Screen Producers Australia (SPA) has announced the first round of international buyers and executives for this year’s Screen Forever 40, bringing in scripted, unscripted, distribution, financing and co-production decision makers.
The conference, which will be held on the Gold Coast from April 28th to 30th, will feature Natalie Vignette (Boat Rocker Studio), Elsie Choi (CJ ENM America/Studio Dragon Global), Marcy Wiseman (Wise Group) and Lauren Jackson (All3 Media International), who will be participating in the conference program and the entire SPA Connect Market.
SPA CEO Matthew Diener said the high quality of executives participating reflects Screen Forever’s growing global profile.
“Screen Forever continues to attract senior decision makers who are actively looking to partner with Australian producers,” he said.
. “Their participation speaks to the strength of Australia’s creative sector and the confidence global companies have in the stories and businesses that emerge from this market.”
Natalie Vinet, Boat Rocker Studios’ Senior Vice President of Global Unscripted Sales and Content, leads international unscripted sales and strategy, acquisitions, and presales for Boat Rocker Studios’ content in the Americas, the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, and France.
She was looking forward to connecting with acquisition and outsourcing executives from Australia.
“We are building an incredible slate of premium unscripted projects and have a strong catalog of content across all genres,” she said.
“We also look forward to meeting potential partners who would like to help us develop and produce new IP and showcase all that Boat Rocker Studios has to offer.”
Choi, EVP and Head of Scripted TV for CJ ENM America/Studio Dragon Global, brings experience spanning premium scripted development and international co-production. She previously led the development of Bruce Willis’ company, creating award-winning productions that premiered at Sundance, Tribeca, and Toronto.
She said CJ ENM America was inspired by the quality of voices and stories coming out of the Australian market.
“With Screen Forever, CJ ENM America wants to partner with local producers to bring unique and globally relevant stories to the market,” she said.
Marci Wiseman, CEO and Executive Producer of The Wise Group, co-founded Blumhouse Television and held senior positions at AMC Networks and eOne.
She said she is especially looking forward to SPA Connect Market.
“This is a great forum to explore co-production opportunities for independent television and global series with top producers, financiers and buyers from Australia and across the region,” she said.
Rounding out the contingent is Jackson, vice president of scripted content for All3Media International. He works closely with producers to develop and position scripted projects for international markets, with a focus on strong editing across all stages of development and production.
For more information about Screen Forever 40, visit screenforever.org.au.
