Media Release: New Kids on the Block cohort announced for Regional to Global 2026

Screenworks has announced the selected participants for the 2026 edition of New Kids on the Block (NKOTB), naming the eleven emerging practitioners who will be supported to attend the Regional to Global Screen Forum in Northern NSW, held 9–10 September.

This year’s group is a diverse mix of filmmakers – including directors, writers, producers, cinematographers, editors and composers representing four states and territories.

• NSW
  • Ellie Waterhouse (director/producer)
  • Erika Streegan (writer)
  • Indy Davies (filmmaker)
  • Phoenix Frost (filmmaker)
  • Ria Castle-Mead (writer/producer)
  • Noam Young (filmmaker/writer)
• SA
  • Ekkia Evans (cinematographer/writer)
  • Isaac Coen Lindsay (director/writer/editor)
• ACT
  • Declan Shrubb (writer/director/composer)
  • Thea Jade (writer)
• TAS
  • Tim Butcher (producer/director)

Screenworks CEO Lisa Rose said, “A warm congratulations to our 2026 New Kids on the Block cohort. These emerging practitioners join a growing network of regional talent who have taken part in the program since it began in 2022. Thank you to the screen agencies who support this foundational program and recognise the value of bringing new voices and fresh perspectives from the regions. We look forward to welcoming this year’s New Kids to Regional to Global, as they kick-start their careers and make the most of everything this flagship event for regional Australia’s screen industry has to offer.”

Thanks to support from Screen NSW, South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC), Screen Canberra and Screen Tasmania, the New Kids receive financial assistance for conference attendance and travel, plus on-the-ground guidance for the duration of the Forum, which brings creative voices and industry leaders together in a relaxed regional setting.

Erika Streegan from NSW said, “I’m beyond thrilled to be a New Kid on the Block this year and attend my first ever Regional to Global. I’m especially excited to connect, hopefully collaborate, and honestly, just soak up all that creative energy and be surrounded by amazing people.”

Ekkia Evans from SA said, “I’m beyond excited to be a part of the New Kids on the Block 2026! I intend to make the most of this opportunity and I am keen to connect with my fellow screen practitioners and learn more about this incredible industry.”

Declan Shrubb from the ACT said, “I’m thrilled to be selected! I’ve been building projects in Canberra for years, and attending Regional to Global is my chance to connect with like-minded creatives and producers and make things happen.”

New Kids on the Block has had over 60 participants to date, with alumni including Shontell Ketchell (writer on Ghosts, Gold Diggers, Lakefield, Barrumbi Kids), Ella Watkins (writer, director and content creator with over three million followers) and Caden Pearson (Commissioning Editor at NITV; director, producer and writer of Lakefield).

Regional to Global is fast approaching, with just one week to go until the highlight on the Australian regional screen industry calendar brings 60+ screen industry professionals together for two days of insight, inspiration and connection – including the Netflix Opening Night Drinks. Taking place just 15 minutes from Byron Bay, the event provides a significant engagement opportunity, contributing to a rich and diverse regional Australian screen industry. Final tickets on sale now!

Regional to Global Tickets & Information

ABOUT SCREENWORKS
Screenworks is a national member-based non-profit committed to supporting and empowering screen creatives and crew across regional Australia. The organisation offers professional industry programs and activities for people at every career stage to develop their skills and help build a diverse and thriving regional screen sector. Since being established in December 2000, Screenworks has demonstrated a strong track record of creating and managing well-presented, innovative and relevant development programs for professional and emerging screen content creators and crew in regional areas across Australia.

Screenworks New Kids on the Block program is supported by Screen NSW,
South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC), Screen Canberra and Screen Tasmania.

Further Information:
Vicki Heath, Screenworks Communications Manager
vicki@screenworks.com.au, +61 402 355 325