Screen Australia appoints Tanya Phegan as Narrative Content Head of Development

Screen Australia appoints Tanya Phegan as Narrative Content Head of Development 17 March 2026

Tanya Phegan

Screen Australia has today announced the appointment of Tanya Phegan as Head of Development, bringing over 25 years of industry experience to the role.

In her new position at Screen Australia, Tanya will lead the Investment Manager team for Narrative Content Development, overseeing the assessment and funding approach for scripted projects including feature films, online/direct-to-audience and pre-market television. She will also manage related Development programs and initiatives.

Prior to her appointment, Tanya served as Head of Scripted at Guesswork Television. She has worked extensively in the United Kingdom and United States, including holding development, commissioning, production and acquisition roles across BBC Films, DNA Films/Fox Searchlight, Universal Pictures, and Easy Tiger and Porchlight Films in Australia.

Tanya served as executive producer on Prime Video's globally successful, five time AACTA Award-winning series Deadloch Season 1 and its forthcoming second season. She co-created and produced Operation Buffalo which won Best Comedy Series at the 2020 Berlin TV Festival and developed global hit series Colin from Accounts, Scrublands, The Kettering Incident, Rake and more. Her film credits include Oscar-winner The Last King of Scotland, 28 Weeks Later, Dredd, BAFTA-nominated film The History Boys, internationally acclaimed feature Never Let Me Go, Sunshine, Berlin International Film-winner Notes on a Scandal, Far From the Madding Crowd and 360 .

Tanya Phegan said, Screen Australia plays a vital role in nurturing Australian storytellers and I'm excited to work alongside producers, writers, directors, creators and creatives across the country. Great projects start with strong development, and I'm committed to working to support emerging voices and established talent. I look forward to collaborating with the industry to help Australian stories thrive.

Screen Australia Director of Narrative Content Louise Gough said, With her extensive international experience and deep connection to Australia's screen industry, Tanya brings a perspective that is both global in its reach and grounded in local insight. Her demonstrated ability in bridging a project's creative ideas, audience engagement and commercial viability will be instrumental in ensuring the next wave of Australia stories remains vibrant, diverse and creatively ambitious.

Tanya commenced in the role on Tuesday 17 March, reporting to Gough and work closely with the Head of Production Drew Grove and Head of Market & Audience Rakel Tansley. Tanya will be based in the Sydney office.

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