New Kids on the Block 2026
Navigating industry events and conferences can seem daunting when you’re starting out in your screen career – and that’s where New Kids on the Block comes in. Delivered by Screenworks and supported by Screen NSW, South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC) and Screen Canberra, the program is designed for regional, early-career screen practitioners attending the Regional to Global Screen Forum for the first time.
It’s a support program that provides structure and guidance to help participants overcome the barriers and anxieties associated with traveling to and attending an industry event.
Each selected participant receives funding that contributes to their attendance costs (including travel, accommodation and tickets) alongside dedicated, on-the-ground support and special access during the event to empower them to get the most from Regional to Global.
This year, Screen Canberra and New Kids on the Block will support 2 people from the ACT.
More than 60 regional people have participated in New Kids on the Block since the program began in 2022, with alumni including Shontell Ketchell (2023; writer on Ghosts, Gold Diggers, Barrumbi Kids), Ella Watkins (2022; content creator with over three million followers) and Caden Pearson (2025; director, producer and writer of Lakefield, Taste of Tropics S2 Ep 1).
Regional to Global 2026 will take place on September 9 and 10, returning to Lennox Head in Northern NSW.
APPLICATIONS CLOSE – AEST 9am July 7, 2026.
All applicants are expected to be notified of outcomes by August 10, 2026.
What Do I Get?
- Each selected participant receives $1,000. If selected, your funds contribute to covering the costs of travel, accommodation and event registration, reducing the financial burden and stress of conference attendance.
- Exclusive access to a roundtable of your choice on Regional to Global’s sidebar, Connections.
- You’ll meet and build relationships with fellow New Kids that can last well beyond Regional to Global.
- All the benefits of Regional to Global, from connecting with industry voices and leaders to hearing great conversations, deep-dives and case studies – just with the New Kids special treatment!
Am I Eligible to Apply?
- I haven’t attended Regional to Global before.
- I live regionally (as per regional definitions on Screenworks’ website) in one of the participating states or territories and have done so for at least the last six months.
- I’m an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
- If selected for New Kids on the Block, I can and will make myself fully available to attend Regional to Global 2026.
- I meet all other requirements set in the terms and conditions.
How to apply
Check to make sure you meet the terms and conditions below before applying. Ineligible applications will not be accepted.
Make sure to answer all required questions and provide both a current CV and proof-of-residencies.
Screenworks encourages applications from people from diverse backgrounds who may not otherwise have the opportunity to access work opportunities.
Have Questions?
If you have any questions about Regional Crew Pathways or applying, please email info@screenworks.com.au.