Screenworks has named the 11 emerging screen practitioners selected for its 2026 New Kids on the Block program, with the cohort set to attend the Regional to Global Screen Forum in Northern NSW next week.
The national, member-based organisation supports screen creatives and crew across regional Australia, with its New Kids on the Block program providing emerging practitioners with financial assistance for travel and conference attendance, as well as guidance throughout the two-day forum.
The 2026 cohort represents NSW, South Australia, the ACT and Tasmania, bringing together emerging directors, writers, producers, cinematographers, editors and composers working across the regional screen sector.
Meet the 2026 cohort
The NSW participants are director/producer Ellie Waterhouse, writer Erika Streegan, filmmakers Indy Davies and Phoenix Frost, writer/producer Ria Castle-Mead, and filmmaker/writer Noam Young.
South Australia is represented by cinematographer/writer Ekkia Evans and director/writer/editor Isaac Coen Lindsay, while the ACT participants are writer/director/composer Declan Shrubb and writer Thea Jade.
Tasmania’s representative is producer/director Tim Butcher.
Screenworks CEO Lisa Rose said the latest cohort adds to a growing network of regional screen talent, with more than 60 practitioners having now taken part in the program since it began in 2022.
“A warm congratulations to our 2026 New Kids on the Block cohort. These emerging practitioners join a growing network of regional talent who have taken part in the program since it began in 2022.”
“Thank you to the screen agencies who support this foundational program and recognise the value of bringing new voices and fresh perspectives from the regions.”
“We look forward to welcoming this year’s New Kids to Regional to Global, as they kick-start their careers and make the most of everything this flagship event for regional Australia’s screen industry has to offer.”
The program’s alumni include writer Shontell Ketchell, who has worked on Ghosts, Gold Diggers, Lakefield and Barrumbi Kids, writer, director and content creator Ella Watkins, who has more than three million followers, and NITV commissioning editor Caden Pearson, who has also worked as a director, producer and writer on Lakefield.
For NSW writer Erika Streegan, who will attend her first Regional to Global, the opportunity is about connecting with other creatives and exploring potential collaborations.
“I’m beyond thrilled to be a New Kid on the Block this year and attend my first ever Regional to Global. I’m especially excited to connect, hopefully collaborate, and honestly, just soak up all that creative energy and be surrounded by amazing people.”
Regional to Global will bring more than 60 screen industry professionals together for two days of insight, inspiration and connection on September 9 and 10, with the event taking place around 15 minutes from Byron Bay.
The New Kids on the Block program is supported by Screen NSW, the South Australian Film Corporation, Screen Canberra and Screen Tasmania.
