SCREEN FOREVER / News / SCREEN FOREVER 39 Regos Open

05  Nov 2024

Screen Producers Australia (SPA) is pleased to announce that registrations for the 39th annual SCREEN FOREVER (Tuesday, 6 May – Thursday, 8 May 2025), Australia’s premier screen industry event, opened today at 9:00am AEDT, Tuesday, 5 Nov 2024.

May 2025 will see key international and domestic screen industry professionals gather on Queensland’s Gold Coast again to connect, be inspired, and do business thanks to a carefully curated program of thought-provoking sessions, unmissable networking events, and engaging business meetings, including the SPA Connect Market.

Among the international buyers confirmed to attend in person, participate in conference sessions, and attend the SPA Connect Market is Josephine Fontaine (UK), Vice President, Acquisitions and Co-Productions at Newen Connect, a dynamic -new player in European content distribution and co-production.

As an executive at a leading European co-production powerhouse, SPA Connect Market meetings with Josephine will be in high demand.  Josephine can potentially open doors for developing and financing international co-production on high-quality scripted content.

Other international buyers include Carrie Stein (US), President, Global Scripted Television at Dynamic Television. Carrie’s specialty is developing and packaging scripted series for the global market, and during SCREEN FOREVER, she’s keen to hear new ideas and get an up close and personal feel for what’s working, what’s possible, and how Dynamic can be more of a force in the Australian market.

Her expertise and experience make her a powerhouse in navigating co-production, pre-sale and original production opportunities in the US, the UK, Canadian and European markets both creatively and commercially.

Todd Brown (Canada), Head of International Acquisitions at XYZ Films, is the final international buyer to be announced today. Todd’s focus at XYZ is feature films, and during his time there, he has focused on emerging talent and territories, searching for stories with universal appeal.

Todd will join Josephine and Carrie, participating in programmed sessions and the SPA Connect Market. Like all local and other international buyers, he will search for unique Australian stories to share with international co-production partners and audiences worldwide.  

The SCREEN FOREVER 39 program will focus on five fundamentals, all aligning to provide a program that will not only excite delegates but also challenge them to think creatively about their projects and businesses.

The fundamentals are critical change, channels of influence, radical storytelling, discoverability and audience, mandates and money. The conference will encompass sessions covering industry reform, workforce development, sustainability, strategy and future thinking, content consumption, creative influence, craft excellence, and so much more.

In a change from previous years, the Online Global Market will occur a week before SCREEN FOREVER 39, from Tuesday, 29 April 2025 - Wednesday, 30 April 2025. This change will provide opportunities for delegates to pitch projects to international buyers and receive feedback in advance of in-person SPA Connect Market meetings, allowing time to finesse and fine-tune their pitches.

The Online Global Market will deliver countless chances to connect digitally with key buyers, commissioning executives, distributors, and sales agents from across the globe to promote their screen businesses, slates, and productions.

May 2025 will also see the return of not-to-be-missed social networking events, including the buzzing Audio Network Opening Night Drinks, the fast-paced and fun Screenrights Speed Networking Hour, the City of Gold Coast Mayor’s Sunset Social, and the final wrap SCREEN FOREVER Gala Party following the SPA Awards.
 

“May 2025 will see the annual SCREEN FOREVER conference and SPA Connect Market take place on Queensland’s screen hub, the Gold Coast. As always, the conference will be an opportunity for delegates to reconnect with industry peers, progress business deals, and build local and international connections that will help the stability of the Australian screen sector. We’re excited to welcome delegates on the ground and enjoy a carefully curated program that will share new perspectives and new opportunities for development and growth,” said SPA CEO Matthew Deaner.

Jacqui Feeney, Screen Queensland CEO said the Queensland Government through Screen Queensland is proud to continue our longstanding partnership with Screen Producers Australia for SCREEN FOREVER 39.  

“The Gold Coast is a vibrant hub for creativity and innovation in Queensland’s screen industry and we are delighted to continue to host the signature event for screen producers in our stunning region. We’re familiar with bringing the world’s best to Queensland and recognise the invaluable opportunities for local talent and businesses to connect with global markets. In partnership with Screen Forever, we look forward to welcoming international buyers and industry leaders to Queensland to foster connections that will elevate and celebrate Australian storytelling.” 

“As our credentials as the Asia/Pacific’s premier location for the screen industry continue to grow, we can’t wait to welcome the 39th SCREEN FOREVER conference to the Gold Coast in 2025. 

I’m sure all participating screen professionals will gather invaluable knowledge and connections while enjoying all that the Gold Coast has to offer at the same time. Bring it on,” said Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate.
 

Gold Coast Badge prices remain frozen from last year, offering all-inclusive access to sessions, SPA Connect market meetings and networking events at incredible value. For those seeking flexible options, SPA introduces two new choices: Industry Day Badges, granting access to all sessions and social events for a chosen day, and the Day Wristbands, perfect for those looking to dive into sessions only for a day of inspiration and industry insight.