Pitch On Demand Set to Deliver More International Opportunities in 2025

Pitch On Demand Set to Deliver More International Opportunities in 2025 – Screen Producers Australia (SPA) has today announced the return of its premium online pitching initiative, Pitch On Demand, now in its fifth year, with Apple TV+ and Foxtel Group back on board, and Shudder confirmed to join the program for the first time.

The exclusive initiative continues to offer SPA members direct access to key decision-makers from leading broadcasters and platforms, fast-tracking high-quality Australian screen stories that align with commissioner briefs.

Returning participants Apple TV+ and Foxtel Group bring valuable continuity to the program, reaffirming their commitment to collaborating with Australia’s independent production sector and investing in fresh, original storytelling that aligns with their briefs.

This year, for the first time, Foxtel Group’s Howard Myers-Rifai will provide a briefing focused on discovering original unscripted projects through the program. Howard leads a team working across Foxtel channels and BINGE, producing a diverse range of unscripted content.

“I am delighted to be joining this year’s Pitch on Demand and honoured to be the first standalone Unscripted commissioner invited to take part. I’m looking forward to hearing some creative, different, and inspiring pitches from a diverse range of our brilliant local producers,”

– said Foxtel Group’s Head of Unscripted Originals, Howard Myers-Rifai.

Oliver Jones, Senior Commissioner, International Originals at Apple TV+, will participate and deliver a brief on what he wants to see from registrants to add to the extensive library already available on Apple TV+, ranging from comedies, unscripted drama, to animation.

SPA is pleased to welcome Shudder on board for the 2025 iteration, marking the first time an international genre-focused streaming platform will participate in Pitch On Demand. Jenny Ezell from Shudder will provide the brief, opening new doors for producers working in the thriller, horror, and supernatural genres.

The streamlined format ensures producers at all stages of their careers have an equal opportunity to connect with leading commissioners and identify where their original ideas may align with current content needs.

“We’re pleased to welcome back Apple TV+ and Foxtel Group for the fifth edition of Pitch On Demand, and equally excited to have Shudder join us for the first time. Their participation signals these businesses’ appetite for bold, original Australian stories across a range of genres and platforms.

“This initiative continues to foster invaluable connections between SPA members and leading commissioners, helping to create real opportunities for local projects to reach both Australian and global audiences,”

– said Mr Deaner.

Exclusive to SPA members, Pitch On Demand is one of several initiatives championed by SPA to drive industry growth and amplify Australian storytelling.