Screen Australia backs audience-led filmmaking with new insight-driven initiatives

Screen Australia backs audience-led filmmaking with new insight-driven initiatives 2 July 2026

Screen Australia has today announced two new Market & Audience initiatives as part of its refreshed program strategy to strengthen the reach and impact of Australian theatrical feature films. The new initiatives - First Cut Lab and Impact & Insights - draw on the expertise of global organisations Tatino Films and Publikum to support filmmakers with audience insights as they develop and produce their films.

First Cut Lab supports early to mid-career Australian filmmakers with dedicated feedback to create the optimal cut of their feature film, while Impact & Insights offers established screen practitioners the opportunity to develop robust audience and release strategies for projects either in development or post-production, guided by customised feedback and research workshops. To be eligible, projects must be narrative content intended for theatrical release, but do not need to have been previously supported by Screen Australia funding.

Screen Australia Head of Market & Audience Rakel Tansley said, Connecting Australian stories to audiences locally and globally has never been more complex, making it critical that filmmakers have access to the right tools, expertise and audience insights. Through our First Cut Lab and Impact & Insights partnerships, Australian creatives will have the opportunity to work alongside international leaders and access guidance, research and audience intelligence to shape their projects and strategies. Our aim is to empower filmmakers to maximise the potential for Australian stories to resonate at home and around the world.

First Cut Lab

Delivered in partnership with global film and talent development organisation Tatino Films, First Cut Lab will assist local features to maximise their reach potential by offering expert guidance to shape the strongest possible cut. The initiative is designed for early to mid-career film practitioners, supporting narrative feature film projects (

LINK:	https://www.screenaustralia.gov.au/screen-australia-backs-audience-led...
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