SCREEN FOREVER 40 brings together an aspirational, collaborative and optimistic conference program that reflects the full breadth of Australia’s screen sector. Across scripted, unscripted, factual, entertainment and children’s content, the program is designed to encourage cross-pollination, shared learning and new ways of doing business - locally and globally.

Storytelling sits at the heart of everything we do. While our formats, audiences and platforms may differ, the challenges and opportunities we face increasingly overlap. These program strands are designed to spark elevated conversations about the creative, commercial and strategic decisions shaping the future of our industry, and to support producers to grow sustainable, globally connected businesses.

The program is structured around five key strands:

1) Critical Change

2) Influence Unlocked

3) Market & Audience Amplified

4) Fiscal Frame

5) Creative Acceleration

Understanding the forces reshaping our sector

Critical Change focuses on the structural, policy, market and technological shifts demanding our attention right now. These sessions interrogate the pressures and disruptions facing producers — from changing commissioning models and audience behaviour to workforce sustainability, regulation and global competition — and explore how the sector can respond collectively and strategically.

This strand provides space for honest reflection, informed debate and forward-looking thinking about what must change, what must be protected, and where new opportunities may emerge.

Agenda-setting conversations with industry decision-makers

Influence Unlocked delivers direct access to the people shaping the screen landscape — commissioners, platforms, funders, regulators and global partners. These sessions move beyond surface-level commentary to unpack priorities, constraints and decision-making frameworks, giving producers clearer insight into how influence is exercised and where meaningful engagement can occur.

Designed to empower producers with knowledge and perspective, this strand supports stronger advocacy, smarter pitching and more effective long-term relationship building.

Strategies to reach audiences and succeed in the marketplace

Market & Audience Amplified focuses on the practical strategies producers need to connect with audiences and position their projects for success in a crowded, global marketplace. Sessions explore audience discovery, platform strategy, marketing innovation, international positioning and evolving distribution pathways.

This strand is about actionable intelligence — what’s working, what’s shifting, and how producers can adapt their market approach to ensure their content cuts through and delivers impact.

Revenue, monetisation and investment in focus

Fiscal Frame delivers a clear-eyed examination of the business fundamentals underpinning sustainable production. With a laser focus on finance, revenue models, deal structures and investment opportunities, these sessions unpack how projects are funded, financed and monetised across genres and platforms.

From co-productions and private investment to alternative financing and global funding streams, this strand equips producers with the tools and insights needed to strengthen the commercial foundations of their businesses.

Expanding craft, collaboration and creative ambition

Creative Acceleration celebrates storytelling as the core of the screen sector while pushing the boundaries of craft and creative thinking. Sessions explore how stories are developed, shaped and delivered across genres and platforms, and how producers can continue to evolve their creative practice.

This strand encourages collaboration, experimentation and learning across formats — recognising that innovation often comes from unexpected intersections between genres, audiences and creative approaches.

Our SCREEN FOREVER 40 Bootcamp Webinar is aimed at emerging and early-career industry professionals who want to make the most of their first time at SCREEN FOREVER. The Bootcamp will provide an overview of the extensive three-day program of industry panels, SPA Connect, and important 
social events. Gain expert advice from seasoned professionals about how to take advantage of all
opportunities at the conference.

The Bootcamp will be via a Zoom webinar. Details to be announced soon.

Whilst idea submissions for SCREEN FOREVER 40 have now closed, you can submit your idea for SCREEN FOREVER 41 to be held in 2027. 

We strive to curate a program bursting with unmissable networking events, business meetings and inspiring thought leadership. As we build our program, we want to hear your thoughts on topics, projects, speakers and moderators you want to see in the SCREEN FOREVER program.  

You can submit your idea by clicking on the button below. Ideas submission close on Friday, 18 December 2026.