Industry Program

CinefestOZ with support from the City of Busselton, Screenwest & Lotterywest, Screen Australia, South West Development Commission, Business Events Perth & the United States Consulate Perth, Private Properties, Spacecubed & Innovation Society Initiative is proud to be presenting the 2023 Industry Program.

Thursday 31st August – Friday 1st of September 2023

Esplanade Hotel Busselton

The two-day program, features presentations, discussion panels and workshops and will focus on learning from respected industry leaders and spotlighting creative successes for future growth.

Industry sessions will be held at the Esplanade Hotel, situated 50m from the iconic Busselton Jetty and stunning foreshore, making it the perfect central hub location during the festival. Join us – in person for inspiring talks, exciting discussions, intense debates, fantastic networking opportunities, and much more.

Subscribe to the CinefestOZ newsletter for updates on the release of the Industry Program.

Wednesday 30^th August:
12pm- 4.30pm Workshop: Entrepreneurial Skills for Screen Business workshop with special guest Ludo Studios’ Head Finance and Strategy, Daniel Schultz. Developed by Curtin University’s Commercialisation team, the workshop work will be facilitated by Innovation Cluster’s Tash Teakle. 

The opportunity is proudly supported by Lotterywest, Spacecubed and the Innovation Society Initiative to help build a smart, innovative and creative WA together.
For more information

Thursday 31^st of August:

10am: The Making of Animation Productions: From Concept to Collaboration                                                                 

Animation is an ever-evolving and captivating medium, coupled with an extremely challenging business model. Behind each adored animated series lies a fascinating world of ingenuity, imagination and business expertise that drives its inception. Join Francesca Hope, Co- founder of Siamese, producing partners on the animated feature ‘100% Wolf’ as she participates in an insightful conversation with Ludo Studio’s, Daniel Schultz, one of the strategic minds behind the global phenomenon ‘Bluey’ and Executive Producer of ‘South Park’, Debbie Liebling.       

Host: Francesca Hope In attendance: Daniel Schultz, Debbie Liebling Sponsored by: Spacecubed, Lotterywest, Innovative Society Initiative 

1pm: Meet the Streamer – STAN: Join us for an exclusive session with Katherine Brown, the Development Associate for Stan, helping oversee all of Stan’s Original scripted, entertainment, and factual programming. Gain valuable insights as she shares what Stan is actively seeking and the key factors that can get your projects considered by their prestigious platform. 
Host: Chris Veerhuis, Head of Production Screenwest In Attendance: Katherine Brown, Development Associate

2pm: Film Distribution and Marketability with Bonsai Films                                                                                                                In the ever-evolving realm of film distribution, understanding the market and effectively exploiting content is essential. With experience at Icon Films, Dendy, and now Bonsai Films, Jonathan Page has released numerous films in Australia, New Zealand, and launched projects at prestigious events such as the Cannes and Sundance Film Festivals. Join Jonathan in a discussion about Australian film distribution and sales intricacies, including the issues impacting film reach and success, from market competition to evolving audience preferences, and discover how he maximizes Australian cinema’s potential.       Host: Cathy Henkel In attendance Jonathan Page

3pm: In Conversation with Jury Chair – Robert Connolly, Arenamedia Robert is one of Australia’s most acclaimed and best-known filmmakers with an international career spanning 30 years. His films include Blueback starring Mia Wasikowska, the box office hit Paper Planes with Sam Worthington, Balibo starring Oscar Isaac and Anthony LaPaglia and the compendium feature film The Turning with Cate Blanchett and Rose Byrne. Most recently Robert wrote and directed The Dry based on Jane Harper’s best-seller and starring Eric Bana. In television, he directed the International Emmy-nominated The Slap and Barracuda for NBC Universal and Deep State for Fox Network Group, starring Mark Strong. As a producer and executive producer Robert’s credits include The Boys, Romulus My Father, The Warriors, Gallipoli and Chasing Asylum.    Host: Robert Patterson

Friday 1st of September:

9am:Business Events Perth proudly presents National Guest Speaker, Deborah Riley, a four-time Emmy Award winner and one of the world’s most sought-after Production Designers. From her early involvement in The Matrix (1999) as a set designer to her pivotal role as a production designer on HBO’s Game of Thrones, she has left a lasting impact on the field. Join us as she shares insights and experiences from her incredible career, offering a unique perspective into the collaborative efforts that brought one of television’s most beloved shows to life. Following her presentation, enjoy a 45-minute Q&A session moderated by Emma Fletcher. 

