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Ones to Watch Producers 2026/27

Ones to Watch: Producers 2026/27

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

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, please contact us to discuss your involvement.

Program Inclusions

If you are selected for the Ones to Watch program you will receive:

  • 50% discount on a SPA-member Gold badge for SCREENFOREVER
  • 6-month mentorship from a SPA member
  • Complimentary access to a SPA Screen Business Essentials or Navigating Growth training course or a SPA Masterclass
  • Exclusive access to monthly Ones to Watch webinar series
  • Introductions to key industry partners
  • Early access to book Partnerships Forum & Pitch Meetings @ SCREENFOREVER
  • Curated meetings with international guests @ SCREENFOREVER
  • Opportunity to apply for a $20,000 contribution, supported by Screen Australia, toward an international industry placement
  • Amplification of your professional profile across the wider sector
  • Access to networking opportunities with Ones to Watch alumni

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for this program you must:

  • Have at least two (2) credits as a producer for projects which were:
    • exhibited on a broadcast or streaming platform which has at least 25,000 subscribers;  OR
    • distributed & exhibited theatrically in Australia and/or internationally (including film festivals); OR
    • exhibited on a Direct to Audience platform (where your channel/profile has at least 25,000 subscribers; OR a single video which has achieved a minimum of 1 million views and your channel/profile has at least 10,000 subscribers)
       
  • Have at least one (1) project (for which you control the rights necessary to carry out the project) currently in progress which will be ready to pitch at SCREEN FOREVER
     
  • Be at least 18 years of age
     
  • Be an Australian citizen or a Permanent Australian Resident
     
  • Not have been previously selected for the Ones To Watch program
     
  • Apply for either the Creators strand or the Producers strand (not both)
     
  • Be available to attend SCREEN FOREVER in-person in May 2027
     
  • Pay the Application Fee
     
  • Hold a current SPA Membership as at 1 October 2026
     
  • Be available to attend:
     - all key dates outlined below
     - an exclusive webinar series scheduled for 2pm AET on the third Wednesday of each month (subject to change)
     - an in-person industry placement to take place during the period outlined below

Key Dates

  • Monday 17th August @ 2pm AEST: Entries close 
  • Wednesday 28th Setptember: Cohort announced 
  • October - April: OTW monthly webinar series
  • May 2027: Screen Forever (indicative date only - subject to change) and Industry Placement announced at the SPA Awards
  • June 2027 - 30th June 2028: industry placement period

Assessment Criteria

Applications will be assessed by an external panel against the following criteria:

  • The depth and breadth of the applicant's experience;
  • The potential for the project(s) to be completed and it's capacity to reach it's audience;
  • The effectiveness of the Ones to Watch program to facilitate progression of the applicant’s career and project(s); and
  • The applicant's screen 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 to complete your application, please contact us well in advance of the closing date. 

Applicants may be contacted during the assessment to clarify or provide further details.

Due to the volume of applications, SPA is not able to provide individual feedback

Associated Costs

If you are selected for this program, you may incur some costs:  

  • SPA Membership (associate or full member). Further details on Membership options are available here
     
  • Participants are responsible for the cost of their travel, accommodation, and 50% of SPA-member Gold Coast registration to SCREEN FOREVER. The state screen agencies have travel grants available. Please check the website for your local agency for details on closing dates, guidelines etc.
     
  • Any costs relating to the Industry Placement that exceed the $20,000 funding contribution are the applicant's responsibility
Price:
$119 (inc. GST)
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