Screen Forever conference postpones to March 2022

Annual industry conference Screen Forever has postponed its planned November event on the Gold Coast to March 2022, due to the evolving COVID-19 situation in Australia.

The event will now take place on 28 – 30 March 2022 as an in-person event at The Star Event Centre  with all necessary safety measures in place.

This follows last year’s event having to pivot to a virtual event.

The changes announced by Screen Producers Australia are with support by principal partner, Screen Queensland.

Qld Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said, “Supporting the screen industry is a critical part of our Economic Recovery Plan and I am pleased to see Screen Forever return to the Gold Coast – home to so many domestic and international productions.

“My Government’s recent $71 million screen industry budget boost includes investment in productions by home-grown producers as well as Hollywood heavyweights like Ron Howard, and is continuing to support the growth of a strong, sustainable local sector over the long term.”

In order to accommodate the increasing international demand, the SPA Connect market will be expanded, with an international focused marketplace taking place digitally.

“After 18 months of continued uncertainty, content markets such as Screen Forever play a crucial role in the production ecosystem, facilitating the flow of creative ideas and the brokering of crucial co-production, financing and distribution deals,” said SPA CEO Matthew Deaner.

“The feedback we have received from industry is that there is a strong desire to conduct such deals in person, and with its award-winning cast, crew, and facilities, there is no better location for such an event than Queensland.

“However, the health and wellbeing of our delegates, staff and the wider community remains our number one priority. While we are saddened to not be reunited with our esteemed colleagues and friends this November, we look forward to re-connecting on the Gold Coast next March,” he said.

Screen Queensland CEO Kylie Munnich added, “This is how our industry does business best – networking in person, pitching new ideas, learning from the experts and gaining insights from both national and international commissioners, broadcasters and studios.

“As travel to international markets continues to be restricted, we anticipate that screen practitioners from around the country will jump at the chance to come together in person at The Star next March.”

Tickets go on sale later this year.