Screen Producers Australia CEO Matthew Deaner Departs

After a 14-year tenure, the long-serving chief of the industry body has stepped down to pursue new career opportunities.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Media

Screen Producers Australia CEO Matthew Deaner Departs

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Matthew Deaner has officially departed his role as CEO of Screen Producers Australia after 14 years of leadership. Zoe Angus, previously the industrial director, has been appointed as the acting executive director to ensure continuity for the organisation.

Why it matters

Deaner led the association through significant industry reforms and government negotiations, including major changes to production tax offsets and local content mandates for streaming platforms.

Screen Producers Australia represents more than 800 member businesses that drive over $3 billion in annual production activity. During Deaner's tenure, the television producer offset increased to 30 percent, while the film offset remains at 40 percent.

The players

Matthew Deaner

He served as the CEO of Screen Producers Australia for 14 years and advocated for significant industry tax reforms.

Zoe Angus

She is the acting executive director of Screen Producers Australia and previously served as the organisation's industrial director.

Screen Producers Australia

This is the peak industry body representing more than 800 Australian production businesses.

The details

The Screen Producers Australia Council is managing the transition as the organisation works on a new global export strategy. Deaner was instrumental in recent efforts to secure legislation requiring streaming services with over 1 million subscribers to invest in local content.

Matthew Deaner joined Screen Producers Australia in 2012.
The Make It Australian campaign was launched in 2017.
The government passed a streaming content investment bill in 2025.
Deaner outlined industry reform priorities at Screen Forever in April 2026.
Matthew Deaner departed Screen Producers Australia in October 2026.

Market Landscape

The leadership change occurs as the media sector adapts to the Australian government's streaming content investment bill. This transition positions the organisation to navigate new regulatory requirements that compel major streaming platforms to invest in local content production.

The transition to new leadership may influence how independent producers engage with streaming services regarding local content obligations. These legislative changes remain essential for maintaining the volume and diversity of Australian-made television and film content.

The takeaway

The departure marks the end of a long era of advocacy that fundamentally shaped the financial support structures for Australian production. Members and industry stakeholders should monitor upcoming announcements from the Council regarding the new long-term global export strategy.