Beyond Streaming Reform: SPA CEO Matthew Deaner Outlines What’s Left To Do and What’s Next – Screen Producers Australia (SPA) CEO Matthew Deaner’s opening remarks at SCREEN FOREVER 40 will highlight the significance of Australia’s new streaming content regulation framework, while posing some questions around what is needed to support a sustainable and competitive Australian screen sector.
Speaking at the Official Opening Ceremony on Tuesday 28 April, Mr Deaner will reflect on the introduction of the long-awaited streaming regulations, which came into effect on 1 January, describing the framework as a landmark achievement that brings much-needed stability and certainty to the market.
“The introduction of local content obligations on streaming platforms is a significant milestone for our industry,”
– Mr Deaner said.
“It reflects years of sustained advocacy and a clear message from industry and audiences alike: Australian content matters.”
Mr Deaner will also highlight the launch of SPA’s Industry Codes initiative, describing it as a critical step forward in strengthening standards across the screen sector and supporting safer, more respectful production environments.
“We are proud to announce the launch of our Industry Codes initiative, an important step in ensuring our workplaces reflect the professionalism, safety and respect our industry should expect as standard,”
– Mr Deaner said.
While welcoming the progress, Mr Deaner will emphasise that the new framework is only one part of a broader policy agenda needed to support a sustainable domestic screen production sector and deliver intergenerational equity in Australian storytelling.
“Culture is something we shape not just for ourselves, but for our children and those who come after us.”
Mr Deaner will also call for Australia to develop a stronger cultural export strategy, ensuring local creativity is not only protected at home, but positioned to be celebrated on screens around the world.
“Streaming regulation is a critical step forward, but it does not solve all the structural challenges facing producers,”
– Mr Deaner said.
“It remains incredibly difficult to finance most screen projects, or to secure one of what are currently a reduced number of commissions in the market or to build sustainable production businesses.”
The address will seek to pose some key areas to see explored as part of the ongoing National Cultural Policy consultation including:
– Whether screen production incentives are still best serving their intended purpose, or how can they be modernised. – What frameworks are needed to ensure producers are able to get fair commercial deals in the market and therefore survive.
– How and what partnerships are needed for Australia to thrive in the globalised world.
Screen Producers Australia (SPA) CEO Matthew Deaner’s opening remarks at SCREEN FOREVER 40 will highlight the significance of Australia’s new streaming content regulation framework, while posing some questions around what is needed to support a sustainable and competitive Australian screen sector.
Speaking at the Official Opening Ceremony on Tuesday 28 April, Mr Deaner will reflect on the introduction of the long-awaited streaming regulations, which came into effect on 1 January, describing the framework as a landmark achievement that brings much-needed stability and certainty to the market.
“The introduction of local content obligations on streaming platforms is a significant milestone for our industry,”
– Mr Deaner said.
“It reflects years of sustained advocacy and a clear message from industry and audiences alike: Australian content matters.”
Mr Deaner will also highlight the launch of SPA’s Industry Codes initiative, describing it as a critical step forward in strengthening standards across the screen sector and supporting safer, more respectful production environments.
“We are proud to announce the launch of our Industry Codes initiative, an important step in ensuring our workplaces reflect the professionalism, safety and respect our industry should expect as standard,”
– Mr Deaner said.
While welcoming the progress, Mr Deaner will emphasise that the new framework is only one part of a broader policy agenda needed to support a sustainable domestic screen production sector and deliver intergenerational equity in Australian storytelling.
“Culture is something we shape not just for ourselves, but for our children and those who come after us.”
Mr Deaner will also call for Australia to develop a stronger cultural export strategy, ensuring local creativity is not only protected at home, but positioned to be celebrated on screens around the world.
“Streaming regulation is a critical step forward, but it does not solve all the structural challenges facing producers,”
– Mr Deaner said.
“It remains incredibly difficult to finance most screen projects, or to secure one of what are currently a reduced number of commissions in the market or to build sustainable production businesses.”
The address will seek to pose some key areas to see explored as part of the ongoing National Cultural Policy consultation including:
– Whether screen production incentives are still best serving their intended purpose, or how can they be modernised. – What frameworks are needed to ensure producers are able to get fair commercial deals in the market and therefore survive.
– How and what partnerships are needed for Australia to thrive in the globalised world.
Media Release – SPA
Link to SPA HERE
TV Central Screen Producers Australia content HERE
Beyond Streaming Reform: SPA CEO Matthew Deaner Outlines What’s Left To Do and What’s Next
