The career development program will introduce separate pathways for producers and creators for the first time.

Screen Producers Australia has announced the 10 emerging practitioners selected for its 2026/27 Ones To Watch program.

For the first time, the initiative has been divided into two dedicated pathways, Ones To Watch Producers and Ones To Watch Creators, reflecting the changing ways Australian screen practitioners are developing projects, audiences and creative businesses.

The cohort represents Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia, Western Australia and the ACT, with participants working across scripted and factual content, feature films, documentaries, animation, comedy, digital production and creator-owned intellectual property.

The five practitioners selected for the Ones To Watch Creators pathway are Maggie Looke from Victoria, Saksham Sharma from New South Wales, Sebastian Chan from the ACT, Tak Nakano from New South Wales and Tresa Ponnor from New South Wales.

The Ones To Watch Producers cohort comprises Victoria’s Andy Huang, South Australia’s Carlos Manrique Clavijo, Western Australian producers Devina McPherson and Michael Long, and New South Wales practitioner Rizcel Gagawanan.

Over six months, participants will undertake a tailored professional development program and receive individual mentorship from experienced Australian screen practitioners. The program is designed to build the industry knowledge, professional networks and business connections needed to support the next stage of their careers.

The cohort will also receive discounted registration for SCREEN FOREVER in May 2027, along with access to curated industry meetings and networking opportunities. Participants will be able to pitch projects to potential buyers and partners and connect with Australian and international screen executives.

Members of the cohort will also be eligible to apply for the Ones To Watch Screen Placement, supported by Screen Australia. The placement provides a $20,000 contribution towards an international industry attachment.

Since its inception, Ones To Watch has supported more than 180 early-career screen practitioners. Alumni have progressed into commissioning roles, established production companies, undertaken international placements and produced recognised Australian screen projects.

Mentors for the 2026/27 program will be announced later this year.

Further information is available through the Ones To Watch website.