Script to Screen with the support of Screen Rights present a new script development pathway for Deaf, Disabled and Neurodivergent (DDN) screen storytellers in Aotearoa
Have a story you want to tell on screen? Want to strengthen your screenwriting craft, develop your ideas and better understand how to take your work forward in the screen industry?
Control + Alt = Script (CAS) is a new development initiative from Script to Screen designed specifically for Deaf, Disabled and Neurodivergent creatives.
The programme recognises that Deaf, Disabled and Neurodivergent storytellers bring perspectives, experiences and ways of seeing the world that can enrich the stories we see on screen. At the same time, barriers to accessing training, development opportunities and industry pathways mean these voices remain significantly underrepresented in the Aotearoa screen sector.
A DDN-centred approach to screenwriting
CAS offers an opportunity to explore story and screenwriting craft and develop a short-form screen story with the ambition of seeing it produced. By placing Deaf, Disabled and Neurodivergent creatives at the centre of the learning environment, the programme approaches disability and neurodivergence as a creative lens, recognising that different experiences, perspectives, modes of communication and ways of processing the world can shape how stories are conceived and told.
Participants will engage with the craft and industry conventions of screenwriting while also creating space to question them:
What does the story need?
What does the writer intend?
How can that intention be communicated effectively to an audience and to the collaborators who may help bring the story to the screen?
The aim is not to prescribe one way of writing, but to give participants greater control over their creative choices, explore alternative approaches where established conventions may not serve the story or the writer, and develop the craft, language and tools to translate their intentions into a script that can move towards the screen.
Join award-winning filmmaker and author Michael Bennett (Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāti Hinerangi) for a practical and engaging workshop that puts your storytelling through its paces.
Whether you’re new to screenwriting or have more experience, Stage One starts with a short-form story at an early stage of development. Drawing on short films, music videos and excerpts from feature films, Michael will explore some of the fundamental elements that make stories work on screen, with opportunities to apply them to your own idea.
You’ll explore:
You don’t need to arrive with a finished screenplay or polished project. The workshop is an opportunity to explore, test and shape an idea you want to see on screen, and consider how different storytelling choices might strengthen it.
By the end of the day, Michael’s goal is for you to have a stronger understanding of the storytelling tools available to you and a practical toolkit you can continue applying to your own work. You’ll also have developed your short film idea towards a clear one-paragraph synopsis, giving you the option to apply for the two-day Stage Two development workshop in November.
Wellington: Saturday 26 September 2026, 9am – 4pm
Auckland: Sunday 27 September 2026, 9am – 4pm
The foundation workshop is designed for Deaf, Disabled and Neurodivergent creatives who:
You do not need a completed screenplay, professional screenwriting credits or a polished pitch to apply.
Your project can be at an early stage. We want to understand the story you are interested in telling, why you want to tell it and where you would like your screenwriting to take you.
Registrations Open: NOW
Registration Closes: Friday 16 September 3:00pm
Following the foundation workshops, participants who want to take their project further will have the opportunity to apply for an intensive two-day development workshop. A smaller group will be selected based on the readiness of both the writer and their project, and what they hope to achieve through this next stage.
Stage Two is for writers and projects ready for a deeper level of development. Participants will interrogate and strengthen their story, explore how their creative intentions translate to the page, and develop their work with greater attention to the expectations of collaborators, funders and the wider screen industry.
Led by international story developer, Nicole Dade, this intensive will explore premise, theme, storyworld, character, form, conflict, dramatic engine, how to connect with your audience, cinematic storytelling, and rewriting. The intensive recognises that Deaf, Disabled and Neurodivergent storytelling may explore and expand beyond ‘conventional’ approaches to screenwriting craft.
Selection for Stage Two seeks applicants who can identify clear and achievable next steps for their project, such as developing their idea towards a short film funding opportunity, working with collaborators, or moving the project towards production.
