AFCI names Claire Brooks as executive director

Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI) has named producer and creative executive Claire Brooks executive director of the organisation.

Brooks’s appointment takes effect on June 10. She most recently served as director of production at Stephanie Allain’s Homegrown Pictures, where she produced 2024 Sundance entry Exhibiting Forgiveness, oversaw a film slate that includes the upcoming Otis & Zelma starring Danielle Deadwyler and John Boyega, and developed television projects under a first-look deal with Warner Bros. Television.

The appointee is known for championing emerging talent and designed and launched Netflix’s Emerging Filmmaker Initiative. She will lead AFCI through its next chapter of growth following the departure of the previous executive director, Jaclyn Philpott, in April.

Brooks began her career at Illumination Entertainment, where she coordinated global marketing campaigns for The Lorax and Despicable Me 2. She was part of the founding team that opened the Alamo Drafthouse Downtown LA cinema before pivoting into full-time producing.

AFCI said it conducted a global search for candidates and received more than 150 submissions.

“Claire brings a remarkable depth of experience across production and strategic partnerships,” said AFCI board chair and BC Film Commissioner Marnie Gee. “Her global perspective is especially critical as AFCI continues to expand its international reach and foster cross-border collaboration within the screen sector.”

This story originally appeared on our sister site Screen