SCREEN FOREVER 40 – Day One Wrap – Today we officially opened SCREEN FOREVER 40, welcoming delegates from across Australia and around the world to the Gold Coast for three days of industry insight, big conversations and valuable connections.
The conference opened with the Official Opening Ceremony, where SPA CEO Matthew Deaner reflected on the momentous year for the sector, including the introduction of Australia’s new streaming regulation framework, while setting the agenda for the policy priorities still ahead for the industry.
The day’s State of Play sessions examined the realities shaping the market across theatrical, broadcast, streaming and international distribution.
In At the Box Office, leaders from across exhibition, distribution and production unpacked the increasing pressure around theatrical release strategies, audience behaviour and what it now takes for Australian films to succeed on the big screen. Moderated by Duane Hatherly, the session brought together Damian Keogh (HOYTS), Edwina Waddy (Roadshow Films), Greg Denning (StudioCanal ANZ), Paul Wiegard (Madman Entertainment), Schuyler Weiss (Bazmark) and Barbara Stephen (Flying Bark Productions).
What’s Shaping Broadcast & Streaming, moderated by Virginia Trioli, explored the commissioning environment, and the shifting balance between local and global storytelling, with Daniel Monaghan (Foxtel Group) and Jennifer Collins (ABC) sharing insight into how platforms are defining value in a shiftng market.
The day also featured the Hector Crawford Memorial Lecture, with trailblazing producer Penny Chapman delivering a powerful keynote on creative courage in turbulent times. Her reflections on leadership, storytelling and the enduring importance of Australian voices resonated strongly with delegates across the room.
👉 Watch the full keynote HERE.
👉 Download the keynote transcript HERE.
In State of Play: A Global Lens, international distributors from Fifth Season, DCD, All3 Media, Boat Rocker Studios and Bankside Films offered a candid look at what is selling globally, what is stalling and how Australian producers can better position projects for international success.
The session was moderated by Jacqui Feeney and brought to you by the Australian Children’s Television Foundation.
The afternoon concluded with Second Act: Reimagining Australia’s Screen Future, where ABC Managing Director Hugh Marks joined Tony Ayres, Mark Fennessy, Rachel Perkins, Jude Troy and Deirdre Brennan for a forward-looking discussion on exploring ideas and opportunities to build a stronger and more sustainable screen sector. Moderated by Virginia Trioli and brought to you by VicScreen, the session challenged delegates to think boldly about the future of Australian screen production.
Tonight, delegates continue the conversations at the hugely popular Audio Network Opening Night Drinks, with live performances from Setwun and Izzy Day, followed by DJ Kid Kenobi helping launch SCREEN FOREVER 40 in style.
Day one set the tone for a big week ahead, and we look forward to welcoming delegates back tomorrow for more sessions, meetings and market opportunities.
👉 View full program HERE.
Media Release – SPA
Link to SPA HERE
TV Central Screen Producers Australia content HERE
SCREEN FOREVER 40 – Day One Wrap
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