11am: Meet the Streamer – BINGE  Discover how BINGE has driven growth since its inception, gain insights into what is shaping their commissioning decisions, and learn how the streaming service is captivating audiences through compelling Australian storytelling. Host: Kelvin Munro In attendance: Executive Director Alison Hurbert-Burns                          

1pm: The Future of Feature Docs: Survival or Revival? In an era where streaming has revolutionised content consumption, this panel takes a deep dive into the future of feature-length documentaries. Drawing insights from the recent box office record-breakers, our esteemed speakers will navigate the shifting landscape, addressing questions of survival, resurgence, and the ongoing relevance and feasibility of these narratives.                                                                                                          Host: Julia Redwood In attendance: Richard Todd, Jonathan Page, Rachel Ward, Paul Williams

2pm: Sustaining Success: Navigating Profitability The screen industry offers a roller-coaster journey through a world of creativity and commerce, holding boundless potential, yet achieving sustainable profits remains a challenge. Join these enduring producers and businesses as they delve into a discussion about the evolving challenges, breakthroughs, and strategies that lead to lasting growth and industry longevity. What does the future hold for sustainable success?                Host: Matt Deaner CEO Screen Producers Australia In attendance:  Melissa Kelly, Shannan Louis, Daniel Schultz, Vincent Sheehan     

3pm: The Twelve Case Study. Join the team behind the acclaimed series “The Twelve” as they discuss their insights and experiences in making the first series a resounding success. With the second series being the biggest-ever production in WA, discover the state’s allure as a filming destination and gain a sneak peek into the promising future of Australian drama in Western Australia.                                                                                                                                                                                      Host: Chris Veerhuis, Head of Production Screenwest In attendance: Alison Hurbert-Burns (Binge), Ally Henville (Easy Tiger), Sarah Walker, Hamish Lewis (WBITVP)

4pm: The Screenwest Industry Advisory Group (IAG) Is pleased to invite members of the Western Australian Screen Industry to a ‘town hall’ style meeting in Busselton to raise items of discussion and ask questions of the group. Chris Veerhuis Head of Production at Screenwest will give an industry update, followed by IAG discussion on Friday 1st of September, as part of the CinefestOZ Industry Program. 

About the 2023 Industry Program
The Industry Program, has been developed by CinefestOZ in partnership with the recently formed Industry Program Steering Committee and comprises industry leaders Jodie Bell – Producer at Ramu Productions; Tracey Corbin – Matchett – CEO at Bus Stop Films; James Grandison – Producer & Line Producer at Arenamedia; Francesca Hope – Producer & Managing Director at Siamese; Melissa Kelly – Producer and Company Founder at Factor 30 Films; Aidan O’Bryan- CEO at WBMC; Julia Redwood – Managing Director at Prospero Productions and Emma Fletcher – Production Designer.
 
With their extensive experience, this group guarantees a comprehensive and well-rounded perspective, ensuring the program not only reflects the latest trends and challenges in the industry but also provides a platform for meaningful discussions and valuable insights.
 
INDUSTRY TICKETS 

Industry Cinepass

Industry Cinepass PLUS 3 General Screenings

Student Industry Cinepass
 
The Full Festival Program is live with tickets available via the CinefestOZ app and on the website.
 

