Founder of TV and film production house quits

Dave Gibson

Dave Gibson, head of one of New Zealand's leading film and television production companies, has quit, surprising colleagues.

Mr Gibson, a respected producer who has led the Gibson Group since its establishment in Wellington in 1977, told staff on Friday he was stepping down as managing director and as a director.

His former wife, television and film director Yvonne Mackay, at present overseas, will continue as a director.

Mr Gibson said yesterday the decision to stand down was extremely difficult. "It was a tough day on Friday. I come from a farming background and it was a little bit like walking away from the family farm."

He declined to explain his decision, but said the company was in a strong financial position and "finances played no part in my decision to resign".

Mr Gibson has offered to continue to work for the company on a short-term contract basis as a senior producer on television shows still in production, among them The Insider's Guide to Love, sequel to the award-winning series The Insider's Guide to Happiness, and the arts show Frontseat.

Mr Gibson said he was setting up a small office in his apartment and had no plans to leave the production business, in which he has been working since 1974.

Screen Production and Development Association chief executive Penelope Borland said she understood Mr Gibson was resigning because of a shareholder dispute.

She said it was difficult to know what direction the company would take.

Frontseat presenter Oliver Driver said Mr Gibson had told him personally of his resignation on Friday, but the news was still sinking in.

Mr Gibson was a "huge part" of the show and he was confident he would continue to be involved.

Frontseat producer Gemma Gracewood said Mr Gibson was "fantastic to work for" and his resignation was a shock to staff.

Director and script-writer Danny Mulheron, a co-worker on several projects with Mr Gibson, said his friend had obviously decided to do something new. "He'll land on his feet."

The Gibson Group employs about 20 staff producing TV programmes and feature films that have sold in 80 countries.

- NZPA