Australian Screen Talent Takes Centre Stage at Regional to Global 2026
Screenworks has unveiled the full program for Regional to Global 2026, bringing more than 60 leading screen creatives, commissioners and decision makers to Lennox Head this September.
Australia’s premier regional screen forum will return to the Northern Rivers on Wednesday 9 and Thursday 10 September, presenting more than 20 main-stage sessions, 20 intimate roundtables and over 30 one-on-one meetings across two packed days.
Taking place just 15 minutes from Byron Bay, Regional to Global offers delegates the opportunity to hear from distinctive creative voices, gain insights from industry leaders and make valuable connections in a relaxed coastal setting.
AACTA Award-nominated Australian actress Teresa Palmer will appear in Career Spotlight: Teresa Palmer in Conversation, exploring a film and television career that continues to connect with audiences in Australia and internationally.
Known for roles in Hacksaw Ridge, The Clearing and The Family Next Door, Palmer will speak with writer and executive producer Samantha Strauss, with whom she collaborated on The Last Anniversary.
Actress and co-creator Miranda Tapsell will also take to the stage for Top End Bub: Meet the Creators. She will be joined by co-creator Joshua Tyler and producer Rosemary Blight to discuss the distinctly regional hit comedy series.
The Meet the Creators program will also spotlight Leviticus, with writer and director Adrian Chiarella discussing the Sundance-acclaimed, genre-defying Australian film in a session moderated by Screenworks CEO Lisa Rose.
Other sessions in the series will feature writer and showrunner Liz Doran and co-executive producer Courtney Wise discussing My Brilliant Career, Delvene Delaney and Victoria Baldock exploring Love of An Icon: The Legend of Crocodile Dundee and actor, comedian and writer Steph Tisdell joining writer and producer Caden Pearson and Screen Queensland Head of Industry and Audience Partnerships Rowena Billard for Taste of the Tropics.
Screenworks CEO Lisa Rose said the program reflected the strength and diversity of Australia’s screen sector.
“This year’s Regional to Global program brings together an extraordinary depth of talent and leadership from across the Australian screen industry, reflecting exactly why Australia is such a strong player on the global screen stage. It’s a rare chance to connect with the film and television community in a genuinely relaxed and open environment, where real conversations happen, lasting connections are formed and careers are shaped.”
More than 60 leading creatives, commissioners and decision makers will gather in Lennox Head as Screenworks unveils its packed Regional to Global 2026 program.
Behind the Decisions Shaping Australian Screens
Commissioner Confidential: What They’re Really Looking For will explore the ideas that capture attention and the projects that make it through the decision-making process.
The panel will feature ABC Commissioning Editor for Comedy Todd Abbott, ABC Commissioning Editor for Screen, Documentary and Specialist Kalita Corrigan, NITV Senior Commissioning Editor Cieron Cody and SBS Head of Unscripted Joseph Maxwell.
The Visionaries Shaping Modern TV will take audiences inside the minds of some of Australia’s most original screen voices as they share their ideas, creative instincts and visions for the future of television.
Speakers include My Brilliant Career showrunner Liz Doran, Apple Cider Vinegar showrunner Samantha Strauss, Eden creator Vanessa Gazy and Reckless creator Kodie Bedford. The session will be moderated by Invisible Boys creator Nicholas Verso.
Delegates will also receive a rare behind-the-scenes look at the creative process during Inside a Mock Writers’ Room. Writer Sara Khan, writer and showrunner Joshua Tyler and note-taker AJ Kitchener will demonstrate how writers’ rooms operate and how creative conversations are captured in real time.
Celebrating Australian Screen Achievement
Regional to Global 2026 will introduce the inaugural Screenworks Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising an outstanding contribution to the Australian screen industry. The award will be presented by Screenworks Chairperson Tracey Mair.
The broader program includes representatives from Screen NSW, Screen Australia, Screen Queensland, Screen Canberra, the South Australian Film Corporation, Screen Producers Australia, the Australian Writers’ Guild, the Australian Directors’ Guild, ABC, SBS, NITV, Foxtel Group and Stan.
Beloved Australian actor, comedian and writer Steph Tisdell will serve as MC across the two-day event.
The Regional to Global Connections program will give attendees further opportunities to engage with selected speakers through intimate group discussions. Registrations for the limited roundtable places open at 9am AEST on Tuesday 25 August.
Tickets include access to the full two-day forum as well as the Screenrights Happy Hour and Netflix Opening Night Drinks. Single-day tickets will be released on Tuesday 25 August.
Regional to Global is supported by major government partner Screen NSW and financed with the assistance of Screen Australia. Event partners include Netflix, Media Super, the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts, Business NSW, Screen Producers Australia, Screenrights, Ballina Shire Council and the Australian Film Television and Radio School.
Dates: Wednesday 9 and Thursday 10 September 2026
Venue: Lennox Head Cultural Centre, 1 Mackney Lane, Lennox Head
Two-day tickets: $300 for Screenworks members and $450 for non-members, excluding GST
More information: Visit the Screenworks website for the full program and tickets.