CinefestOZ Film Festival, in partnership with Curtin University, are introducing screen industry professionals to the principles of startup business formation in the Entrepreneurial Skills for Screen Business workshop, taking place on Wednesday August 30 as part of the 2023 Industry Program. The workshop is made possible, thanks to being supported by Lotterywest, Spacecubed and the Innovative Society Initiative.

The Australian screen industry is a powerhouse of culture and economy however, traditional business models have remained stagnant, failing to keep up with the evolving technology landscape and market demands. With the workshop looking to solve this problem, participants will get the opportunity to hear directly from one of Australia’s most successful screen businesses in the form of a fireside chat with Ludo Studios’ Head Finance and Strategy, Daniel Schultz.

A household name off the back of their success with their flagship IP ‘Bluey’, Ludo Studios are an independently owned three-time Emmy®, Logie, BAFTA and AACTA Award winning production company based in Brisbane. Their aim is to create a prolific sustainable industry in Queensland, while making stories for the world.

The workshop will be facilitated by Innovation Cluster’s Tash Teakle, and will empower participants to transform their business model to foster innovation, drive sustainable growth, and secure long-term prosperity for the Australian screen industry.

Those who are looking to establish or are currently operating a screen business in Western Australia from any sector are encouraged to submit their expression of interest to attend.

Register now and be part of the movement that’s reshaping the future of the Australian screen industry!

This opportunity is proudly supported by Lotterywest, Spacecubed and the Innovative Society Initiative to help build a smart, innovative and creative WA together. 

DEADLINE AND HOW TO APPLY

Submit an expression of interest to attend by Thursday 24 August 2023. All successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified by 5pm AWST Friday 25 August 2023.

For more information contact us at [email protected]

APPLY

CinefestOZ Film Festival and WIFT Australia have partnered together again to deliver its highly successful Writers Retreat in the beautiful South West region of Western Australia.

Held over three days from Sunday 27 August to Wednesday 30 August, the CinefestOZ WIFT Australia Writers Retreat will provide participants with the space and time they need to make significant progress on a screen project they are currently attached to as the Sole or Lead Writer at any stage of development.

Participants will get the opportunity to stay in a private room at Private Properties’ Busselton Beach House, complete with beachside views, open plan dining and living room, an alfresco area, top of the range appliances, PLUS $200 in Coles fuel and food vouchers to cover the cost of their travel and meals during the program.

Participants will be also receive a free two-day CinefestOZ Industry Program Pass to support their professional development and networking. 

DEADLINE AND HOW TO APPLY

Applications open 9am AWST Monday 24 July and close 5pm AWST Friday 11 August. Written applications can be submitted via the button below or if you prefer, we are also accepting video and audio submissions that address the key eligibility criteria. All successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified by 5pm AWST Monday 14 August 2023.

APPLY

US Executive Producer Debbie Liebling to Headline CinefestOZ Industry Program 

Influential film and television producer and studio executive Debbie Liebling will open the CinefestOZ industry program and join the Jury of Australia’s richest Film Prize $100000 – as part of the 16th annual CinefestOZ Film Festival. 
 
Renowned for the development and realization of the cultural phenomenon South Park and President of Production at Universal Pictures for hit films Bridesmaids, Pitch Perfect and TED – Debbie’s most recent film Jules, starring Sir Ben Kingsley, will also have its Australian premiere screening at CinefestOZ on Thursday 31st of August. 
 
“I am thrilled to be attending CinefestOZ,” Ms Liebling said. “The festival is a wonderful opportunity to further expand my awareness and connection with the Australian film community and it is truly an honour to be invited.
 
“There is so much talent to discover and be inspired by at this amazing event. I am also excited for the opportunity to enjoy the remote and beautiful Margaret River wine region, as well as to engage with the Western Australian culture”.

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Start planning and book your accommodation now, so you don’t miss out on the best film event all year! The City of Busselton has a range of accommodation options which we strongly encourage you book in advance. Our Industry Program Partners are Private Properties, where you can find a range of homes to stay during your visit to the festival, or when filming on location in the South West. Find your perfect property down south at www.privateproperties.com.au.