Message From The Minister for the Arts

Screen Producers Australia (SPA) has today announced the opening of submissions for SPA Connect, the flagship business and market program delivered as part of SCREEN FOREVER 40, taking place on Queensland’s Gold Coast from 28–30 April 2026, with the Online Global Market running 21–22 April 2026.

Responsible for over $250M in business annually, SPA Connect is critical to the health of the local sector and aims to generate meaningful business outcomes for Australian producers, creating targeted opportunities to connect with commissioners, distributors, financiers and strategic partners from Australia and around the world.

Matthew Deaner, CEO of Screen Producers Australia, said: “SPA Connect sits at the heart of SCREEN FOREVER because it’s where real business happens. It’s designed to create focused, strategic opportunities for producers to advance projects, build partnerships and respond to a global market that continues to evolve at pace.”

Submissions are now open for both Global Matched Market Meetings (online) and In-Person Matched Market Meetings (Gold Coast).

Matched Market Meetings represent a re-imagining of SPA’s long-running Ready, Steady, Pitch! sessions, evolving the format to better align producers and decision-makers through a competitive, application-only process. Projects are pre-matched with commissioners, distributors and sales agents to support more productive, targeted one-on-one meetings.

Deaner added: “Matched Market Meetings reflect how business is increasingly being done, with greater precision, preparation and alignment. This refreshed model ensures producers are meeting the right people for their projects, and buyers are engaging with ideas that speak directly to their current priorities.”

Submissions are also now open for the Production Partnerships Forum, a dedicated fixture designed to connect independent producers and smaller production companies with established Australian production businesses.

The Forum creates targeted opportunities to build valuable industry connections and establish essential new relationships, paving the way for future co-productions, collaborations and long-term partnerships.

For 2026, SPA has introduced a new, streamlined submission process, integrating applications for Matched Market Meetings and the Production Partnerships Forum directly into the SCREEN FOREVER registration system.

Delegates can submit their projects during registration or return to update their registration at any time prior to the relevant submission deadlines, making it easier to register early and submit their projects at their convenience.

SPA also confirmed upcoming booking dates for its popular Marketplace Roundtables:

Global Marketplace Roundtables (online): bookings open 1 April 2026
In-Person Marketplace Roundtables (Gold Coast): bookings open 8 April 2026

These roundtables offer delegates the opportunity to gather invaluable intel on buyers’ acquisition and commissioning strategies, current trends, and the specific content gaps they are looking to fill.

Additionally, Launchpad is a two-part event designed to help delegates make the most of SCREEN FOREVER 40 and SPA Connect. Led by Monica Davidson (Creative Plus Business), the opening presentation provides a practical overview of the conference, including key sessions, networking strategies and preparation for pitching. The session concludes with a fast-paced Speed Networking event, connecting delegates with key services and facilities providers, including lawyers, accountants, financiers, music, education providers, post-production houses and insurers.

More information on SPA Connect programs, eligibility criteria and key dates is available via screenforever.org.au/40/spa-connect, where delegates can also register for SCREEN FOREVER 40 and submit projects.

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SPA OPENS SUBMISSIONS FOR SPA CONNECT PROGRAM AT SCREEN FOREVER 40