Tributes for Trailblazing Producer Caterina De Nave

The film and television industry has lost “a major figure in the New Zealand television landscape” in Caterina De Nave, who passed away on the weekend, following a long battle with illness, aged 67.

De Nave was the first woman to ever head a department at Television New Zealand, helping break the glass ceiling for women’s advancement in the industry.

De Nave was most recently working for SBS in Sydney as the commissioning editor for drama, comedy and entertainment.

She began her career as a script editor for Playschool in the 1970s before quickly rising through the ranks at Television New Zealand, where she was made Head of Entertainment in 1988.

She was instrumental in creating our longest running soap opera, Shortland Street, and produced the award-winning miniseries, Erebus: The Aftermath.

Later, as Head of Drama and Comedy at TV3, she helped develop bro’Town and Outrageous Fortune, and was the executive producer behind The Jaquie Brown Diaries.

In 2008 De Nave joined SBS and was responsible for the commissioning of many of the network’s more high profile shows such as Better Man, Danger 5, Housos, Legally Brown and A Pang for Brazil.

She also led several Eurovision specials.

“We are immensely saddened by the death of a much loved and well respected colleague,” said Michael Ebeid SBS managing director.

“Caterina held the position of commissioning editor for drama, comedy and entertainment since joining SBS in 2009.  She contributed greatly to the development of SBS’s content slate, drawing generously on her extensive industry background and strong relationships with the production sector.

“Caterina was known for her great passion and determination, and her input was valued enormously. Caterina will be sorely missed by the SBS family.”

Originally reported by mUmBRELLA.

NZ On Screen Caterina de Nave Biography: http://www.nzonscreen.com/person/caterina-de-nave/biography