In the Frame speakers announced for Screen Queensland Practitioners Forum – Screen Queensland has revealed the commissioners, producers, investors and screen creatives appearing at its 2026 practitioners forum. The event is called In the Frame: Screen Queensland Practitioners Forum.
The one-day event will be held at State Library of Queensland on Wednesday, 7 October. This year’s theme is The Future Starts Here. The program combines four industry sessions with a networking function.
For Queensland practitioners, the forum brings several decision-makers together. They represent Stan, Channel 9, 9Now, ABC TV and Paramount Australia and New Zealand. Meanwhile, producers and independent creators will also join the program. Its focus is practical: building careers, financing projects, winning commissions and preparing for industry change.
In the Frame focuses on future-ready screen careers
Screen Queensland CEO Jacqui Feeney said In the Frame had become an important annual gathering. It serves practitioners and screen businesses in South East and Far North Queensland.
“This year’s Brisbane program explores the key elements currently shaping the sector, with an eye firmly on the future, panellists will dive into creative entrepreneurship, financing and IP, what gets projects the green light and how Queensland screen practitioners and businesses can best position themselves for the opportunities to come.
“In the Frame offers a full day of practical insights, real-world experience and honest conversations about building a successful, long-term career in screen and we look forward to connecting with local practitioners and industry leaders about how we can seize this moment to be future-focused and ambitious for our industry’s potential.”
Crafting careers that go the distance
First, a career session brings together practitioners at different stages of their working lives. They will discuss the choices and relationships that helped them progress. They will also explain how they adapted to industry change.
The panel features writer, director and producer Clare Sladden; writer and director Rhianna Malezer; and director, producer and access coordinator Steph Dower.
The session moves beyond the idea of one pathway into the industry. Instead, speakers will examine how careers develop through new roles, collaborations and market conditions.
Breaking down screen project finance
Next, The budget breakdown: keeping project finances growing as you do will examine screen financing.
Emma Sargent represents Five Storey Films. Kristen Souvlis joins her from Like A Photon Creative. Together, they will explain soft and hard money, private investment and public grants.
The masterclass will also cover how production companies, distributors and sales agents fit into a project’s financial plan. For emerging producers, the session provides a map of the organisations and funding sources that can take a project from early development into production and the international market.
What turns a great idea into a green light?
Meanwhile, Great ideas to green lights brings together commissioners, platform executives and creators. The panel asks why only a small proportion of pitched projects win approval.
Andy Ryan will represent Stan, 9Network and 9Now. Brett Sleigh joins the panel from ABC TV. Content creator and executive producer Que Minh Luu will also appear. Sophia Mogford represents Paramount Australia and New Zealand.
The session examines what separates successful ideas from hundreds of proposals. Those proposals go to broadcasters, streaming services and funding bodies. As a result, Queensland creatives will gain a clearer view of the decision process. They will hear what buyers and commissioners consider before moving forward.
Looking towards the next wave of opportunity
Finally, the last session asks where new opportunities will emerge. It also considers how Queensland can benefit from them.
The next wave of opportunity features John Harvey from Brown Cabs, Sam Lingham from Aunty Donna, Haven’t You Done Well and Grouse House, and Takeshi Takeda from Alt Group.
The speakers will discuss the changes they are pursuing. They will also identify Queensland’s existing advantages. Then, they will consider which skills and business models the sector may need next.
That future-facing discussion links directly with the forum’s broader theme. It also widens the program beyond traditional film and television commissioning to consider changing audiences, creative entrepreneurship and new ways to build sustainable screen businesses.
Loani Arman to lead the Brisbane forum
Writer, director and screen executive Loani Arman will serve as MC. Afterwards, a networking function will conclude the event. Attendees can continue their conversations with practitioners and industry representatives.
Tickets cost $70 plus booking fee. The price includes lunch and networking refreshments.
Screen Queensland operates career-building programs for practitioners across the state. The government-owned agency invests in locally made films, television series and digital games. It also attracts interstate and international production. Screen Queensland operates studio facilities in Brisbane and Cairns.
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In the Frame event details
Event: In the Frame: Screen Queensland Practitioners Forum
Date: Wednesday, 7 October 2026
Venue: State Library of Queensland
Tickets: $70 plus booking fee, including lunch and networking refreshments
For more TV Central Australian screen industry news, head here. View the full program and ticket information on the official Screen Queensland event page.