Screenworks has today revealed the full program of speakers and sessions for its Regional To Global Screen Forum which will be held 26-28 May at Lennox Head Cultural Centre and streamed live online.
The packed three-day schedule includes Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Commissioning (But Were Afraid To Ask!). The session will feature commissioners Susie Jones (Netflix), Amanda Duthie (Stan) and Lana Greenhalgh (Foxtel/Binge) in a lively, interactive conversation-driven entirely by the most popular questions compiled from a callout to Regional To Global delegates prior to the event. Leading film and TV publicist Tracey Mair, who recently joined the Screenworks board, will moderate, exploring not just what the commissioners are looking for but unpacking how they make decisions on projects and factors that influence their choices.
See Pictures Producer Michael Pontin is confirmed to join Stan’s Rachel Okine for the AACTA Pitch: Regional Landscapes showcase, where both will be giving their perspectives as judges on the five finalists and revealing the winner live at the event. Pontin will also be taking pitches from delegates as part of the new Pitch In! speed pitching sessions on offer at Regional To Global, along with leading producers including Warren Clarke (Fremantle), Tracey Vieira (Hoodlum), Rosemary Blight (Goalpost Pictures), Darren Dale (Blackfella Films) and Lisa Shaunessy (Arcadia). These pre-bookable sessions and industry roundtables will be open for bookings by registered in-person delegates only from 12 noon AEST Thursday 12 May.
Also confirmed is a session inspired by the recent floods, bushfires and droughts that have hit regional Australia including the Northern Rivers area where the Regional To Global Screen Forum is being held. Regional Stories That Change The World will feature Global Director of Good Pitch Malinda Wink and Doc Society’s Director of Australian Programs Hollie Fifer who will be showing regional filmmakers how to make their voices and stories matter in the urgent call for climate change action, drawing on international case studies for inspiration.
Screen NSW Sector Investment Manager Sofya Gollan is now on board to moderate the previously announced “Live From LA” session with The Screenwriting Life podcast duo – Academy Award nominated writer Meg LeFauve and her screenwriting partner Lorien McKenna.
NITV’s Head of Commissioning and Programming Kyas Hepworth, who has just been announced as the next Head of Screen NSW, and Jo Chichester, Manager of Screen at ABC Regional & Local, will be speaking at The Power Of Local – a session showcasing recent projects made in regional, remote and rural Australia and the opportunities for regional filmmakers to tell their stories. Fremantle’s Head of Scripted Development Warren Clarke and leading writer/producer/director Tony Ayres (Tony Ayres Productions) will feature in a companion session, The Power Of Global, looking at recent Australian projects that have found global audiences and how to develop screen projects with international appeal.
Tickets for this year’s event are currently on sale, with interactive live-stream sessions available for online attendees and COVID-19 protocols in place for in-person delegates. More information and ticket bookings can be found on the event website.
Screenworks CEO Ken Crouch said, “Our program this year really does have something for everyone, whether you’re a producer, director, writer or crew and early-career or seasoned professional. Our aim is to delve into the subject areas that most matter to regional, rural and remote screen practitioners, as well as to inspire them by bringing some of the most talented local and international filmmakers to the forum to share their experiences and insights. With both in-person and live streaming options available, we hope practitioners no matter where they are across Australia will take advantage of having all this wonderful knowledge and talent in one place for three days at the end of May.”
For more information please contact Screenworks Industry Development Manager, [email protected].
