State of Play Series Puts Commissioning in Focus at SCREEN FOREVER 40 – Screen Producers Australia (SPA) today announced a major session examining the evolving broadcast and streaming landscape at SCREEN FOREVER 40 on Queensland’s Gold Coast from 28 to 30 April 2026, as industry leaders come together to unpack the realities of a more constrained commissioning environment.
State of Play: What’s Shaping Broadcast & Streaming brings together Alexandra Gilbert (Prime Video), Jennifer Collins (ABC) and Daniel Monaghan (Foxtel Group) in a timely conversation moderated by renowned journalist Virginia Trioli.
After years of rapid expansion, the broadcast and streaming market has entered a new phase defined by tighter commissioning, fewer greenlights and a sharper focus on performance.
For producers, the pathway to getting projects financed and commissioned has fundamentally shifted.
Drawing on senior leadership experience across commissioning, content strategy and platform growth, the session will explore what is driving decision-making in an increasingly competitive market. From evolving audience expectations and the balance between local and global storytelling, to how platforms are defining value, the discussion will provide practical insight into how producers can position projects for success.
Gilbert leads local content strategy for Prime Video in Australia and New Zealand, overseeing the design and execution of its local slate across film and television. Collins, Director of Screen at the ABC, brings decades of experience across commissioning and content strategy, with oversight across drama, documentary, children’s and entertainment. Monaghan, Executive Director of Entertainment Content at Foxtel Group, leads content strategy across BINGE and Foxtel, with a focus on subscriber growth, audience engagement and commercial performance.
Collins said that commissioners strive to deliver diverse stories that educate and entertain Australian audiences.
“Our focus is on delivering unmissable stories that reflect the diversity of Australian life, entertaining and informing audiences across the country. I welcome the opportunity to discuss how we can work together to make an impact in our rapidly changing market.”
Monaghan said that the impact of a story is measured by the strength of a story and how audiences connect to it.
“At the end of the day, it’s the strength of the story – and its ability to find and genuinely connect with an audience – that determines its impact. As commissioners, we need real confidence that an idea is distinctive enough to either define a slate or stand up against the best in the world. I’m looking forward to exploring this further with my fellow panellists at Screen Forever.”
SPA CEO Matthew Deaner said the session reflects a critical moment for producers navigating a rapidly shifting market.
“The commissioning landscape has changed significantly in a short period of time,”
– Mr Deaner said.
“Understanding what is driving decisions inside platforms is essential for producers looking to develop projects that cut through in a more competitive and performance-driven environment.”
State of Play: What’s Shaping Broadcast & Streaming forms part of a broader program at SCREEN FOREVER 40 exploring global market dynamics, financing models and audience strategy, as the industry comes together to navigate a new phase of growth.
Media Release – SPA
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State of Play Series Puts Commissioning in Focus at SCREEN FOREVER 40
