02 03 2026 - Media release
Ausfilm and Screen Australia launch joint UK market initiative
Ausfilm and Screen Australia have announced Partner with Australia (UK), a new initiative designed to deepen creative and commercial partnerships between the Australian and UK screen industries.
Taking place in London from 16–18 June 2026, the program will bring a curated delegation of Australian creatives and Ausfilm member businesses to the UK for three days of targeted industry engagement. Through roundtables, keynote and panel discussions, and structured networking sessions delivered in partnership with key UK industry bodies including the British Film Institute (BFI), Film London and Pact, the initiative will create direct pathways for co-development, production and broader collaboration under the Australia–UK Co-production treaty.
Partner with Australia positions Australian creatives and businesses as collaborative partners of choice on world-class productions. The initiative aims to capitalise on the strong cultural and economic alignment between Australia and the UK, supporting official and unofficial co-productions, location shooting, post-production partnerships and broader cultural export.
Ausfilm CEO Kate Marks said the initiative would present a clear and confident message to the UK market.
"We're proud to be leading Partner with Australia alongside Screen Australia and working closely with the BFI, Film London and Pact to create meaningful opportunities for our industry. The UK is a natural partner for Australia, and this initiative ensures we are engaging in a focused and strategic way.
"It's also an opportunity to highlight Australia's exceptional creative talent, production and post-production expertise and globally competitive screen incentives, which together offer significant value for international collaborators."
The announcement builds on the strong and enduring history of collaboration between the two countries. Australia–UK Official Co-productions – including the upcoming series Careless, the feature films Prima Facie and FING!, and previous documentaries Shane, The Australian Dream and David Attenborough's Life in Colour – highlight the depth of cross border creative partnerships. In addition, titles such as The Dispatcher and Breakers, currently being produced in Australia, further demonstrate the growing momentum of shared storytelling.
Screen Australia CEO Deirdre Brennan said the program is designed to deliver practical, concrete outcomes for experienced Australian creatives building on the international momentum around our talent and IP.
"The UK is one of Australia's most important creative partners and this initiative will only strengthen the ties of our screen sectors. Partner with Australia is a focused platform to develop new relationships and advance projects that provide exciting avenues for genuine co-production and co-development.
"By supporting Australian companies and proven creatives with UK traction, we are strengthening the pipeline of projects that can be realised under the Australia–UK treaty, ensuring unique Australian stories and values continue to resonate with global audiences."
Applications are now open on the Screen Australia website, with up to 20 production companies and up to 10 writer/creators eligible for funding of up to $10,000 each to support travel and accommodation in the UK, as well as related market opportunities in the region. Applications close 5pm AEDT Thursday 26 March 2026.
The funding is targeted at experienced producers and creatives with a proven ability to deliver projects of scale and a demonstrated connection to the UK market, ensuring the delegation is well-positioned to secure new partnerships and advance projects into development and production.
