SCREEN FOREVER 41 unveils program themes and industry advisory board – Screen Producers Australia has unveiled four program tracks and a 17-member advisory board for SCREEN FOREVER 41, which returns to Queensland’s Gold Coast from 4 to 6 May 2027.
The next industry forum will focus on Market Intel, Screen Innovation, Audience: The New Currency and The Value Proposition. Together, the tracks place commercial intelligence, technology, audience behaviour and intellectual property at the centre of the event’s discussions.
SCREEN FOREVER is positioned as the Southern Hemisphere’s leading screen-industry event. Its 2027 Australian Screen Market will begin with online meetings on 28 and 29 April before the in-person forum and market at The Star Gold Coast. For producers, commissioners, distributors and investors, the new structure is designed to connect conference debate more closely with practical business opportunities.
A more interactive SCREEN FOREVER 41 program
Screen Producers Australia said the refreshed Industry Forum would move beyond conventional panel discussions. It will introduce more interactive formats intended to encourage open dialogue, competing perspectives and direct engagement between speakers and delegates.
The program will examine the changing commercial, creative and production landscape. Sessions are expected to concentrate on practical information that screen businesses can use when responding to commissioning trends, new production tools, workplace change and shifting audience habits.
SPA Council President Tracey Vieira said the direction reflected the increasingly complex environment facing Australian screen businesses.
Australian screen producers are navigating significant changes in how content is developed, financed, produced, distributed and consumed.
SCREEN FOREVER 41 will focus on the practical intelligence, emerging opportunities and commercial strategies that can help screen businesses adapt and grow.
From understanding the information behind commissioning decisions to exploring new production technologies, audience relationships and the value of intellectual property, these tracks will bring together the people and perspectives needed to move the industry conversation forward.
Tracey Vieira, SPA Council President
The four SCREEN FOREVER 41 tracks
Market Intel
Market Intel will explore the information behind commissioning, financing and commercial decisions. The track will consider the gap between publicly available reporting and the real-time intelligence that influences deals, while examining how producers can use market insights to make stronger creative and business choices.
Screen Innovation
Screen Innovation will address technologies and production practices already changing the sector. Its subjects will include AI-assisted post-production, virtual production, evolving crew roles, accessibility and psychosocial safety, along with the consequences for budgets, workflows and workforce planning.
Audience: The New Currency
Audience: The New Currency will examine the growing influence audiences have on development and commissioning. Creator-led content, fandom, emerging platforms and discoverability will be part of the discussion, alongside audience-led development and opportunities for creators and traditional producers to work together.
The Value Proposition
The Value Proposition will focus on how screen businesses can create and retain long-term commercial value as traditional revenue models evolve. Discussions will cover intellectual-property ownership, rights exploitation, financing and investment models, catalogue value and strategies for building sustainable companies beyond individual productions.
Barbara Stephen chairs the industry advisory board
Flying Bark Productions chief executive Barbara Stephen will chair the SCREEN FOREVER 41 Advisory Board. The group brings together leaders from production, broadcasting, streaming, distribution, investment and screen agencies.
A single advisory board will provide strategic input into both the conference program and the Australian Screen Market in 2027. SPA said the unified approach should strengthen the connection between the ideas discussed at the forum and the commercial opportunities pursued through the market.
SCREEN FOREVER 41 Advisory Board
- Jessica Atkins – Subscription Sales Manager, Broadcast Intelligence
- Rebecca Barry – Co-Founder and Producer, Media Stockade
- Gina Black – Screen Industry Advisor, Invest Gold Coast
- Grainne Brunsdon – Chief Operating Officer, Screen Australia
- Jenny Buckland – CEO, Australian Children’s Television Foundation
- Luke Clark – Producer, New Mac Media
- Cieron Cody – Senior Commissioning Editor, SBS
- Julie Eckersley – Executive Director, Screen Content, Screen Queensland
- Emma Fitzsimons – Managing Director, Princess Pictures
- Monique Keller – Joint Managing Director, Kindling Pictures
- Dianna La Grassa – COO and Head of Screen, Bus Stop Films
- Michael Matrenza – Head of Marketing, Madman Entertainment
- Rachel Millar – Head of Entertainment, ABC
- Sophia Mogford – Head of Scripted Content and Comedy, Paramount
- Ben Richardson – Founder, Cogniti Strategy
- Katherine Slattery – Content Manager, Originals, ANZ, Netflix
- Barbara Stephen – CEO, Flying Bark Productions
What happens next
Further speakers, detailed sessions and market opportunities will be announced before the event. SCREEN FOREVER is also inviting ideas for topics, projects, speakers and moderators, with program proposals currently due by 1 December 2026.
The Australian Screen Market Online runs on 28 and 29 April 2027. The Industry Forum and in-person market follow at The Star Gold Coast from 4 to 6 May 2027.
For more TV Central Screen Producers Australia news, head here, and visit the official SCREEN FOREVER 41 website for event information.