Inspiring Alumni: Matthew Deaner

Earlier this year, we proudly celebrated the induction of Mr Matthew Deaner, CEO of Screen Producers Australia (SPA), into the School’s Wall of Fame for 2025. The Award honours a member of the Launceston Grammar alumni community who has made a remarkable contribution in the performing arts, media or screen industries.

Mr Deaner attended Launceston Grammar from Grades 2 – 12 (1979 – 1990), before studying law. He began his career as a lawyer in Sydney and London, before moving into senior policy and strategy positions with the Australian Subscription Television and Radio Association (ASTRA) and Screen Australia.

Since 2012, Matthew has served as Chief Executive Officer of Screen Producers Australia (SPA), the national organisation that represents and advocates for the interests of Australia’s screen production industry.

Under his leadership, SPA has championed the interests of content producers large and small, spanning film, television, streaming and games. He has been at the forefront of critical industry conversations, including government policy, the rise of streaming services, and the creation of new markets for Australian content both at home and overseas.

We caught up with Matthew following his Wall of Fame induction to talk about his formative years at Grammar, the creative spark that began there, and his journey from law to leading Australia’s screen industry.

What are your fondest memories from your school days at Launceston Grammar?

I think, like many Grammar alumni, my memories start with the Outdoor Education program. It was an incredible experience to grow up learning in such a beautiful, geographically unique environment. You’re taken out of your comfort zone, but within this safe container of care from extremely skilled staff. You’re with your friends 24/7, and you’re learning resilience, teamwork and self-reliance without even realising it.

There’s one trip that really stands out - a Grade 10 self-guided expedition where we had to design and lead our own hike through the Walls of Jerusalem. We ended up getting lost for a day or so before being found by one of our Outdoor Education teachers! We were never in harm’s way, but it was quite an adventure. Those experiences are unforgettable. Even now, I still love hiking and feel confident putting on a backpack and heading into the wilderness. That sense of self-reliance and adventure has absolutely stayed with me.

What other activities or subjects shaped your time at Grammar?

Sport was a big part of my school life. I captained tennis and was vice-captain of hockey. I also really enjoyed debating. There’s one moment I’ll never forget; a House debate on the topic “Australians Don’t Care.” I was last speaker for the negative, arguing that Australians do care. I opened with a Dorothea Mackellar poem, turned the room around, and somehow managed to swing the audience by the end. Those moments, whether on the field or behind a lectern, built confidence. I learned that ideas, persuasion and teamwork matter, lessons that have followed me ever since.

You also helped start a creative spark at Grammar with the performance group Mask. Can you tell us about that?

Yes! That was something really special. At the time, Grammar hadn’t had a big school production for a while, so when a new music teacher arrived, he encouraged a few of us to form a small a cappella group. There were four of us: Kathryn Millar, Susan Manning, Ashley Dunn and I. We secretly prepared a performance and sang “Out Here on My Own” and “I Sing the Body Electric” from Fame, complete with face paint and slicked-back hair. It was theatrical, emotional and completely unexpected for the school at that time.

The reaction was incredible. I think it reminded people that creativity could take many forms, and that performance had a place in Grammar’s DNA. I’d like to think it helped reignite interest in the arts for the students who came after us.

After graduating, you studied law. Did you always see yourself combining that with your passion for entertainment?

Not immediately. I was interested in law and wanted to understand how the world worked, and, truthfully, I also wanted a stable career. My mum was a single parent and worked incredibly hard for us, so there was a sense of responsibility to find something secure. But I never stopped performing or being creative. During university, I was in law revues, choirs, student theatre, and even worked as a film extra from time to time. I realised that the creative industries need people who can bridge that gap, who understand both the art and the business.

When I eventually came back to Australia, I took one last legal job and realised, no, this isn’t me. That’s when I made the leap fully into the screen sector, and I’ve never looked back.

Was there a turning point where you felt you were helping shape the industry in a new direction?

Yes, when I became CEO of Screen Producers Australia, the government changed soon after, and I realised that the industry needed a much stronger collective voice. I went in thinking everyone already understood what our sector needed. But it quickly became clear that policy doesn’t move on logic alone, it takes persistence, advocacy and collaboration. The screen industry is complex, and making film and television is hard, resource-intensive work, and often misunderstood.

So, we brought producers, creators and talent together, including some very high-profile names, to speak with one voice. That advocacy work led to major reforms and helped stabilise conditions for the industry. It’s ongoing work, but I’m proud of what we’ve achieved and the sense of unity we’ve built.

What advice would you give to Grammar students dreaming of a future in media, politics or entertainment?

Take risks and don’t be afraid to fail. There’s no shame in giving something a go. At one point in my career, I had to decide whether to stay in a safe legal role or leap into something completely uncertain but meaningful. It was terrifying, but it changed everything for me. If I hadn’t jumped, I would have always wondered, “what if?”

Also, surround yourself with people who inspire you. Every conversation, every project, every relationship can lead to something unexpected. And remember, creativity isn’t limited to the arts. You can apply creative thinking to law, business, science. The world needs more people who see possibilities, not just rules.