Script to Screen, Ngā Aho Whakaari and PIFT present the 2016 South Auckland Short Film Workshop – a free two-day workshop that will give you everything you need to know to make a short film.
Over one weekend, four experienced filmmakers will guide you through each stage of the filmmaking process – from the initial concept, writing, directing, working with actors and finally to pitch your idea to collaborators and funders.
We are looking for new talent from South Auckland with a passion for storytelling, and an interest in learning how to make a short film. Up to six attendees/teams will also have the opportunity to participate in the South Shorts Mentoring Programme. This is a tailored programme that pairs writers and producers with experienced industry mentors, and returns after a successful inaugural year.
When? Sat 19 and Sun 20 November, 9am-5pm both days
Where? MIT School of Visual Arts, 50 Lovegrove Cresent, Otara
How much? The workshop is free. Coffee, tea and biscuits will be provided in the breaks. We will also provide a picnic style lunch. We suggest a $15 cash koha to cover lunch on both days – so if you are able to contribute please bring this cash along with you to the workshop.
Register: Places are limited. Please email eloise@script-to-screen.co.nz or call 09 360 5400 to reserve a spot.
What do I need to bring to the workshop?
You are encouraged to come with a short film idea, and any team members you might wish to work with. It is not compulsory to have a short film idea ready, but will mean that you get the most out of the workshop.
The synopsis should be half a page, describing what your film is about, what happens in the film, and what you want people to feel when they are watching it. You could also include why this story is important to you or why this story needs to be told. Remember to include details like, how long you expect the film to be (short films are usually 5 – 15 mins long), whether it is a comedy or drama etc, and the characters’ names.
On Day 2 of the workshop, participants will be invited to pitch their short film idea to the group in a pitching competition, to a panel of industry mentors.You are welcome to pitch the short film idea you submitted, or another idea. The pitch is to be kept to 3 minutes.
SCHEDULE
Saturday 19 November
9am-9:15am – Tea/coffee/introduction
9:15am-10:45am – ‘Why I Make Films’ with Niki Si’ulepa (Ma, Snow in Paradise)
10:45am-12:15pm – Producing with Lara Northcroft (This is Piki, Tits on a Bull)
Learn about the role of the producer in driving the project from conception to completion
12:15-1:15pm – Lunch break
1:15pm – 5pm – Screenwriting with Michael Bennett (Matariki, The Factory)
Learn about the key points of storytelling and forming a structure that will grab the audience
Sunday 20 November
9am-11am – Directing with Hamish Bennett (The Dump, Ross and Beth)
Learn about the director’s role in the film and forming a strong vision for your story
11:15am – 5pm – Pitching Session
Participants are invited to pitch their short film idea to the group and a panel of industry mentors. The pitch is to be kept to 3 minutes.
2017 South Shorts Mentorship Programme
Following the workshop, those who wish to apply for the mentorship programme will be asked to submit a short statement to Script to Screen outlining why the mentorship programme is for them. The programme focuses on emerging writers and producers. Participating in the pitching session is not only a great way to practice communicating your film idea to others, but provides a great opportunity to introduce yourself and your film idea to the panel who will be selecting the participants for the 2017 South Shorts Mentorship Programme. Producers applying for the mentoring programme may either pitch their own idea at the pitching session, or pitch as a team with a writer. More info about South Shorts here.
Image: From short film MARIA, written by Toafia Pelesasa, and directed by Jeremiah Tauamiti.
This workshop was made possible with the support of the Creative Communities Scheme.
