Screen Producers Australia opens Pitch On Demand 2026 applications – Screen Producers Australia members can now apply for Pitch On Demand 2026, an online initiative connecting producers and creators with Foxtel Group, Fremantle Australia and Moonbug Entertainment.
The sixth edition covers scripted, unscripted and children’s content. Applications close at 11:59pm AEDT on Sunday, 18 October 2026. Following assessment, shortlisted applicants will meet one-on-one with the relevant commissioner or production partner.
For Australia’s production sector, the program provides a direct route to companies with different commissioning and partnership needs. It also gives early-career and established producers a clearer understanding of what decision-makers want before they submit a project.
Fremantle Australia joins Pitch On Demand
Fremantle Australia is participating for the first time. Head of Development Ellie Madritsch and Creative Producer Anna Curtis want to connect with scripted producers and creators seeking the support of a major production partner.
“We’re thrilled to be part of Pitch On Demand this year,” Madritsch said. “It’s such a unique opportunity to connect with new voices and emerging talent, and we value seeing the program evolve with the added focus on helping projects get truly market-ready.”
She added that support for early-career producers and creators was the kind of industry initiative that deserved further backing.
Foxtel and Binge seek unscripted ideas
Foxtel Group Head of Unscripted Originals Howard Myers-Rifai returns to the program. His brief focuses on fresh and original unscripted projects for Foxtel and Binge.
“Pitch On Demand is a valuable pathway for discovering fresh Australian stories and talent, delivering a remarkable mix of creativity and originality from a diverse range of local producers,” Myers-Rifai said.
He said the program had also started valuable relationships that continued to develop. Consequently, this year’s pitches could create opportunities that extend beyond the first meeting.
Moonbug opens a children’s-content pathway
SPA members working in children’s content can pitch to Richard Hickey, Chief Creative Officer at Moonbug Entertainment. The global children’s company is behind brands including CoComelon, Blippi, Little Angel and Little Baby Bum.
The Moonbug opportunity gives Australian producers a route to a company whose franchises reach audiences across YouTube and major streaming services. Meanwhile, the Fremantle and Foxtel briefs cover two different sides of the local production market.
SPA says partners are looking for Australian stories
SPA CEO Matthew Deaner said the breadth of the 2026 partners would help producers advance projects and form new industry relationships.
“We welcome Foxtel Group’s return to Pitch On Demand and are delighted to have Fremantle Australia and Moonbug Entertainment join the initiative for the first time,” Deaner said.
“The participation of new and returning partners reflects an appetite for Australian screen stories and the producers and creators behind them.”
Deaner said Pitch On Demand continued to foster connections between SPA members and major industry partners. Those pathways could help Australian stories reach both domestic and international audiences.
How to apply for Pitch On Demand 2026
SPA has recorded online briefing sessions with each partner. The briefings explain the types of projects and partnerships they are seeking. Members are encouraged to review the relevant session before lodging a proposal.
Applications are exclusive to SPA members and close at 11:59pm AEDT on Sunday, 18 October 2026. Shortlisted applicants will then be invited to an online pitch meeting with the selected partner.
For more TV Central Screen Producers Australia news, head here. Application details and official briefings are available from the Pitch On Demand 2026 event page.