In the Frame Far North Queensland panellists and program revealed

Following a sold-out event in 2025, In the Frame Far North Queensland returns with a focused, one-day forum delivering high-level industry access to sharpen storytelling and open pathways to production across film, television and digital platforms.

Held at Screen Queensland Studios, Cairns, the 2026 program features five curated panels to propel practitioners to the next stage of their careers.

Sessions will explore current commissioning priorities, how to develop ideas into commercially viable projects, what decision-makers are actively looking for, writing for regional stories and how Queensland projects can scale to reach national and global audiences. Attendees will gain practical insights into navigating the rapidly evolving screen and creator economy along with strategies for positioning their work for production. The program also includes curated one-on-one meetings, providing 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

Tristan Barr – Director, Filmbarr

Minister for the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said the Crisafulli Government is committed to strengthening Queensland’s screen industry, particularly in regional areas.

“Through initiatives like In the Frame Far North Queensland, we’re helping to build sustainable career pathways and creating new opportunities for regional practitioners across the state to develop and share their stories.”

Screen Queensland CEO Jacqui Feeney said the success of In the Frame in Far North Queensland mirrors the growing strength of the region’s screen sector.

“Returning to Cairns allows us to continue building momentum in the region, giving local creatives direct access to industry experts, practical insights and meaningful connections, while spotlighting the important role Far North Queensland plays in telling Australian stories.

“Supporting local practitioners to remain agile and responsive to broader industry shifts is essential, which is why In the Frame Far North Queensland is an important event for the state’s regional screen community.”

Tickets are $35 (plus booking fee) and include lunch and networking refreshments, with Market and Travel Grants of up to $1,500 available for eligible regional attendees.

In the Frame Far North Queensland tickets are selling fast.


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IN THE FRAME FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND PROGRAM

MC: Loani Arman

Meet the Commissioners with Andy Ryan (Stan), Josh Longhurst (Foxtel), Sophia Mogford (Paramount+).

Show Me the Money with Rebecca Pini (M4M Agency), Jason Behan (Apocalypso), Marc Wooldridge (Maslow), Todd Fellman (Story Bridge Films), Paul Wiegard (Madman).

Open for Business with Brett Popplewell (Fremantle), Coco Garner Davis (Flying Bark), Emma Fitzsimons (Princess Pictures), Louise Schultze (Australian Production House), Richard Finlayson (Wooden Horse).

Rise of the Impact Documentary/Indie Feature with David Cook (New Dream), Mitch Stanley (No Coincidence Media), Tristan Barr (Continuance Pictures), Ivan O’Mahoney (In Films).

The Writers with Lucas Taylor (Black Snow), Kris Mrksa (Carpentaria).

The event concludes with a networking function.