John
Archer has resigned his post as chief executive
of Scottish Screen after holding the position
since Scottish Screen's birth five years ago.
Amid a thorough evaluation of the agency's policies
and constant political in-fighting between Scottish
Screen and the majority of the Scottish filmmaking
community, Archer has conceded defeat for the
good of the industry.
The then Enterprise Minister Henry McLeish welcomed
the move, saying: "I hope that Scottish Screen
will be working with public and private bodies
in Scotland over the next few months to work up
proposals for a Film Charter."
His position had become untenable to many critics,
including The Scotsman newspaper, when a project
by his wife's production company applied for and
was granted lottery finance. He had passed on
all responsibility concerning that decision to
other members but it did prove embarrassing, particularly
as the quango is one of 63 being scrutinised by
politicians over its future.
Mr Archer says he will stay in his post until
a successor is appointed and the process of finding
a new chief executive has already begun.
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