Ones To Watch is a professional development and mentoring program for early-career screen producers looking to accelerate their screen business acumen to the next level.

Over the coming months, the Ones To Watch cohort will be matched with a leading Australian producer for one-on-one mentoring and will participate in an exclusive webinar series to develop their creative slate and business skills in the lead-up to SCREEN FOREVER. 

We strongly encourage applications from First Nations producers and those whose voices and experiences are underrepresented in our industry. If you require any support with your application or feel that the eligibility requirements are a barrier to your application for this program, we would love for you to contact us to discuss your involvement.

Program Inclusions

Each Ones To Watch participant will receive:

1. 50% off SPA members priced Gold Coast registration to SCREEN FOREVER
    
2. Advanced access to book roundtables and pitches at the SPA Connect Market at SCREEN FOREVER
    
3. Dedicated 1-on-1 mentoring with an experienced mentor from within the SPA membership
   Participants can nominate their 'top three dream mentors' during the application process and this will be considered during the mentor matching process. SPA recommends participants meet with their mentors at least once a month for the duration of the program
    
4. Complimentary access to a Screen Business Essentials workshop
    
5. Exclusive access to the Ones To Watch webinar series
   If selected for the Ones To Watch program, you will be given exclusive access to a series of webinars designed to progress and guide you and your nominated projects in preparation for pitching at SCREEN FOREVER. 
    
6. Profiling to SPA's extensive industry database on social media and in newsletters

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Ones To Watch 2025 program you must:

1. Have at least two (2) producing credits (short form included) for projects which were exhibited:
   1. on broadcast television;  
   2. on a streaming platform; and/or
   3. theatrically.
       
2. Have at least one (1) project currently in progress which you can develop throughout the Ones To Watch program and pitch at SCREEN FOREVER
    
3. Have to be over 18 years of age
    
4. Be an Australian citizen or a Permanent Australian Resident
    
5. Must not have been previously selected for the Ones To Watch program
    
6. Be available to attend SCREEN FOREVER, 28 - 30 April 2026
    
7. Pay the Application Fee and hold a current SPA Membership as at 8 October 2025

Key Dates

7 July: Entries open 

27 August: Entries close at 11:59pm AEST 

24 September: Applicants notified 

1 October: Cohort announced 

Webinar 1: 8 October 2025 / Induction

8 October: Screen Australia supported placement applications open 

Webinar 2: 5 November 2025

Webinar 3: 17 December 2025

Webinar 4: 28 January 2026

Webinar 5: 25 February 2026

18 March 2026: SCREEN FOREVER 40 Bootcamp 

Webinar 6: 15 April 2026

SCREEN FOREVER 40: 28-30 April 2026

Webinar 7 Wrap up: 20 May 2026

Plus+ additional VIP meet & greets with special guests at SCREEN FOREVER.  

*Webinar dates indicative and subject to change. Webinar topics are curated based on the selection of the cohort. Additional special webinars may be offered throughout the program.

Assessment Criteria

Applications will be assessed on the following criteria:

• the depth and breadth of the applicant's experience;
• the potential for the project to be completed and it's ability to reach an audience;
• how the Ones to Watch program can aid in the applicant’s career and project development; and
• the applicant's genuine passion for the industry, and business acumen.

We strongly encourage applications from  First Nations producers and those whose voices and experiences are underrepresented in our industry. If you require any support in your application or feel the eligibility requirements are a barrier to you applying for this program, we would love you to contact us to discuss your involvement. 

Applicants may be contacted during the process to clarify or provide further details. Due to the volume of applications SPA is not able to provide individual feedback.

Associated Costs

If selected for the program, you must also hold a current SPA Membership by 8 October 2025. The cost of a SPA Associate Membership is $275 inc. GST. Further details on SPA Membership options are available here.

Participants will be responsible for the cost of their own travel, accommodation, and 50% off SPA members priced Gold Coast registration to SCREEN FOREVER.