Perth Film Studio appoints Chief Executive Officer
The operators of the new Perth Film Studios have announced the appointment of Tom Avison as Chief Executive Officer following a global recruitment search.
High-quality applications from domestic and international markets were received and assessed by a selection panel that included Home Fire Operations, the Arts and Culture Trust and industry specialist recruitment firm, Entertainment Personnel Australia.
Tom is currently the Director of Operations at Sky Studios Elstree in London, regarded as one of the UK’s newest, most modern, sustainable, and innovative screen facilities. Tom has led operations from pre-launch to date, accommodating recent major films such as Wicked, Paddington 3, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy and Jurassic World: Rebirth. Prior to Sky, Tom has spent much of the past 10 years in leadership roles across the UK Studios industry, having previously led 3 Mills Studios in East London and the historic Twickenham Studios in West London.
Home Fire Director Howard Cearns said Tom Avison is a proven leader in the screen industry, with nearly 20 years of experience across the sector including studio management, sales, operations, production and post-production.
“Importantly for Perth Film Studios, Tom was the first operational hire at Sky Studios Elstree, employed to lead the delivery of operational excellence, driving recruitment, process and systems development and the creation of a dynamic, collaborative culture across the facility,” he said.
“Sky Studios Elstree, owned and operated by Sky (part of Comcast), is one of the UK’s largest studios, a 35-acre facility with 12 stages covering 260,000 sq ft.
“To successfully host the production of Wicked and Wicked: For Good as its opening client, followed by a significant number of productions from NBCU and other major US Studios and streamers, across multiple stages, highlights Tom’s expertise, experience, and reputation.
“We are delighted to have attracted someone so qualified and genuinely excited to assist us open Perth Film Studio’s in 2026.”
Tom Avison said he had always been attracted to opportunities that are full of creative energy,
“Having the chance to visit Perth and spend time with the major stakeholders and Home Fire team, it was clear that what is happening in WA with Perth Film Studios is one of those opportunities.
“Not only did I see a world class studio facility emerging, but also an experienced and successful screen sector growing at pace - I saw a chance that was too good to resist.
“I am very excited and honoured to be joining this team.”
Additionally, Home Fire has appointed James Grandison as Business and Industry Development Director. James has been working as a consultant for Home Fire up to this point but has now become an official member of the Home Fire team.
James is one of WA’s most experienced producers and production managers with credits including The Surfer with Nicolas Cage, Picnic at Hanging Rock, Mystery Road: Origin, Blueback and Sweet As. Based previously in London and Melbourne producing on location and in studios, he is now Perth-based and a current member of Screenwest’s Industry Advisory Group.
Construction of Perth Film Studios is well underway and on schedule for completion by the end of 2025, with the studios open for business from early 2026.
The Arts and Culture Trust is the owner of the Perth Film Studios, on behalf of the State Government.