Screenworks, Netflix and Screen Queensland have announced Sunshine Coast-based practitioners Evelyn Way and Joshua Xuan as the 2026 winners of the Regional Crew Pathway Program.
As part of this initiative, the pair will complete appearances in film and television productions in Queensland, where they will receive industry training and paid on-set experience designed to quickly advance their on-screen careers.
The 2026 winners were selected from 20 participants who completed an on-set onboarding course delivered by AFTRS on the Sunshine Coast.
A graduate of Griffith Film School with an interest in production design, Way aimed to develop her own unique storytelling voice while gaining hands-on experience across professional sets.
“My dream was to work on a feature film with a compelling narrative that celebrates Australian stories and learn from professional filmmakers in the industry,” she said.
“I look forward to learning the field culture, connecting with others who share my passion, and developing the field skills needed to build an impactful career.”
Suan has a BA in Creative Industries and has created social campaigns for Australia Zoo and content for the 24/7 Sunshine Coast Snake Catcher.
He said he wanted to participate in the program to strengthen his industry connections and experience.
“With small production experience spanning camera, audio and lighting, I am a versatile contributor who is ready to embrace any opportunity to support the collective vision,” he said.
“I am ready to embrace any opportunity to support our collective vision.”
The Regional Crew Pathways program has so far been implemented in northern New South Wales, northern and Far North Queensland, Tasmania and the Northern Territory, with more than 300 people taking part in training and 13 people being selected for paid placements. The majority of trainees who find employment secure continued employment as crew members.
Alumni include Ami Gray, who worked for Baz Luhrmann’s Buzzmark. Shana Naisher continues to work as a camera assistant, including filming for Good Things Productions in Far North Queensland. Willow Inman, currently a freelancer in the art department. And Juliet May is currently working for Hive Productions in Tasmania.
Debra Richards, Netflix’s director of APAC production policy, said the program focuses on long-term workforce development.
“It’s exciting to see talented new crew members like Evelyn and Joshua coming through the Sunshine Coast,” she said.
“Programs like Regional Crew Pathways are more than just units, they aim to support individuals through training and field experience and help them build their screen networks.
“By continuing our partnership with Screenworks, we are helping to ensure regional Australia has a ready pipeline of talented staff ready to step up and succeed in the industry.”
Screen Queensland executive director of industry and audience engagement Ken Crouch said the Sunshine Coast was becoming an increasingly active production hub.
“Queensland’s staff base is one of the reasons why we are now the busiest state for film production in Australia and our partnership with Screenworks and Netflix opens up new avenues for emerging practitioners to establish a career in Queensland,” he said.
Screenworks chairman Tracy Mair said it was important that people in rural areas had access to the training, connections and pathways essential to success.
“With the generous support of Netflix, Screen Queensland and AFTRS, we are proud to be able to offer meaningful on-site opportunities to help build sustainable film industry careers,” she said.
“We are thrilled to be able to give Evelyn and Joshua this wonderful opportunity.”
Screenworks is currently recruiting production companies and department heads in Queensland who are interested in taking on entry level and early career trainees in 2026. The recruitment period is 6 months and trainees will be paid by Screenworks. To register your interest, please contact Screenworks at btl@screenworks.com.au.
