INDUSTRY & ENGAGEMENT

Overview

The ASPERA executive has identified value in forming a sub-committee that would enhance industry awareness of the organisation, its capacity and expertise. In early 2026 the Terms and Conditions for this committee were finalised, and the ASPERA executive extended an invitation to all members to express interest in joining and contributing to this new Industry & Engagement Sub-committee. Along with existing Vice-president Susan Kerrigan and executive member Alejandra Canales, four candidates, with active screen industry engagement were selected. 

The sub-committee launched in April 2026. Its members represent seven ASPERA member institutions. 

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Exercising its networking avenues, connections and areas of influence, the sub-committee intends to actively contribute to the growth of industry understanding about ASPERA’s knowledge and research capacity. Thereby, nurturing and developing academic–industry relationships that engender career opportunities and professional roles for ASPERA’s member graduates.

Aims

The Industry & Engagement Sub-committee aims support ASPERA’s constitutional aims: 

1. That (ASPERA) addresses the relationship between the screen production education sector of the industry and the wider Australian screen industries. 
    

2. That (ASPERA) aims to lift the profile of the screen based industries within the wider economic, social and cultural development of Australia. 
    

3. That (ASPERA) develops and fosters research relevant to the sector.

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Objectives 

The Industry & Engagement Sub-committee objectives are to: 

• Profile ASPERA throughout the screen industry – Agencies, Associations, Guilds, Advocacy Groups, Production companies, Facilitators and Distribution organisations.

• Establish and build co-reciprocal relationships with peak bodies.

• Develop and maintain a database of all industry sector contacts currently practising in the screen industry.

• Raise awareness with peak bodies of ASPERA’s high capacity for industry, student and market research.

• Promote ASPERA’s nationwide assets, facilities and membership database, for potential production support.

• Support industry collaboration and opportunities for ASPERA Conferences and events.

• Foster collaborations to benefit ASPERA members’ students – through work integrated learning opportunities, internships, collaborations, industry events and networking opportunities.

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Screen Industry Terms of Reference

The Industry & Engagement Sub-committee recognises the following key sectors of the Australian Screen Production industry:

1. Federal, State and Regional Screen Agencies.
    

2. Industry Associations, Guilds, Unions & Advocacy Groups.
    

3. Film, Television, Games, Postproduction and VFX, Animation and Digital Media production companies.
    

4. Studios and location facilitators.
    

5. Distribution organisations - Festivals, Theatrical and ancillary distributors, FTA, Public and Subscription Broadcasters, Theatrical Exhibitors, Streamers, and Market Promoters.

Sub-committee Terms and Conditions

The Industry & Engagement Sub-committee Terms and Conditions are:

Composition

• Sub-committee chair

• Sub-committee deputy chair

• Up to 4 other executive committee members 

• Committee members are drawn from as many different member institutions as possible to ensure wide representation from the ASPERA community.

Appointment

Terms of appointment are for two years, with consecutive terms permitted following an open call to the ASPERA community for expressions of interest to serve on the committee. 

Expressions of interest will consist of a single page outlining areas of experience that are relevant to the committee’s terms of reference and where the potential committee member sees themselves able to contribute.

Meetings

• Minuted meetings held every two months.

• Meeting reports supplied for tabling at Executive Meetings. 

• The sub-committee conducts approximately 6 meetings of 60 minutes duration in a calendar year. 

• Committee members also work on tasks outside of meeting times, such as networking, corresponding and meeting with industry bodies, organisation and practitioners.