The 2022 Screen Forever conference, an annual event run by Screen Producers Australia (SPA), kicks off Monday. The annual event is returning with both in-person and virtual options as event businesses work out strategies for what will hopefully be a post-Covid world.
The industry has welcomed back Screen Forever with open arms, with tickets to the sessions on the Gold Coast all sold out. There are still options for people to take part online.
“After an arduous and challenging 28 months, it is really pleasing that Screen Forever physical passes have sold out,” SPA chief executive Matthew Deaner told Mediaweek.
“Screen Forever’s 36th birthday is just around the corner, and we’re thrilled that screen industry professionals have rallied to be involved in the program and secure their physical and digital passes.
“Over 1,100 talented content creators from every branch of the screen industry will converge next week, both physically and digitally, to re-connect and take stock of the evolving industry we all have such a vested interest in. Those who were unable to attend in person can still access digital passes through the Screen Forever website.”
Brian Walsh with Beverley McGarvey (left) and Sally Riley
Sessions highlights should include an impressive list of guests to be interviewed by Foxtel’s executive director of TV, Brian Walsh.
The career of industry veteran Bob Campbell will be celebrated when he is presented with the SPA Lifetime Achievement Award. Campbell held senior management positions with Network Ten, and as managing director and CEO of the Seven Network from 1987 until 1995.
After his departure from the Seven Network, Campbell, alongside Des Monaghan, formed Screentime, where he served as the executive chairman for 23 years until his retirement in 2020.
Deaner added: “The 2022 conference will be one of the most engaging to date, with incredibly talented local and international guests, immersive and thought-provoking content and an array of exciting networking and social events.
“Game-changing, explorative and innovative programming was the objective whilst curating the 2022 delegate experience.
“Sessions are varied but one series that will be of particular interest to many is the In Conversation series with Brian Walsh which will welcome the who’s who of domestic networks, key decision-makers from leading streaming services and global distributors to the stage for a range of intimate discussions, looking beyond the scripted corporate responses to reveal what drives programming choices, what keeps them awake at night and to cross-examine some of their make-or-break decisions in the world of Australian storytelling.”
Guests talking to Walsh will include Adrian Swift, Head of Content, Production and Development at Nine, Beverley McGarvey, Executive Vice President and Chief Content Officer at Paramount Australia and New Zealand, Brook Hall, Director of Content Scheduling at Seven Network Australia, Cailah Scobie, Chief Content Officer at Stan, Chris Irvine, Acting Director of Television and Online content/Head of Commercial and Production at SBS, and Sally Riley, Head of Drama, Entertainment, Indigenous at ABC.
International experts joining the lineup include Louise Pedersen, CEO of All3Media International and Zai Bennett, Managing Director of Content at Sky UK and Ireland.