Screen Producers Australia names Ones To Watch 2026/27 cohort – Ten emerging producers and creators from five states and territories have been selected for Screen Producers Australia’s six-month Ones To Watch professional development program.
The 2026/27 intake is the first to be divided into two dedicated pathways: Ones To Watch Producers and Ones To Watch Creators. Five participants have been selected for each stream, spanning scripted and factual television, feature film, documentary, animation, comedy, digital production and creator-led work.
The new structure recognises that screen careers are no longer built through a single production model. By supporting both traditional producers and creators who develop audiences and intellectual property through digital platforms, the program gives this year’s cohort more targeted pathways into the wider Australian screen industry.
Who is in the Ones To Watch 2026/27 creator cohort?
The five participants selected for the Ones To Watch Creators pathway are:
- Maggie Looke from Victoria
- Saksham Sharma from New South Wales
- Sebastian Chan from the Australian Capital Territory
- Tak Nakano from New South Wales
- Tresa Ponnor from New South Wales
The creator pathway is designed for practitioners building projects, audiences and businesses through creator-led forms of screen production. It sits alongside the program’s established focus on developing the next generation of Australian production talent.
Who is in the Ones To Watch 2026/27 producer cohort?
The five participants selected for the Ones To Watch Producers pathway are:
- Andy Huang from Victoria
- Carlos Manrique Clavijo from South Australia
- Devina McPherson from Western Australia
- Michael Long from Western Australia
- Rizcel Gagawanan from New South Wales
Together, the ten members of the cohort represent a broad range of screen practices and locations. New South Wales has four participants, Western Australia and Victoria have two each, while South Australia and the Australian Capital Territory each have one.
Six months of mentoring and industry development
During the program, every participant will receive tailored professional development and one-on-one mentorship from an experienced Australian screen practitioner. Screen Producers Australia will announce the 2026/27 mentors later in 2026.
The cohort will also receive discounted registration for SCREEN FOREVER in May 2027. Curated industry meetings and networking opportunities at the conference will give participants access to Australian and international executives, buyers and potential production partners.
That combination of mentoring and market access is intended to help participants refine their professional goals, strengthen their industry networks and develop practical connections that can continue beyond the six-month program.
A $20,000 international placement opportunity
All ten participants will be eligible to apply for the Ones To Watch Screen Placement. Supported by Screen Australia, the placement provides a $20,000 contribution towards an international industry opportunity.
The placement is the program’s major overseas development pathway. It gives one participant the chance to build experience and relationships in another screen market while bringing that knowledge back to their Australian career or business.
More than 180 practitioners supported
More than 180 early-career screen practitioners have taken part in Ones To Watch since the initiative began. According to Screen Producers Australia, alumni have moved into commissioning roles, established production businesses, completed international placements and produced acclaimed Australian screen work.
The program is backed by major government partner Screen Australia. Above The Line Accounting, Film Finances, Fulcrum Media, Screen NSW and SBS On Demand are also supporting the 2026/27 program.
Screen Producers Australia is the peak trade body for Australian screen production businesses. The organisation has represented the sector for 70 years and now has more than 800 members working across television, film, animation, documentary, immersive media and emerging formats.
For more TV Central Screen Producers Australia news, head here. More information about the initiative is available from the official Ones To Watch program page.