Auckland: Saturday & Sunday 7-8 November 2026 9:00am – 4:00pm
Applications Open: 2 October 9:00am
Applications Close: 16 October 4:00pm
Following the intensive, Stage Two participants will have time to apply their learnings and work towards a specific development goal. They will then submit relevant material before taking part in a dedicated feedback session with a script advisor, focused on that goal.
This final stage provides an opportunity to receive focused feedback, reflect on how the project has developed, and consider the next steps for moving the work forward.
Script to Screen is thrilled to announce the addition of two Australian filmmaking teams and their projects selected for Story Camp Aotearoa 2026. A huge mihi to our partners South Australian Film Corporation for supporting this kaupapa.
Battle of the Ancestors writer/director Natasha Wanganeen and producer Isaac Coen Lindsay, and The Malibu King writer/director Edoardo Crismani will be travelling from Adelaide to attend Story Camp Aotearoa 2026.
These filmmakers will be joining eight Aotearoa-based teams embarking on a five-day journey of deep story development.
Story Camp Aotearoa is a residential development lab for feature film that provides a framework and environment with tikanga and Māoritanga embedded. Projects are supported by exceptional local and international advisors selected specifically to meet the development needs of each writer and feature film project.
The team at Script to Screen look forward to supporting and guiding this next cohort of Story Camp Aotearoa filmmakers.
Story Camp is made possible thanks to funding from the New Zealand Film Commission.
This year marks the twelfth addition of the FilmUp mentorship programme, Script to Screen would like to thank the NZFC who have continued to support this kaupapa to continue strengthening and developing Aotearoa’s feature film writers, directors and producers.
Script to Screen is delighted to announce the 2026 participants who will join this growing community of advancing Feature Film practitioners.
The selected participants listed below will be matched with industry mentors to help develop their feature film project. During the six-month programme the group will also participate in a series of development hubs that include round tables, group workshops, and guest speakers sharing their experiences and perspectives, helping to strengthen industry connections.
An insight into the application process:
113 applications were received which proved a challenge for our selectors to make the final decision. 3 independent industry selectors with experience across writing, directing and producing assessed the applications. Successful applicants had both a very strong track record of creating innovative work with unique and authentic perspectives. They were also able to articulate clearly what their current project development requirements were, and how a mentorship will help in their progression.
From the large number of very strong applications, it is clear that mentorships like FilmUp are of a very high value to emerging and mid-career professionals.
We thank each and every applicant who submitted to be considered for FilmUp. We are sorry we can’t support more. We acknowledge how disappointing it is when applications are unsuccessful and encourage you to continue to apply for development kaupapa that aligns with the type of support you are looking for. From our perspective, we see every year how beneficial it is for filmmakers and their projects to continue to apply for all the development opportunities they can.
FilmUp is made possible thanks to funding from The New Zealand Film Commission
Script to Screen is delighted to announce the filmmakers and their projects selected for Story Camp Aotearoa 2026. A huge mihi to our funders Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga New Zealand Film Commission for continuing to support this development kaupapa for Aotearoa’s Screenwriters.
Story Camp Aotearoa is a residential development lab for feature film that provides a framework and environment with tikanga and Māoritanga embedded. This kaupapa, enables screenwriters and their teams to shut out the noise from their usual working environment and life, embarking on a five-day journey of deep story development. The unique location of the camp both informs and protects the wairua of our participants and their stories enabling films to be rigorously developed, elevated and supported.
Projects are supported by exceptional local and international advisors selected specifically to meet the development needs of each writer and feature film project.
Thank you to the 57 projects and filmmakers who submitted their project for consideration for this opportunity. The craft of applying and the work that goes into developing the film scripts submitted does not go unrecognized. We acknowledge you all, and wish you all the best on your development journey.
The team at Script to Screen look forward to supporting and guiding this next cohort of Story Camp Aotearoa filmmakers.
Congratulations to the filmmakers whose feature film projects will be developed through Story Camp Aotearoa 2026:
READ MORE ABOUT THE TEAMS HERE
Story Camp is made possible thanks to funding from the New Zealand Film Commission.
