Screenworks, Netflix and Screen Queensland have today announced the two recipients who will accelerate their screen industry careers as part of the 2026 Regional Crew Pathways Program.
The initiative will see Sunshine Coast based Evelyn Way and Joshua Suann, placed on Queensland based film and television productions where they will receive critical industry training and coveted on-set employment to kick start their professional careers.
“Debra Richards, Director, Production Policy APAC at Netflix said, “It’s inspiring to see talented emerging crew like Evelyn and Joshua coming through from the Sunshine Coast. Programs like Regional Crew Pathways are about more than a single credit; it’s about supporting the individual with training, on-set experience, and to build their screen network. By continuing our partnership with Screenworks, we’re helping to ensure there’s a ready-made pipeline of talented crew in regional Australia who can step up and thrive in the industry.”
“Ken Crouch, Executive Director of Industry and Audience Development from Screen Queensland said that, “the Sunshine Coast is a growing area for film and series production and the Regional Crew Pathways program is helping to build local experience on high quality projects. Queensland’s crew base is one of the reasons we are the number one state for screen production in Australia right now, and our partnership with Screenworks and Netflix is opening new pathways for emerging practitioners to establish their careers here.”
The Regional Crew Pathways Program directly addresses identified below-the-line skill gaps, providing valuable skills advancement while building screen production capacity in regional areas, and is designed to develop the pipeline of screen talent in Australia.
Tracey Mair, Chair of Screenworks said, “With the generous support of Netflix, Screen Queensland and AFTRS, we’re proud to provide meaningful, on-set opportunities that help build sustainable screen careers. Below-the-line professionals are vital to a thriving Australian film and television industry, and it’s important that people in regional areas have access to training, connections and pathways that are critical to success. We are thrilled to be able to give Evelyn and Joshua this incredible opportunity.”
The 2026 recipients were selected from 20 participants after attending an On-Set-Onboarding course run by the Australian Television and Radio School (AFTRS) on the Sunshine Coast.
Evelyn Way is a Bachelor’s graduate from Griffith Film School with a strong passion for production design, she seeks to direct her own projects and expand her skill set through hands-on work across sound and art departments, primarily on short films and commercial projects.
Evelyn said, “My dream has always been to work on feature films with compelling narratives that celebrate Australian stories and to learn from professional industry filmmakers. I’m looking forward to learning the set culture, connecting with others who share my passion, and grow the on set skills I need to build an impactful career.”
Joshua Suann has a Bachelor of Creative Industries and experience producing social campaigns for Australia Zoo, plus as a content creator for Sunshine Coast Snake Catchers 24/7. He is passionate about end-to-end production that engages audiences.
Joshua Suann said,“I am eager to join this program to enhance my industry connections and experiences. With experience on small-scale productions across camera, audio and lighting, I am a versatile contributor ready to embrace any opportunity to support a collective vision.”
The Regional Crew Pathways program has previously run in Northern New South Wales, North and Far North Queensland, Tasmania and the Northern Territory with over 300 people participating in training, and 13 selected to undertake paid placements. The majority of trainees who have undertaken placements have secured continuing work in crew roles.
Past Regional Crew Pathways participants include A’mi Gray who has gone on to work with Baz Luhrmann’s Bazmark, Shanna Neisher who has had ongoing work as a camera assistant including a Good Things Productions shoot in Far North Queensland, Willow Inman who is now an art department freelancer, and Juliet May who is now working with Hive Productions in Tasmania.
Screenworks is seeking Production Companies and Heads of Departments from across Queensland interested in taking on trainees for entry-level, early-career work placements in 2026. All trainees will be paid by Screenworks during their six monthplacement terms. Please contact Screenworks at [email protected] to register your interest.
Screenworks’ Regional Crew Pathways program is supported by Netflix, Screen Queensland, and The Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS)
MEDIA ENQUIRIES
Vicki Heath – Communications Manager, Screenworks
[email protected] +61 402 355 325
