Veteran producer Richard Brennan, whose extensive credits across several decades include Cosi, Spotswood, Blood Oath, Grievous Bodily Harm, Starstruck, Stir and Newsfront, has joined the Australian Film Commission (AFC) as a project manager.

The AFC is the Australian Government's key development agency for the film industry and Brennan will be working from the Melbourne office from early next year. He and the AFC's other project managers are charged with deciding what projects should be developed, which has a strong bearing on what eventually goes into production.

"Richard has extensive knowledge and experience of the Australian film and television industry, production skill and acumen, a high level of cinema literacy and an ability to nurture and support creative, talented film-makers," said director of film development Carole Sklan.

Brennan is replacing Cristina Pozzan who plans to return to hands-on producing after three years in the job.