Screen Producers Australia (SPA) has unveiled details of seven additional international guests attending SCREEN FOREVER 39, all actively seeking collaborations with Australian producers. Set to take place on the Gold Coast from Tuesday, May 6 – Thursday, May 8, 2025, this year’s conference is shaping up to host one of the most significant international delegations in recent years, offering delegates exclusive access to key decision-makers and industry leaders.
Among the notable attendees is Noel Hedges (UK), EVP of International Acquisitions and Co-productions at Lionsgate, who will be present at SCREEN FOREVER 39 to discuss international trends and co-production opportunities. With extensive experience acquiring TV content and shaping global strategies, Hedges will provide valuable insights into the evolving entertainment landscape. His participation in the SPA Connect Market presents a unique opportunity for delegates to engage directly with a key decision-maker.
Hedges will also join the panel discussion “Australia vs the World – How to Secure an International Audience,” alongside prominent international distributor Sarah Tong (UK), Director of Sales at Hat Trick International. Tong, who has led Hat Trick International’s expansion since 2008, has over 30 years of experience licensing and co-financing drama, comedy, factual, and entertainment content, presenting exciting opportunities for SCREEN FOREVER 39 attendees.
New Zealand’s Growing Influence in Co-Productions
From New Zealand, Halaifonua Finau (Nua) and Tom Hern, co-founders of production company Tavake, will attend SCREEN FOREVER for the first time, bringing significant co-production opportunities. Tavake has been instrumental in developing a diverse slate of local and international projects, including Red, White & Brass, written and produced by Nua, with Taika Waititi and Carthew Neal as Executive Producers. The film became New Zealand’s highest-grossing local film of 2023.
Tavake’s success continued into 2024 with the critically acclaimed series Madam, starring Australian actor Rachel Griffiths, which won Best Creation at the Monte Carlo TV Festival and Best Comedy at the Asian Academy Creative Awards.
Nua and Hern will participate in the Production Partnerships Forum as part of SPA Connect and contribute to two key panel discussions: Cultural Safety on International Co-Productions and Behind the Scenes of Madam.
Also representing New Zealand at the event are Shelley Quinn, Commissioner, and Tina McLaren, Senior Commissioner Scripted, both from Warner Bros. Discovery ANZ. Shelley oversees factual and entertainment content for Channel Three and ThreeNow, while Tina brings over 25 years of experience producing drama, documentaries, and reality TV in New Zealand’s screen sector.
Additionally, Kylie Munnich (NZ), Vice President, Global Content Sales – UK/ANZ at A+E Media Group, will moderate the “Australia vs the World – How to Secure an International Audience” panel. Munnich, who previously served as CEO of Screen Queensland during its record growth period (2019-2022), has a three-decade career in film and TV distribution, development, financing, and co-production.
Exclusive Market Briefings
Noel Hedges will further engage with delegates through the SPA Connect Market Briefing Series, offering insights into Lionsgate’s strategy and priorities. He will outline how Lionsgate collaborates with Australian producers, what makes a successful pitch, and the types of projects he is looking to support at SCREEN FOREVER 39.
With these major industry figures confirmed, SCREEN FOREVER 39 promises to be an unmissable event for producers looking to expand their international partnerships and drive Australian content to global audiences.
For more details, visit the SCREEN FOREVER 39 website
