Screenworks has today launched its 2026 edition of New Kids on the Block (NKOTB), supporting nine emerging regional screen practitioners with financial support and on-the-ground guidance to take their first confident steps into the industry at Screenworks Regional to Global Screen Forum. The event returns to Lennox Head in Northern NSW on 9 & 10 September.
Since 2022, New Kids on the Block – this year supported by Screen NSW, South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC) and Screen Canberra – has helped participants overcome the barriers associated with attending a major industry event. The nine spots available in 2026 include five from NSW, two from South Australia, and two from the ACT.
Screenworks Interim CEO & Vice Chair, Rodney Cambridge said, “The screen industry thrives when we actively bring new voices and talent in from the regions. New Kids on the Block exists to make sure that we remove barriers so that talented emerging practitioners can excel in environments that can advance their careers. We’re proud to open applications for 2026 and look forward to welcoming our next cohort to Regional to Global in September. ”
NKOTB is a support program that provides financial assistance, structure and guidance to help selected participants overcome the challenges and anxieties associated with travelling to and attending an industry event. The program empowers selected participants to get the most out of Regional to Global, with benefits including:
- Selected NSW and ACT participants receive $1,000, and SA participants receive $2,000 (reflective of travel distances and associated barriers). Funds can be attributed to travel, accommodation and event registration.
- Dedicated on-ground support and guidance throughout the event
- Priority access to a roundtable per participant on the event sidebar
- Networking opportunities and attendance to Netflix Opening Night Drinks
- Peer connections with fellow New Kids that can build lifetime career connections
More than 60 regional people have participated in New Kids on the Block since the program began in 2022, with alumni including Shontell Ketchell (writer on Ghosts, Gold Diggers, Lakefield, Barrumbi Kids), Ella Watkins (writer, director and content creator with over three million followers) and Caden Pearson (director, producer and writer of Lakefield; producer of Storm Bird, Karla Grant Presents).
Regional to Global runs early September in Lennox Head – just 15 minutes from Byron Bay – and draws in screen industry professionals from across Australia, including writers, directors, producers, streaming and broadcast commissioners, executives, government screen agency representatives, and screen industry guild members. Guests gather for a program brimming with insights, and the opportunity to drive business and build industry connections that foster a thriving regional screen industry with global reach.
Held annually, the Northern NSW based screen forum unites the vibrant regional screen community with the broader industry through an accessible and dynamic program, including in-depth panel discussions, intimate roundtables, one-on-ones and dedicated networking events, providing a significant engagement opportunity and contributing to a rich and diverse regional Australian screen industry.
Screenworks New Kids on the Block program is supported by Screen NSW, South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC) and Screen Canberra.
Applications are now open, closing Thursday 7 July 2026 at 9AM AEST.
MEDIA ENQUIRIES
Vicki Heath – Communications Manager, Screenworks
[email protected] +61 402 355 325
