Global Connect is a competitive, curated co-production program designed for established Ausralian-based film and TV producers seeking global partners and financing. The initiative is held as part of SPA Connect and will take place in person on Monday 27 April 2026, before the main conference begins on Queensland’s Gold Coast.

Following the success of UK Connect (2023), Ireland Connect (2024) and most recently Canada Connect (2025), the 2026 Global Connect initiative will focus on India as the primary international partner country, while also welcoming producers from a range of other territories to build a truly global experience.

The initiative aims to accelerate global partnerships and leverage additional funding streams to create new award-winning film and TV projects for global audiences. Global Connect will provide selected Australian producers with unique advantages to progress and finance their film or TV projects with International-based production partners and agencies.

Recognising the importance of Indigenous storytelling and shared experiences, SPA will make positions in the program available for Indigenous practitioners. Australian Producers who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander are exempt from the requirement to have first purchased a SCREEN FOREVER Gold Coast 3-Day Badge and do not need to meet all the credit and experience requirements.

The producers selected to participate in the program will be offered a day of events focused on doing business and unlocking additional funding with their counterparts, including exclusive talks, networking and bespoke 1-1 meetings on 27 April 2026 before the official opening of SCREEN FOREVER 40.

Australian applicants must hold a valid, fully paid SCREEN FOREVER 40 Gold Coast 3-Day Badge before applying to participate in Global Connect (Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicant exempt). Register here for SCREEN FOREVER 40.

Applicants must demonstrate they have a producer or executive producer credit on at least one:

- feature film or long-form TV series, or

- an episodic short-form series (minimum 30 minutes total duration) acquired or commissioned by and broadcast on a local Australian platform, or

- equivalent credits on a successful interactive project.

Producers will be selected based on their previous experience and their specified interest and motivation to grow internationally and expand their international networks. 

Incomplete applications on the Global Connect website cannot be saved. Please download our Global Connect Application Guide before commencing your application.

SPA is serious about diversity and inclusion, and we strongly encourage applications from those whose voices and experiences are underrepresented in our industry. If you require any support in your application or feel the eligibility requirements are a barrier to applying for this program, we would love you to contact us to discuss your involvement.

• 29 January 2026 - Applications Open
• 20 February 2026, 5pm AEDT - Applications Close
• 2 March 2026 - Australian applicants selected
• 27 April 2026 - Global Connect on the Gold Coast, Queensland
• 28-30 April 2026 - SCREEN FOREVER on the Gold Coast, Queensland

Applications are now open for Australian producers by clicking on the button below.

For International applications please send an email to Screen Producers Australia by clicking on the button below.

If you have any questions about your eligibility for Global Connect or need to modify your submitted application, contact the SPA Connect team at connect@screenproducers.org.au

Hear from some of the participants from our Canada Connect program held at SCREEN FOREVER 39 in 2025 and our Ireland Connect program held at SCREEN FOREVER 38 in 2024.

In both iterations of the initiative, dynamic producers and a number of agencies, buyers and distributors joined Australian producers to forge new relationships and launch new projects.  

SPA is happy to see several projects progressing and strategic alliances developing between Canada and Ireland, and Australian producers who have participated in our Global Connect program to date.