Creative Industries & A Special Evening at HOTA - Home of the Arts
| Thursday, March 19, 2026 |
| 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM |
| HOTA - Home of the Arts, Surfers Paradise |
Overview
An evening that brings the Gold Coast’s creative and cultural strengths into focus. At HOTA, the city’s centre for art, performance and ideas, we will explore the region’s growing creative and screen economy through a curated mix of insights, visuals and discussion.
We are also shaping a special cultural element for this night to highlight the artistic identity of the Gold Coast. A thoughtful, memorable experience that will anchor the evening and offer a deeper sense of the place and its creative future.
Speaker
Gina Black
Screen Industry Advisor & Certified Film Commissioner
City of Gold Coast
Creative Industries
7:00 PM - 10:00 PMBiography
Gina started her screen career as a performer in musical theatre, before deciding to represent actors as a Theatrical Agent in the West End of London.
Her sense of adventure took her to Australia where she worked for Crawford Productions in Melbourne, first in Casting and then moved into physical production as a Production Manager and Line Producer. After several years, Gina ventured into the freelance world which took her to Queensland working on numerous offshore productions for many international studios including Paramount Pictures, Lorimar-Telepictures, Universal Studios, Warner Bros. Discovery, Walt Disney Studios, 20th Century Studios and Sony Pictures.
In 2013, Gina had the opportunity to join Screen Queensland on a short-term contract, however she stayed for 10 years in various senior roles including Executive Vice President Production Attraction & Incentives, Head of Production Attraction and Head of Physical Production.
In July 2023, Gina took on the role of Screen Industry Advisor and Film Commissioner for the Gold Coast Film Commission and the City.
Gina is a Certified Film Commissioner and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the AFCI (Association of Film Commissioners International).
In 2023, Gina received the Gold Coast Screen Professional of the Year Award for her services to the screen industry.
Matthew Deaner
Chief Executive Officer
Screen Producers Australia
Creative Industries Evening
7:00 PM - 10:00 PMBiography
Matthew Deaner is the Chief Executive Officer of Screen Producers Australia (SPA), a national organisation that unites the screen industry to campaign for a healthy commercial environment. SPA supports the interests of businesses, large and small, in their production of feature films, television programs, interactive content and games across all genres and formats.
Matthew oversees all aspects of Screen Producers Australia's advocacy work, industrial negotiations, events and operational issues. He also works closely with the SPA Council to set the strategic direction of the organisation as well as identify and execute new business development opportunities. Matthew brings a wealth of knowledge to Screen Producers Australia with his experience as a lawyer in both Sydney and London and in senior policy and strategy positions with Screen Australia and the Australian Subscription Television and Radio Association.