIGHTS MANAGER
Southern Star International - Sydney office
Katerina is responsible for rights database maintenance
Phone: +612 9202 8961
Email: kilievska@sstar.com.au
Claire Collins
CONTRACTS ADMINISTRATOR
Southern Star International - Sydney office
Claire is responsible for preparation and distribution of all contracting documentation.
Phone: +61 2 9202 8507
Email: ccollins@sstar.com.au
Michael Blasonato
SERVICING MANAGER
Southern Star International - Sydney office
Responsibility for the Technical Standard of all transmission materials. Overall management of the Servicing team and day to day running of the Customer Servicing, Acquisition and Despatch staff.
Phone: +612 9202 8570
Email: mblasonato@sstar.com.au
Mia George
TECHNICAL ADMINISTRATOR
Southern Star International - Sydney office
Responsible for administration of vendors, title terminations and administration processes across the Division. Point of liaison with IT for Easytrack and other sales IT functions.
Phone: 2 9956 6918
Email: MGeorge@sstar.com.au
Nick McFarlane
ACQUISITIONS CO-ORDINATOR
Southern Star International - Sydney office
Nick is responsible for handling the delivery of new program materials to ensure all required materials are delivered and meet our technical specifications.
Phone: +612 9202 8562
Email: nmcfarlane@sstar.com.au
Lyle Bettson-Barker
PROGRAM COORDINATOR, DRAMA AND DOCUMENTARY
Southern Star International - Sydney office
Lyle is the Program Co-ordinator responsible for the delivery of content, tape & metadata, to buyers for all titles in the Drama, Documentary & Reality Genres.
Phone: +612 9202 8511
Email: LBettson-Barker@sstar.com.au
Julie-Anne Wright
PREVIEWS CO-ORDINATOR
Southern Star International -
Julie-Anne assists servicing staff with shipping preparations and document entry into Easytrack; stationery and stock orders; assist the Servicing Manager with general enquires from the other divisions and with the general organisation; invoicing; foreign language dubbing contact and managing expired/terminated titles.
Phone: +612 9202 8930
Email: JWright@sstar.com.au
Dan Grant
UK IT SUPPORT..
Southern Star International - London office
Dan is the IT Administrator responsible for all IT functions for the London office including all software and telephones.
Phone: 207 317 1321
Email: dgrant@sstar.uk.com
Ross Garland
FINANCE MANAGER
Southern Star International - Sydney office
Ross is the Finance Manager for Southern Star International with overall responsibility for the finance team and the division's internal and external reporting.
Phone: +612 9202 8517
Email: RGarland@sstar.com.au
Will LeSaulnier
GROUP ROYALTY ACCOUNTANT
Southern Star International - Sydney office
William is responsible for overall management of investor reporting, acquisitions and related accounting functions.
Phone: +612 9202 8962
Email: wlesaulnier@sstar.com.au
Amanda Darnley
ACCOUNTANT
Southern Star International - Sydney office
Amanda is responsible for producing forecasts, assisting with production of the monthly management accounts and budgets, revenue reporting and comparisons to budget, checking content and reviewing contracts to ensure that Licensee Royalty statements are correct.
Phone: +612 9202 8948
Email: adarnley@sstar.com.au
Katja Schneidereit
REVENUE ACCOUNTANT
Southern Star International - Sydney office
Katja is responsible for maintaining the financial aspects of contract entry and amendments, accounts receivable and revenue accounting.
Phone: +61 2 9202 8529
Email: kschneidereit@sstar.com.au
Jessie Krumm-Heller
ACCOUNTANT
Southern Star International - Sydney office
Jessie is responsible for royalty reporting, tracking of sales data and assisting in the creation of sales budgets.
Phone: +612 9202 8528
Email: jkrummheller@sstar.com.au
Stephen Pearce
SENIOR CREDIT CONTROLLER
Southern Star International - London office
Steve is the Senior Credit Controller responsible for following up clients for cash collection and royalty reporting.
Phone: +44 207 317 1320
Email: spearce@sstar.uk.com