Media Release

Screen Producers Australia (SPA) today announced a powerful line-up of industry leaders set to take part in State of Play: At the Box Office, a key session at SCREEN FOREVER 40, examining the future of theatrical distribution and exhibition.

Taking place on Queensland’s Gold Coast from 28 to 30 April 2026, the session brings together senior voices from across distribution, exhibition and production to explore how rapid shifts in technology, audience behaviour and global market dynamics are reshaping the theatrical landscape.

State of Play: At the Box Office, moderated by Duane Hatherly (Mediaweek), turns the spotlight to the theatrical segment, with Greg Denning (StudioCanal), Edwina Waddy (Roadshow Films), Paul Wiegard (Madman Entertainment), Damian Keogh (HOYTS), Schuyler Weiss (Bazmark) and Barbara Stephen (Flying Bark) sharing frontline insight into what is driving box office performance, how release strategies are evolving, and where opportunities lie for Australian feature films.

Collectively, the panel represents decades of experience across the theatrical ecosystem. Denning has released more than 500 films and continues to drive local development initiatives at STUDIOCANAL, while Waddy leads the development and assessment of Australian and New Zealand features for theatrical release at Roadshow Films. Wiegard, co-founder of Madman Entertainment, brings deep expertise in independent distribution and international partnerships, alongside Keogh’s perspective as CEO of HOYTS, where he has overseen a significant transformation of the cinema experience across Australia and New Zealand.

Keogh said a strong theatrical market depends on alignment across the industry.

“A healthy theatrical market relies on alignment across the ecosystem - from bold content and smart distribution to cinemas delivering an experience audiences value,” Keogh said. “I am looking forward to this discussion exploring how those pieces are coming together in a competitive, high-pressure box office environment.”

Adding a global production lens, Weiss brings experience from Bazmark, including producing the Academy Award-nominated Elvis, offering insight into how premium projects are positioned for theatrical success in an increasingly competitive international marketplace.

Weiss said the role of theatrical exhibition continues to evolve alongside broader industry shifts. 

“Theatrical exhibition, and the collective viewing that comes with it, will always be a singular experience and remains the goal of almost every filmmaker," Weiss said. "But in today’s marketplace and screen culture, it’s not always the right answer for every film. I’m looking forward to joining so many leaders in this space in discussing how creative release strategies and market realism can still deliver films to their best audiences and maintain diversity in our distribution landscape.”

SPA CEO Matthew Deaner said the session comes at a critical time for the theatrical sector.

“The theatrical market is evolving rapidly, with shifts in audience behaviour, release strategies and global competition reshaping how films find success,” Mr Deaner said.

“Bringing together leaders from across distribution, exhibition and production provides producers with a clearer understanding of where opportunities are emerging and how to position projects for success at the box office.”

State of Play: At the Box Office forms part of a broader program at SCREEN FOREVER 40 exploring global market trends, financing models and audience strategies, as the industry comes together to navigate a rapidly evolving landscape.

Link to media image HERE.