“For an artist, this level of empowerment and support is rare and utterly invaluable. The programme carefully facilitates the most magical sense of community, inspiration and support. The hub days are a taonga. Do yourself a solid and apply.”
– Chelsie Preston Crayford
The FilmUp Mentorship programme returns for 2020 to support and empower up to eight tenacious and talented filmmakers to reach the next stage in their creative careers. If you are developing a feature film this programme could be just what you need to progress your work to the next stage – and push you to your full potential.
A mentor for each filmmaker forms the cornerstone of the programme, along with six FilmUp Hub days when the participants come together for group work.
Applicants must have a feature project in development, and be able to demonstrate that their project and career are at the right stage for mentorship and wrap-around support.
Successful applicants will take part in 20 hours of mentorship with an experienced film practitioner over an eight-month period and six full-day hub sessions spread between April and December. These hubs are tailored to meet the needs of the selected filmmakers and include workshops, peer discussions and round tables with industry leaders.
Participants are the driving force of a successful mentorship as they take hold of their own learning and development. This autonomy is fostered from the start of the programme when participants are actively involved in the selection of their mentor. Throughout the programme, there is wrap-around support from Script to Screen.
Now in it’s eighth year, FilmUp has gone from strength to strength, with a growing alumni of talented local filmmakers who have benefited from the programme including Briar March (The Coffin Club, There Once Was An Island: Te Henua A Nnoho), Chelsea Winstanley (Jojo Rabbit, MERATA: How Mum Decolonised the Screen, What We Do in the Shadows), Florian Habicht (Spookers, Love Story), Gaysorn Thavat (The Justice of Bunny King), Jake Mahaffy (Free in Deed), Nic Gorman (Human Traces), Sophie Henderson (Baby Done, Fantail) and Stallone Vaiaoga-Ioasa (Take Home Pay, Three Wise Cousins). You can read about other participants and an impressive list of mentors who have helped these filmmakers take a step up in their careers here.
To apply you need to be working on a feature film or documentary. You will need to submit:
APPLICATIONS CLOSE: Sun 09 Feb 2020, 10pm
Script to Screen is proud to award eight filmmakers a place on the 2019 FilmUp Mentorship Programme.
FilmUp is our high-end development programme for writers, directors and producers who have already shown considerable talent and tenacity in their work.
Each participant is matched with a filmmaker mentor, and will attend a series of FilmUp hub days that include round tables, workshops, and group work as part of the eight-month programme that is tailored to their individual needs.
The participants of the 2019 FilmUp Mentorship Programme are:
– writer/director, Briar March
– writer/director, Catherine Bisley
– writer/director, Chris Dudman
– writer/director, Claire van Beek
– producer, Jane Holland
– writer/director, Jeremiah Tauamiti
– writer/director, Judah Finnigan
– writer, Lani-rain Feltham
Read the participants’ biographies here.
We had an unprecedented number of applications this year and the standard was high. We would like to thank all of the filmmakers who applied.
FilmUp is made possible thanks to financial assistance from New Zealand Film Commission.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 10pm, Sunday 17th February 2019.
Script to Screen’s FilmUp Mentorship programme returns for 2019. Each year the FilmUp Mentorship programme supports and empowers up to eight tenacious and talented filmmakers to reach the next stage in their creative careers.
Participants will receive 20 hours of one-on-one mentorship with an established filmmaker, attend Hub Days for group work, intensive story workshops and round tables with guest speakers, as well as tailored additional support from Script to Screen.
FilmUp has gone from strength to strength, with a growing alumni of talented local filmmakers (pictured above) who have benefited from the programme, and an impressive list of mentors who have helped these filmmakers take a step up in their careers.
There will be eight mentorships for emerging to experienced writers, directors and producers. Those who have a strong track record in other creative roles (e.g. actor, playwright, editor), who are now developing a feature film project as a writer, director or producer are eligible.