“An excellent and mandatory program for Aotearoa’s new wave of storytellers, writers and filmmakers. Opportunities like this to develop, learn, un-learn and grow are very rare in the world. And to share this space with other high-level creatives and mentors/industry experts only elevates our professional standards and work. Big thank you to Script to screen!”
Danny Aumua
FilmUp 2023/24 participant (mentor Catherine Fitzgerald)
The FilmUp Mentorship is professional development programme for filmmakers making feature films. In 2026 it will continue to support and empower eight tenacious and talented feature filmmakers to reach the next stage in their creative careers.
As this is a one-to-one mentorship, it is open to individual filmmakers rather than writing partnerships and/or teams.
Applications are now open for filmmakers who are writers, directors or producers with a feature film project and who can demonstrate that their project and career are at the right stage for mentorship.
FilmUp will run from April to November 2026.
Each successful filmmaker will receive:
Mentorship forms the cornerstone of the FilmUp programme, successful applicants can clearly identify and hold their learning and development needs. Autonomy is fostered from the start of the programme with participants actively involved in the selection of their mentor and additional support.
Since its inception in 2013, FilmUp has gone from strength to strength, with a growing number of alumni who have benefitted and progressed from the programme, including 22 debut feature films being made by alumni following their FilmUp mentorship.
Alumni include Briar March (Dame Valerie Adams: MORE THAN GOLD, Mothers of the Revolution), Chelsea Winstanley (TOITU:Visual Sovereignty,Ka Po, Night Raiders), Desray Armstrong (Kōkā, The Mountain, Bad Behaviour), Florian Habicht (James & Isey, Spookers), Gaysorn Thavat (The Justice of Bunny King), Jake Mahaffy (Reunion, Free in Deed), Nic Gorman (Human Traces), Paula Whetu-Jones (Whina, Waru), Sophie Henderson (Workmates, Baby Done) and Stallone Vaiaoga-Ioasa (Three Wise Cousins, Take Home Pay).
KEY DATES:
APPLICATIONS OPEN: Monday 29th September 2025
Q&A WEBINAR: 6:00 pm, Wednesday 15th October 2025
FilmUp Transcript Please note this has not been edited.
APPLICATIONS CLOSE: 1:00 pm, Monday 10th November 2025
NOTIFICATION OF OUTCOME: Early December
HUB DATES: (Dates subject to change)
HUB 1: Auckland (2 days) – Monday 20th and Tuesday 21st April 2026
HUB 2: Online – Friday 22nd May 2026
HUB 3: Auckland (1 day) TBC – proposed late June/ early July
HUB 4: Online – Friday 28th August 2026
HUB 5: Auckland (2 days) – Thursday 5th and Friday 6th November 2026
APPLY FOR FILMUP:
https://form.jotform.com/Script_to_Screen_NZ/2026-filmup-mentorship-application-
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:
FilmUp is a one-to-one mentorship for individual filmmakers who are working on a feature film or feature documentary. You must be a NZ citizen or permanent resident to apply.
Make sure you read our Top Tips to make your FilmUp application shine while crafting your application. FilmUp top tips to apply 2026
Selection Criteria:
The selection criteria is used by the selection panel to help assess your application and guide their discussion. Listed below in no specific order.
FilmUp is made possible thanks to financial support from the New Zealand Film Commission.
We’ve put together our top five tips to help make your application shine.
“This development lab was a game-changer for my screenplay, allowing me to deeply refine my story while receiving guidance that was specifically tailored to the stage of development I was in. It wasn’t a one-size-fits-all approach, it was a truly immersive and personalized experience that helped me push my script forward.” – Participant 2025
Script to Screen welcomes feature film projects (narrative or documentary) that are ready for an in-depth development process to apply for Story Camp Aotearoa 2026.
