SCREEN FOREVER is turning 40 and the conference program has officially landed, setting the stage for a milestone moment in Australia’s screen industry calendar.
The milestone edition of Australia’s flagship screen industry gathering promises a packed few days on the Gold Coast, with more than 150 speakers set to explore the creative and commercial forces shaping the sector.
Screen Producers Australia has unveiled the program for SCREEN FOREVER 40, marking four decades of the annual conference that brings together producers, executives and creatives from across Australia and around the world.
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Across five program pillars including Influence Unlocked, Critical Change, Financial Futures, Creative Acceleration and Market & Audience Amplified, the event will tackle everything from international collaboration and audience strategy to industry reform and emerging revenue models.
A new XRAY series joins the schedule this year, highlighting global perspectives from Global Connect participant countries including Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the Philippines and South Korea.
Senior industry voices including ABC Managing Director Hugh Marks, Screen Australia CEO Deirdre Brennan and journalist Virginia Trioli are among the speakers confirmed for the milestone event, alongside producers and executives from across the local and international screen sector.
Commissioners from Nine Entertainment, Paramount ANZ, ABC and Foxtel Group will also appear in sessions examining what unscripted projects are being greenlit across the Australian marketplace, offering producers direct insight into the evolving commissioning landscape.
SPA CEO Matthew Deaner outlines the vision for SCREEN FOREVER 40, as the milestone conference prepares to bring industry leaders together on the Gold Coast (image – SPA)
SPA CEO Matthew Deaner said the milestone edition reflects both the strength and ambition of Australia’s screen sector.
“SCREEN FOREVER 40 is about bringing the industry together to confront change with clarity and confidence.”
“This program balances creative ambition with commercial realism, ensuring producers leave with practical insight, stronger connections and a clearer understanding of where opportunity lies, both locally and globally.”
Sessions will also spotlight practical industry conversations, including commissioning insights, audience strategy, unscripted trends and the evolving economics of production across film and television.
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The conference also features the return of the Simpsons Pitching Competition, where finalists will present feature film ideas live to a jury and delegates for a $13,000 prize.
Networking remains a major focus, with dedicated meeting times built into the schedule alongside returning events such as the Audio Network Opening Night Drinks, Screenrights Speed Networking Hour and the City of Gold Coast Mayor’s Sunset Social.
The full program details can be found on the SCREEN FOREVER website HERE.
SCREEN FOREVER 40 takes place from 28 to 30 April 2026 on the Gold Coast, concluding with the 24th Annual SPA Awards celebrating excellence in Australian screen production.
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