We all enjoy a diverse array of media across online spaces every day. This panel deconstructs the storytelling craft that thrives in short form communities. Hear from online practitioners from across the nation as they unpack their approaches to these ubiquitous yet often misunderstood platforms. Together we’ll dive into this digital world and discuss how these talented creators develop for online formats, connect with their audiences and chart a pathway into the broader industry.

Factual films and series have a strong track record of inspiring action in audiences. This panel offers fresh thinking around the new wave of opportunities connecting content with communities who can be mobilised to drive meaningful societal change. The growth in distribution platforms with expanded global reach also presents the chance to position projects with purpose to more diverse audiences as well as untapped sources of impact funding. Hear from this progressive panel about the innovative steps they’ve taken to get their productions to the audiences who matter the most.

Anya Beyersdorf is the creator of Fake, starring Asher Keddie and David Wenham, which recently premiered to critical acclaim, breaking streaming and subscription records for Paramount+. Anya’s upcoming writing projects include Apple Cider Vinegar and The Twelve (Season Two).

Her credits also include Queensland-made documentary series The Black Hand as well as drama series Fires and Eden. Anya has won two Australian Writer’s Guild (AWGIE) Awards for Paradise and Fires and was one of four inaugural winners of the Lexus Short Film Fellowship at Sydney Film Festival for How the Light Gets In.

With seismic shifts in the industry over recent years, the pathways to establishing a career as a writer, director or producer may seem increasingly narrow and winding. While it isn’t easy to break into the business, exciting new voices continue to emerge. This panel welcomes four screen practitioners—writers, directors and producers—who are establishing themselves as unique creative forces both in Queensland and on the national and international stage, to investigate how they’re navigating their career trajectories and adapting to the industry in 2024. 

Hailing from Queensland, Miranda Otto is one of Australia’s leading actors and producers, and has achieved a stellar career both locally and internationally. In this special In Conversation event, Miranda returns to Brisbane to discuss her passion for championing women both in front and behind the lens, as well as her extensive work on women-led projects. The award-winning actor, who most recently filmed in Queensland on The Portable Door, will also share her thought process around projects of interest, the evolution of the Australian film landscape during her career and why she supports Australian stories first. 

This panel delves into the dynamic and evolving landscape of cross-cultural partnerships in the screen industry. Bringing together a diverse group of filmmakers and industry experts, the conversation explores the profound impact of blending different cultural narratives and perspectives with each other on screen. Panelists share insights from successful national and international collaborations, highlighting both the challenges and the creative synergies that arise when different cultural contexts intersect. 

This closing discussion explores the emerging trends, hurdles and opportunities shaping the sector today. Panelists will share their perspectives and offer examples of successful strategies and innovative approaches to making compelling content for global distribution. Expect a rich exchange of ideas focused on developments in storytelling, distribution channels, audience engagement and technological advancements impacting the industry.