Screen Producers Australia (SPA) has unveiled the four program tracks and Advisory Board for SCREEN FOREVER 41, introducing a refreshed Industry Forum designed to encourage greater discussion, interaction and engagement across Australia's screen sector.

Expanding beyond traditional panel discussions, the program will introduce more interactive formats that encourage open dialogue, diverse perspectives and meaningful engagement between speakers and delegates, exploring the key challenges and opportunities facing screen production businesses, with a focus on practical industry insights and the exchange of ideas.

Returning to Queensland's Gold Coast from 4–6 May 2027, SCREEN FOREVER 41 will bring together leading Australian and international industry figures to examine the changing commercial, creative and production landscape, with a focus on the intelligence, innovation, audiences and business strategies driving the sector forward.

The 2027 Industry Forum program will be developed around four tracks: Market Intel, Screen Innovation, Audience: The New Currency, and The Value Proposition.

Together, the tracks will explore how screen businesses can make more informed commercial decisions, respond to technological and workplace change, connect with evolving audiences and maximise the long-term value of their intellectual property.

SPA Council President Tracey Vieira said the program direction reflects the increasingly complex environment in which Australian screen businesses operate.

"Australian screen producers are navigating significant changes in how content is developed, financed, produced, distributed and consumed.

"SCREEN FOREVER 41 will focus on the practical intelligence, emerging opportunities and commercial strategies that can help screen businesses adapt and grow.

"From understanding the information behind commissioning decisions to exploring new production technologies, audience relationships and the value of intellectual property, these tracks will bring together the people and perspectives needed to move the industry conversation forward."

FOUR TRACKS SHAPING SCREEN FOREVER 41

MARKET INTEL

Exploring the information that shapes commissioning, financing and commercial decisions, Market Intel will examine the gap between publicly available industry reporting and the real-time intelligence influencing deals. Sessions will explore how producers can access and use market insights to make more informed creative and commercial decisions.

SCREEN INNOVATION

Screen Innovation will examine the technologies and evolving production practices already transforming the industry. From AI-assisted post-production and virtual production to changing crew roles, accessibility and psychosocial safety, the track will focus on the opportunities these present and their implications for production budgets, workflows and workforce planning.

AUDIENCE: THE NEW CURRENCY

As creator-led content, fandom and emerging platforms reshape how audiences discover and engage with screen stories, this track will explore the growing influence of audiences on development and commissioning. Sessions will examine discoverability, the "experience economy", audience-led development and the intersection opportunities between creators & traditional producers.

THE VALUE PROPOSITION

With traditional revenue models evolving and new investment opportunities emerging, The Value Proposition will explore how screen businesses can create and retain long-term commercial value. Discussions will examine intellectual property ownership, rights exploitation, financing and investment models, catalogue value and strategies for building sustainable screen businesses beyond individual productions.

INDUSTRY LEADERS JOIN SCREEN FOREVER 41 ADVISORY BOARD

SPA has also announced the SCREEN FOREVER 41 Advisory Board, chaired by Barbara Stephen, CEO of Flying Bark Productions, bringing together 17 industry leaders from across production, broadcasting, streaming, distribution, investment and screen agencies.

For 2027, a single Advisory Board will provide strategic input into both the SCREEN FOREVER program and market, ensuring closer alignment between industry discussions and the commercial opportunities available to participating screen businesses.

"The expertise and perspectives of our Advisory Board members will be invaluable in shaping a program that responds to the priorities of Australian screen businesses," Angus said.

"Bringing the conference and market together under one Advisory Board will strengthen the connection between the ideas being discussed and the business opportunities being pursued."

The SCREEN FOREVER 41 Advisory Board comprises:

• Jessica Atkins - Subscription Sales Manager, Broadcast Intelligence
• Rebecca Barry - Co Founder & Producer, Media Stockade
• Gina Black - Screen Industry Advisor, Invest Gold Coast
• Grainne Brunsdon - Chief Operating Officer, Screen Australia
• Jenny Buckland - CEO, Australian Children's Television Foundation
• Luke Clark - Producer, New Mac Media
• Cieron Cody - Senior Commissioning Editor, NITV
• Julie Eckersley - Executive Director Screen Content, Screen Queensland
• Emma Fitzsimons - Managing Director, Princess Pictures
• Monique Keller - Joint Managing Director, Kindling Pictures
• Dianna La Grassa - COO & Head of Screen, Bus Stop Films
• Michael Matrenza, - Head of Marketing, Madman Entertainment
• Rachel Millar - Head of Entertainment, ABC
• Sophia Mogford - Head of Scripted Content & Comedy, Paramount
• Ben Richardson - Founder, Cogniti Strategy
• Katherine Slattery - Content Manager, Originals, ANZ Netflix
• Barbara Stephen - CEO, Flying Bark Productions

Further program details, speakers and market opportunities will be announced in the lead-up to SCREEN FOREVER 41 at screenforever.org.au.

SCREEN FOREVER 41 will take place on Queensland's Gold Coast from 4–6 May 2027.

SCREEN FOREVER is proudly supported by the Queensland Government, through Screen Queensland.

Principal Partner - Screen Queensland

Major Partner - Gold Coast Film Commission / Invest Gold Coast

Major Government Partner - Screen Australia