Story Camp Aotearoa is a unique stepping stone for any project prior to pitching, funding and production. This development camp, which has tikanga and Māoritanga embeded in its kaupapa, enables screenwriters and their teams to shut out the noise from their usual working environment and life, embarking on a five-day journey of deep story development. The unique location of the camp both informs and protects the wairua of our participants and their stories.
Each film and team is matched with leading industry experts as advisors who are chosen specifically for the needs of the project, and where it is at in its developmental journey. Alongside in-depth story sessions with advisors, Story Camp Aotearoa also includes project-based group workshops; workshopping with actors; industry panel discussions and guest advisors from other artforms.
Alumni films from Story Camp which have since progressed through to production are Human Traces, Cousins, The Justice of Bunny King, There’s No I In Threesome, Juniper, Nude Tuesday, Millie Lies Low, Ms Information and Caterpillar.
Q&A WEBINAR WATCH NOW:
Story Camp Aotearoa Kaupapa
Story Camp Aotearoa is an intensive Feature Film development lab run by Script to Screen. Participants stay onsite in Auckland for the duration of the camp. This unique opportunity provides participants the freedom to switch off from the outside world and be immersed in their project.
Over the course of the camp daily content may include: group work, 3-5 story development sessions per day, time for personal and project reflection, and team meetings.
Sessions can include the following elements:
Shared communal spaces allow for participants to connect at mealtimes and breaks, building new relationships and discovering and advancing their projects together.
Script to Screen alongside our volunteers provide the manaakitanga of the camp, which includes ensuring coffee, food and amenities are provided throughout the course of the camp.
Story Camp is made possible thanks to generous support from Te Tumu Whakaata Toanga New Zealand Film Commission.
📸 Pictured 2025 advisor Miriama McDowell with writer Jamie McCaskill (Hide the Dog). Photo by Evie Mackay
KEY DATES:
Applications open: Wednesday 12th August 2026
Applications close: 1 PM, Monday 21st September 2026
The residential development lab will take place from: Monday 15th – Friday 19th March 2027.
Travel costs for participants who live outside Auckland will be covered as part of the programme.
Script to Screen reserves the right to amend these dates should it be necessary.
Shortlist Notified: End of October
Announcement: Early December
Team Zoom Meetings: 1-7 December TBC
ABOUT STORY CAMP:
Story Camp Aotearoa is an intensive residential feature film development lab that fosters craft, voice and vision. Selected screenwriters and creative teams deepen their understanding of the needs of their script and project through one-to-one bespoke sessions with exceptional international and local advisors. A rigorous five-day lab it is designed to specifically meet the development needs of their feature film project.
This development camp, which has tikanga and Māoritanga embed in its kaupapa, enables screenwriters and their teams to shut out the noise from their usual working environment and life, embarking on a five-day journey of deep story development. The unique location of the camp both informs and protects the wairua of our participants and their stories.
The tailored developmental approach of Story Camp Aotearoa also includes project-based group workshops; workshopping with actors; industry panel discussions and guest advisors from other artforms.
Each film and team are matched with advisors who are chosen specifically for the needs of the project, and where it is at in its developmental journey.
Post-camp, all teams will:
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:
Stage of Development
Although we recognise the development process for feature films is as individual as the stories they are telling, Story Camp is designed to deep dive into the development process. Therefore, scripts or projects that are early in their journey may not benefit as much as others from this process. So, although we are not prescriptive about what draft your project should be at, we highlight that it is unlikely a first or early draft script or project would be selected.
We are keen to hear from writers, writer/directors, and filmmaking teams who have a feature film in development that they are ready to go deeper into their development process. These could be in the story development phase, the structural re-drafting phase or even at an advanced stage and getting close to production ready. We are happy to discuss the stage you are at and whether this is an appropriate route for you and your project prior to applying.
Please contact info@script-to-screen.co.nz to arrange a time to have a kōrero.
