PRISM 2026: Screen Producers Australia explores the screen export opportunity – Screen Producers Australia (SPA) has brought together leaders from across the screen industry for PRISM 2026. The forum examined how Australia can build on its creative strengths to increase the international reach and economic value of Australian screen content.
Held at Disney Studios Australia, PRISM 2026: The Export Lens – Australian Content in a Global Market explored the mechanisms that support international market access, capital flows and long-term industry growth. It also looked at the opportunities for Australian production businesses in an increasingly global screen market.
The forum comes at a busy time for SPA. Earlier this month, TV Central reported that Matthew Deaner will step down as Screen Producers Australia CEO after 14 years.
A candid conversation under Chatham House rule
PRISM 2026 brought together producers, commissioners, agencies and other industry leaders. They took part in a thought-provoking and critical discussion conducted under Chatham House rule.
Dr Simon Longstaff AO, Executive Director of The Ethics Centre, moderated the forum.
Turning creative strength into economic value
SPA Council’s Nick Murray said Australia’s screen sector had an established international reputation. However, he said greater focus was needed on creating the conditions for Australian production businesses to capitalise on global opportunities.
Australian producers have consistently demonstrated their ability to create distinctive, high-quality content that travels around the world.
Nick Murray, SPA Council
Murray said the priority now is to consider how the sector turns that creative strength into sustained economic value, both for Australian production businesses and the broader economy. He added that this may involve addressing work practices and rising costs.
International markets, partnerships and co-productions can play an important role in building stronger and more sustainable Australian screen businesses. Ensuring we have the tools, connections and pathways to compete internationally will be increasingly important to the future growth of our sector.
Nick Murray, SPA Council
What comes after PRISM 2026?
Murray also described PRISM as a valuable opportunity to bring different perspectives together.
PRISM provides a valuable opportunity to bring together different perspectives from across the industry and have a candid conversation about what is working, where the barriers remain and what Australia can do to strengthen its position in the global screen market.
We thank everyone who contributed their expertise and experience to today’s discussion, and Dr Simon Longstaff for once again guiding an important and thought-provoking conversation. Now we look to how we can build on these ideas and support government to chart a roadmap for the future.
Nick Murray, SPA Council
PRISM 2026 participants
The participants included:
- Barbara Stephen, Flying Bark Productions
- Dan Fahy, Independent Strategist
- Emile Sherman, See-Saw Films
- Grainne Brunsdon, Screen Australia
- Helen Bowden, Lingo Pictures
- Jenny Buckland, Australian Children’s Television Foundation
- Katie Shortland, Princess Pictures
- Matthew Street, Ambience Entertainment
- Matthew Vitins, Northern Pictures
- Patrick Idquival Ebury
- Rachel Perkins, Screen Australia
- Will Hamilton, BBC Studios
- Yeesum Lo, Paramount+/Network 10
About PRISM and Screen Producers Australia
PRISM is SPA’s thought leadership forum. It brings together leaders from across Australia’s screen sector to examine significant issues and opportunities shaping the future of the industry.
SPA is Australia’s peak trade body for screen production businesses. For 70 years, it has represented large and small screen businesses across the nation. Its 800-plus members work across all genres and platforms.
For more TV Central Screen Producers Australia news, head here. To learn more about SPA, visit Screen Producers Australia.