Sally Riley

Sally Riley is the Head of Scripted for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) where she is responsible for development and production of all Drama, Comedy and Indigenous programs.   


 A proud Wiradjuri woman, Sally is a leading advocate for Indigenous perspectives, voices and stories. Sally’s previous role was the inaugural Head of ABC TV’s Indigenous Department where she pioneered ground-breaking productions such as CLEVERMAN, GODS OF WHEAT STREET, BLACK COMEDY, 8MMM, THE WARRIORS, and REDFERN NOW, the first series to be commissioned, written, acted and produced by Indigenous Australians.   


Under her leadership as Head of Scripted, Sally has played an integral role in re-shaping the slate by commissioning titles that not only champions bold Australian content but also attracts international co-productions such as MYSTERY ROAD produced by Bunya Productions and distributed by All3Media; TOTAL CONTROL produced by Blackfella Films which recently received a preview screening at the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival and THE CRY  by Synchronicity Films.  She has also overseen a range of commissions including RIOT starring Damon Herriman; RAKE starring Richard Roxburgh and JACK IRISH starring Guy Pearce.  


Under Sally’s leadership, the Department’s initiatives provided professional development opportunities for Indigenous filmmakers, creating enormous growth and a distinctive body of work.  


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