Your voice
Story Camp Aotearoa is all about supporting unique screen stories from Aotearoa. We are open to all genres. We are passionate about supporting stories that reflect who we are and the rich diversity of our communities and country. We encourage applications with scripts in Te Reo Māori, and those from our Pacific Island, Asian and other culturally diverse communities. We also encourage applications from other underrepresented communities like, but not limited to, those who identify as LGBTQi, *gender diverse, *disabled or neurodivergent.
If you have any access support needs to help you apply, please get in touch as soon as possible so we can help. info@script-to-screen.co.nz
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Eligibility:
(Please contact Script to Screen if you are developing a co-pro prior to applying)
Provide the following via this form:
https://form.jotform.com/Story-Camp-Aotearoa-2027
Upload
Please ensure ALL uploaded attachments are page-numbered and include a header with the applicant’s name and the project title.
Please provide one submission PDF document (no more than 10 pages) with the following:
If you are applying with a feature documentary, please also provide (if you have it) a link to some footage from/about the documentary you are applying with.
Application Fee
We have a nominal application fee of $35. If this is a barrier to you applying, please get in touch with us.
Please make your payment by midnight on Monday 21st September 2026.
Account Name: Script to Screen Te Tari Kupu A Whakaahua
Account Number: 03 0255 0178775 00
Reference: StoryCamp – Applicant Name
Amount: $35
APPLY HERE:
Please apply via our online form: https://form.jotform.com/Story-Camp-Aotearoa-2027
*Gender diverse is the umbrella term for the variation of gender identities in the gender spectrum (i.e. it encompasses gender identities such as transgender, agender and non-binary).
*A disability is defined as a long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairment which in interaction with various barriers may hinder full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.
This definition comes from Article 1 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Story Camp 2027 is a Script to Screen initiative made possible by funding from The New Zealand Film Commission.
Script to Screen welcomes eight new filmmakers to the South Shorts Mentorship Programme!
From July to November, the participants will embark on an incredible journey of development led by acclaimed screenwriter and director Briar Grace-Smith (Cousins, Rūrangi, Waru). Briar has led the mentorship for South Shorts since 2018, and in this time has had a hand in the professional development of almost 80 filmmakers.
South Shorts participants will take part in five group workshops that will include script read-throughs, group discussions, writing exercises, and insightful sessions with guest filmmakers. South Auckland Filmmakers who go through the programme leave better equipped to take the next steps towards production. The sense of community and support that comes from being a part of South Shorts is a big part of the programme and the Script to Screen team look forward to supporting them every step of the way. The success of South Shorts alumni demonstrates the power of mentorships and the boundless potential in the South Auckland community.
“We acknowledge the courage, dedication and time applicants put into their applications and we thank everyone who applied for this programme. “– Briar Grace Smith
Congratulations to these eight selected filmmakers:
(pictured left to right)
The South Shorts Mentorship Programme is made possible thanks to generous support from Foundation North.
It is with great pleasure that we announce the participants for the Waitaha Screen Development Incubator. We were thrilled with the quality of applications this year. The submitted projects were of a very high calibre, and we would like to thank all those who submitted their projects for consideration, and we’re sorry we couldn’t support more.
We look forward to supporting these talented screen storytellers and their projects through this development programme.
Participants will attend the Christchurch hub and online mentorship prior to the in-person pitch event to an invited industry audience at the Big Screen Symposium in Auckland on 4th and 5th of July 2025.
The purpose of this programme is to support the development of original IP in the region and to support creators to progress their projects to be equipped to seek other partnerships and funding.
This collaboration between Script to Screen and Te Puna Matarau helps continue to bring attention to the talent and potential within Waitaha, creating development opportunities to strengthen and support screen storytellers, their projects and the future of screen in the region.
Congratulations to the following participants and their projects:
(pictured left to right)
The Waitaha Screen Development Incubator is made possible thanks to funding from the
New Zealand Film Commission, and NZ on Air.
A Script to Screen Programme presented in partnership with Te Puna Matarau.
