Entertainment
13 March, 2026
Spotlight on filmmakers
SCREEN Queensland’s screen practitioners’ forum, In the Frame, Far North Queensland, will return to Cairns next week, connecting regional filmmakers with industry leaders shaping Australia’s screen sector.
The one-day forum on Tuesday 17 March at Screen Queensland Studios, Cairns, brings together practitioners from across the region for a program of panels and networking.
Following a sold-out event in 2025, the forum will feature five panel sessions designed to help practitioners develop projects and navigate opportunities across film, television and digital platforms.
Sessions will examine current commissioning priorities, how to develop ideas into commercially viable projects, what decision-makers are looking for, writing regional stories and how productions can reach national and global audiences.
The program will also include curated one-on-one meetings, giving attendees direct access to industry leaders.
Speakers include Andy Ryan – head of scripted, Stan, Brett Popplewell – Emmy and AACTA-nominated producer and head of drama and production, Fremantle, Coco Garner Davis – producer, Flying Bark Productions, David Cook – founder, New Dream Productions, Emma Fitzsimons, Princess Pictures; Ivan O’Mahoney – founder and managing director, In Films, Jason Behan – chief executive officer, Apocalypso, Josh Longhurst – scripted development executive, Foxtel, Kris Mrksa – leading Australian screenwriter, Lucas Taylor – AWGIE and SPA Award-winning writer and director, Louise Schultze – founder and executive producer, Australian Production House, Marc Wooldridge – founder and managing director, Maslow Entertainment, Mitch Stanley – producer, No Coincidence Media, Paul Wiegard – co-founder and CEO, Madman, Rebecca Pini – managing and creative director, M4M Agency, Richard Finlayson – director and joint CEO, Wooden Horse; Sophia Mogford – head of scripted content and comedy, Paramount+, Todd Fellman – producer, Story Bridge Films, and Tristan Barr – director, Filmbarr.
Screen Queensland CEO Jacqui Feeney said the event reflects the growing strength of the region’s screen sector.
“Returning to Cairns allows us to continue building momentum in the region.”
Tickets are $35 plus booking fee available at Eventbrite: www.bit.ly/4ljLiCm
