It is with immense pleasure that Screen Producers Australia (SPA) today announces the return of Australia’s premier screen industry event with registrations for the 36th Annual SCREEN FOREVER open from 9:00am AEST today (10 Nov, 2022) for SPA members.
With an extended five-day schedule, new venue and increased industry social activities, the organisers are sending a clear message that this years’ conference is an unmissable opportunity to reconnect with colleagues and celebrate the resilience of the Australian screen industry.
In 2022 SCREEN FOREVER will take place over an extended five days. The first three days (28-30 March, 2022) will see the screen industry converge on the Gold Coast for thought leadership, international keynotes, inspiring sessions, domestic market and a program overflowing with opportunities to reconnect.
The following two days (31 March-01 April, 2022) will be digital and dedicated to the Online Global Market where buyers from around the world connect digitally with domestic sellers in Australia’s biggest global content marketplace, SPA Connect.
In an exciting coup for SCREEN FOREVER, Kerry Ehrin, showrunner, writer, and executive producer of the Emmy award winning series Morning Wars has been announced as the first international guest for the conference.
Ehrin’s work has earned her a reputation for producing quality content with sophisticated and timely subject matter. Ehrin took a risk with Morning Wars being the first TV show not to simply touch on the #MeToo movement, but make it core of the series’ DNA. The series is a fan favourite, winning a Primetime Emmy Award. Jennifer Aniston also took home the Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor at the SAG Awards 2020, and Billy Crudup won Best Supporting Actor at the Critics’ Choice Awards 2020.
Ehrin is a veteran writer and producer who has amassed a multitude of accolades spanning her career including multiple Emmy nominations for her work on productions such as Boston Public, Friday Night Lights, Parenthood and The Wonder Years to name but a few.
Ehrin was also the co-showrunner and co-creator of the critically acclaimed drama series Bates Motel, a contemporary prequel to the genre-defining film Psycho which spanned 50 episodes from 2013 – 2017.
As of today, registering delegates can secure their spot in the increased number of industry networking events on offer at SCREEN FOREVER 36, which are expected to be in high demand from an industry who has been disconnected for so long due to COVID-19.
Not to be missed events include the Screen Queensland Welcome BBQ, Netflix Opening Night Drinks, the Screenrights Speed Networking Breakfast, the City of Gold Coast Sunset Cocktail Hour and the Amazon Prime Video Closing Night Gala.
The prestigious SPA Awards also return for the 20th incarnation to celebrate excellence in the screen production industry.
The industry networking events have a capacity limit due to health and safety regulations in place on the Gold Coast, so for delegates who want to maximise the mix of business with social they should move fast to secure their place at these events by registering via www.screenforever.org.au
SPA CEO Matthew Deaner stated,
“We’re so excited to celebrate SCREEN FOREVER’s 36th birthday on the Gold Coast. The 2022 conference is shaping up as one of the most engaging to date, with incredibly talented international guests, and an immersive and thought-provoking program. We have put a lot of energy into curating a program that will see all delegates receive industry insight and take away experiences they would not get anywhere else but SCREEN FOREVER.”
The Queensland Government through Screen Queensland is the Principal Partner of SCREEN FOREVER
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said that, following an immense period of growth for the Queensland screen industry, the timing to bring such as high-profile in-person event to the Gold Coast could not be better.
“During the 2020-21 financial year, investment in Queensland-made, interstate and international films, series and games generated an estimated $478 million and created around 5,500 jobs for Queenslanders – a record-breaking result,” said the Premier.
“My Government deeply values local screen production as a major industry, contributing to our state’s economic recovery and raising the profile of Queensland as a creative powerhouse, so we are proud to welcome practitioners from across the nation to the Gold Coast this March.”
Screen Queensland CEO Kylie Munnich said that hosting SCREEN FOREVER, including the Screen Producers Association (SPA) Awards, will open doors for Queensland-based producers and other screen creatives.
“SCREEN FOREVER is the country’s premier industry event to network, pitch and gain valuable insights, and we are proud to be supporting the country’s flagship screen industry conference to take place right to our doorstep.
“Queensland boasts a thriving local screen industry, from the Far North to the South East and across its regional centres, with production companies such as Hoodlum Entertainment, Ludo Studio, Lonestar Productions, The Steve Jaggi Company, Jonathan M. Shiff Productions, Like a Photon Creative, Story Bridge Films, Flick Chicks and many more creating diverse and compelling content for Australian and international audiences alike.”
City of Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said,
“The screen industry has shown incredible resilience through the challenges of Covid-19. Hosting key forums like Screen Forever in our city underscores how the Gold Coast continues to evolve as a place for the industry to meet, explore and develop their productions. I applaud the decision to host the 2022 conference here and look forward to welcoming the industry leaders to our city.”
Registration is now open exclusively for SPA members, with non-member tickets available from 09:00am AEST tomorrow (11 Nov, 2022).
Link to SCREEN FOREVER 36 ticketing information HERE.
