Screen Forever 40 pushes lineup with global industry heavyweights

Screen Producers Australia has unveiled a major expansion to the Screen Forever 40 program, adding a wide range of global and local industry leaders to its flagship conference.

Taking place on the Gold Coast from 28 to 30 April, the event will bring together decision-makers from across broadcasting, streaming, production, distribution and policy.

Big names join expanded lineup

Among the headline additions is British producer Matthew Jenkins, known for titles including The Marvels, Death on the Nile and Artemis Fowl, who will share insights into global production and literary adaptation.

A wide range of senior executives will feature across sessions, including:

• Sarah Thornton (Paramount+)
• Amelia Fisk and Ella Mumby (Endemol Shine Australia)
• Sarah Christie (Prime Video / Amazon MGM Studios)
• Rachel Gardner
• Andy Ryan (Nine Entertainment)
• Phil Lloyd
• Coco Garner Davis
• Rachel Okine (ABC)

Content, development and IP

The program will explore development pipelines and global storytelling through sessions featuring:

• Steven McGregor, Lila McGuire and Joanna Werner (Werner Productions), joined by Brett Sleigh
• Brooke Satchwell in conversation with McGuire
• Philippa Donovan alongside Jason Stephens, Alexia Gates-Foale, Pippa Masson and Bec Cubitt

Unscripted, talent and global production

Panels will also cover unscripted content, international talent and production strategy, featuring:

• Kirsty Wilson, Caroline Swift, Deb Spinocchia and Adrian Swift
• Sophia Zachariou moderating a session with Jason Burrows, Kylie du Fresne, Liana Dubois, Anne Kemp and Thea McLeod

Investment, policy and business

Key discussions around funding and regulation will include:

• Grainne Brundson with Mitzi Goldman, Jomon Thomas, Ian Murray and Deanne Weir
• Sarah Hanson-Young, Kyle Irving and Matthew Deaner in a policy-focused session moderated by Karl Quinn

Skills, growth and new opportunities

The program also focuses on future skills and revenue growth, with contributors including:

• Julie Eckersley, Georgia Mappin, Nadine Bates and Farhad Meher-Homji
• Kyas Hepworth, Helen Bowden, Veronica Fury, Rita Artmann, Donna Andrews and Kirsty Stark

Bridging screen and games

A session exploring cross-industry collaboration will feature:

• Rosemarie Truglio, Morgan Jaffit, Liz Ballantyne and Joey Egger

What it means

Matthew Deaner: “This year’s program is designed to provide practical intelligence and meaningful connections that support producers to navigate a rapidly evolving marketplace.”

SPA CEO Matthew Deaner said the expanded program reflects the pace of change across the global screen industry.

“Screen Forever continues to play a vital role in connecting Australian producers with the people shaping the future of content investment, audience engagement and global collaboration,” he said.

Main image: Screen Forever 40 Speakers

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