Media Release

Screen Producers Australia (SPA) has announced applications are now open for Ones To Watch 2026/27, SPA’s flagship professional development and mentoring program supporting the next generation of Australian screen talent.

For the first time, the program will offer two dedicated pathways: Ones To Watch Producers and Ones To Watch Creators, providing tailored mentoring, professional development and industry access for early-career producers, writers, directors and screen creatives.

Each successful applicant will be matched with an experienced industry mentor for personalised one-on-one guidance. Participants will gain access to an exclusive six-month series of industry webinars, in addition to discounted registration, curated industry meetings and networking opportunities at SCREEN FOREVER in 2027, Australia’s premier screen industry event.

The program continues to offer eligible participants the opportunity to apply for the $20,000 Ones To Watch Screen Placement, proudly supported by Screen Australia, to support a professional development engagement at an international production company.

SPA CEO Matthew Deaner said the expanded program reflects the changing pathways into the Australian screen industry.

“As the screen industry continues to evolve, so too must the ways we support and develop emerging talent. The introduction of dedicated Producers and Creators strands recognises the different career pathways, skills and business models shaping the future of Australian screen content,” said Deaner.

“Ones To Watch has a proud history of helping early-career practitioners build the confidence, connections and industry knowledge needed to take the next step. We look forward to supporting a new cohort of ambitious Australian screen talent as they develop their careers and contribute to a stronger, more dynamic screen industry.”

Screen Australia Chief Operating Officer Grainne Brunsdon said, “Developing emerging talent is critical to the future of Australia’s screen sector and Ones To Watch continues to play an important role in that pipeline. The introduction of the dedicated Producers and Creators strands, alongside the annual Ones To Watch Screen Placement, equips early-career practitioners with the specialist skills, industry insight and practical experience needed to build sustainable careers and bring bold and distinctive Australian stories to the screen.”

Since its inception, Ones To Watch has supported more than 180 emerging and early-career producers to fast-track their careers. Highlights include:

• 2025 alumna Caden Pearson has just joined NITV in the content commissioning team.
• 2024 alumna Rae Choi completed a placement with Heretic Films in Greece & Intake Films (The Brutalist, The Testament of Ann Lee) and attended EFM in Berlin with the Heretic team, in addition to a placement at Paloma Productions in Denmark.
• 2024 alumni Georgia Noe, Rae Choi and Scarlett Koehne participated in the SBS & Screen Australia Digital Originals program.
• 2024 alumna Joseph Meldrum recently joined NITV as a Commissioning Editor.
• 2024 alumna Shontell Ketchell wrote on BBC Studios production of Ghosts: Australia.
• Almuni Liam Heyen (2021) and Cyna Strachan (2022) from Mad Ones feature Jimpa, premiered at Sundance in 2025, directed by Sophie Hyde and starring Olivia Colman and John Lithgow.

Past Screen Placement recipients include Mimo Mukii (2026), Rae Choi (2025), Amy Parry (2024), Emma Roberts (2023), Jessica Magro (2022), Ljudan Michaelis-Thorpe (2021) and Rachel Higgins (2020).

Applications for Ones To Watch 2026/27 are now open at screenproducers.org.au/ones-to-watch. Applications close on Monday 17 August 2026 at 2:00pm AEST. 

Link to media image HERE.