Program packed with opportunities announced for SCREEN FOREVER 37
27 Mar 2023
Screen Producers Australia (SPA) today released the conference program for SCREEN FOREVER 37, taking place over an extensive two-and-a-half-days that include 40+ sessions, 140+ speakers, and limitless opportunities from 3 - 5 May 2023, on Queensland’s glistening Gold Coast.
From 3 - 5 May 2023 delegates can expect to see a large and diverse assembly of local and international producers, buyers, broadcasters, commissioners, sales agents, and screen industry professionals at SCREEN FOREVER 37, including the SPA Connect Market, to take advantage of a program bursting with unmissable networking events, business meetings, and inspiring thought leadership.
“SCREEN FOREVER is now in its 37th year and we couldn’t be prouder of the fact it continues to strengthen the foundations of Australia’s screen sector. This year’s program has been carefully curated to deliver maximum learning and tailored business outcomes for the Australian screen industry, as well as welcoming an international delegation of UK-based producers and sales agents seeking co-production opportunities within the Australian market.
“We look forward to welcoming familiar faces, along with those first-timers to SCREEN FOREVER 37 to connect, invigorate, and celebrate the unique and dynamic industry we’re all so passionate about,” said SPA CEO Matthew Deaner.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the program would inspire screen creatives, while positioning Queensland as an international production destination.
“This May, we’re excited to welcome local, interstate and international delegates back to the Gold Coast for the lively and lucrative SCREEN FOREVER 37,” Premier Palaszczuk said.
“More than 1,000 people are expected to participate over three days of the conference and the online global market.
“And this year’s program offers something for everyone – whether they’re an emerging screen practitioner or an established producer with decades’ worth of credits.
“Alongside panel sessions and networking events, the SPA Connect Market will once again be the place where deals are done – responsible for over $100 million in business annually.
“We hope all in-person delegates experience the best of the Gold Coast during their stay, and are encouraged to create, collaborate, and bring their screen vision to life here in Queensland.”
SPA and SCREEN FOREVER 37 would like to thank the many contributors that have helped to create this program but particularly our Program Advisory Board who committed many hours of discussion and engagement to participate in the planning of the 2023 program.
SCREEN FOREVER 37’s program balances business-focused topics with societal and cultural issues through three distinct strands; Story and Vision, Shifting the Status Quo and Markets, Trends & Finance.
Story and Vision sessions shine a spotlight on the craft of storytelling, breaking down current trends and pathways to audience.
The New Wave of Aussie talent looking at diverse new talent who are on the rise, while also Celebrating First Nations Storytelling with key creatives from the oldest storytelling culture in the world, who continue to bring untold stories to screens. Kindred Spirits - How the Big 4 Public Broadcasters Work Together will look at the relationships between domestic and international broadcasters who shape young minds through culturally significant programming.
Shifting the Status Quo sessions dive into directions in policy, industry challenges, evolving production models and new technologies.
The Culture Vs Business – Finding the Sweet Spot in the Streaming Era session will explore fair regulatory frameworks, defining “Australian content”, and properly valuing our intellectual property, while the Critical Mass of Crewing will look at how the rise in production has outpaced our crew development pipelines, locally and internationally, posing the question, what can we do about crew shortages, overages, and upskilling.
Delegates can hear about The Future Economics of Streamers, where a panel of industry researchers and analysts will explore the changing strategies being implemented by streamers and what effects these will have on Australian production companies.
Markets, Trends & Finance sessions will analyse the latest in distribution, financing, and streaming models domestically and globally.
Key executives from the ABC, Seven Network, Foxtel Group, NITV, Paramount +, Prime Video, Stan and SBS will converge during Meet the Buyers and Meet the Streamers sessions to discuss industry trends and what scripted and unscripted content they want to see from Australian production companies to fill their slates.
Delegates can also stay up to date with key executives from Screen Australia, and state agencies in ACT, NSW, NT, QLD, SA, TAS, VIC, and WA during Meet the Funders sessions.
During the Co-productions & the UK Global Screen Fund session, Screen Australia and the British Film Institute discuss global alliances, working with UK producers, and how Australian production companies can access the Global Screen fund.
Other not to be missed sessions include Storytelling for Change investigating how writers are creating a dialogue with audiences, and The Future is Accessible which will explore what 'accessibility' should mean to producers, crews, and cast. Arguing About Authenticity analyses what authenticity really means, while Who Gets to Play Who? Casting with Integrity will take an honest look into ways casting must evolve, plus a spotlight will be shone on the issue of meaningful mental health within the screen sector.
An Online Global Market will take place from 9-10 May 2023, where delegates have the enviable chance to promote their screen businesses, slates, and productions to a myriad of buyers, commissioning executives, distributors, and sales agents from across the globe who aren’t physically attending this year.
May 2023 will also see the return of not to be missed social networking events including the ever-popular Audio Network Opening Night Drinks, the Screenrights Speed Networking Breakfast, the City of Gold Coast Sunset Cocktail Hour, and the highly anticipated closing night Gala Party.
The prestigious SPA Awards also return for the 21st incarnation to celebrate excellence in the screen production industry.
After a completely sold-out event in 2022, delegates are encouraged to register early to secure their spot at www.screenforever.org.au.
More information on SCREEN FOREVER 37 can be found at www.screenforever.org.au. The full SCREEN FOREVER 37 program will be announced in late March 2023.
SCREEN FOREVER is proudly supported by the Queensland Government, through Screen Queensland.
We acknowledge and pay respects to the Yugambeh people of the Gold Coast and all their descendants both past and present. We also acknowledge the many Aboriginal people from other regions as well as Torres Strait and South Sea Islander people who now live in the local area and have made an important contribution to the community.