“Being a part of Film Up was incredibly inspiring, connecting with fellow filmmakers on a deep level and having the opportunity to work one on one with a mentor provided great filmmaking stimulation” – Armagan Ballantyne, director and 2018 FilmUp Participant
“When I first applied for FilmUp I had a sense that the approach I had to making films was ‘wrong’ – that I would need a mentor who would show me “the right way to do it”. Through FilmUp, Script to Screen helped me to realise contrary to what I assumed, my approach was in fact a strength and absolutely key to my voice as a maker. For an artist, this level of empowerment and support is rare and utterly invaluable. The programme carefully facilitates the most magical sense of community, inspiration and support. The hub days are a taonga. Do yourself a solid and apply.” – Chelsie Preston-Crayford, actor/writer/director and 2018 FilmUp Participant
We are excited to offer this rewarding programme for the seventh consecutive year thanks to financial assistance from New Zealand Film Commission.
Script to Screen is proud to award eight filmmakers places on the 2018 FilmUp Mentorship Programme.
FilmUp is our high-end development programme for writers, directors and producers who have already shown considerable talent and tenacity in their work.
Each participant is matched with a filmmaker mentor, and will attend a series of FilmUp hub days that include round tables, workshops, and group work as part of the eight-month programme that is tailored to their individual needs.
The participants of the 2018 FilmUp Mentorship Programme are:
Armagan Ballantyne
Awanui Simich-Pene
Chelsie Preston Crayford
Ivan Barge
Jess Feast
Michele Powles
Stallone Vaiaoga-Ioasa
Vea Mafile’o
See the participants’ biographies here.
We would like to thank all the filmmakers who applied.
FilmUp is made possible with financial assistance from the New Zealand Film Commission.
FilmUp LITERALLY changed my life. It gave me some real perspective on storytelling and helped me figure out what I wanted to say and how I wanted to say it.
Josephine Stewart-Te Whiu, writer and FilmUp participant 2016The insights and inspiration I have received have been exponentially more beneficial than I ever imagined.
Julia Parnell, producer and FilmUp participant 2015
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Monday 5th March 2018, 10pm
If you are a writer, director, or producer with proven talent and feature film projects in development, you could be one of the eight filmmakers to participate in this year’s FilmUp Mentorship Programme.
A tailored mentorship for each filmmaker forms the cornerstone of the programme, which also includes story workshops, facilitated group work and round table discussions with esteemed film industry practitioners.
The driving force of successful mentorship is that participants actively take hold of their own learning and development. This autonomy will be fostered from the start of the programme, as we once again invite you to play a part in choosing your mentor.
Although the mentorship is for the filmmaker rather than for individual projects, applicants need to have a project in development. Preference will be given to those filmmakers highly likely to get a feature film off the ground in the near future.
Applicants will need to demonstrate how mentoring at this stage in their career will be valuable, and be in a position to reflect on and advance their work during the programme which runs from April to December.
The programme will offer the following to successful applicants:
Who can apply?
Filmmakers who have feature films *in development as writer, director or producer, and can demonstrate tenacity, originality, and competence in their field. You will need to demonstrate you have proven talent in short film, television, documentary or feature film. Your track record could be in a different role, for example editing, cinematography, or acting.
*In development means a project that has moved beyond initial concept, that is in active development, with or without NZFC funding.
Senior Mentorship: established feature film writers, directors and producers.
Key Dates
Applications open Thursday 8th February 2018
Applications close Monday 6th March 2018 at 10pm.
A industry panel will select a shortlist and an interview process will decide the successful applicants mid to late March.
All applicants will be advised of the results late March.
Successful applicants attend a two-day intensive 13 & 14 April and 4 full-day hubs throughout the year on 15 Jun, 17 Aug, Oct date to be set, and 7 Dec.
Application Requirements
Applicants will need to submit:
Script to Screen is proud to award eight filmmakers places on the 2017 FilmUp Mentorship Programme.
FilmUp is our high-end development programme for writers, directors and producers who have already shown considerable talent and tenacity in their work.
Each participant is matched with a filmmaker mentor from NZ or Australia, and will attend a series of hub days that include round tables, workshops, and group work as part of the eight-month programme that is tailored to their individual needs.
This year we are delighted to award two places to already established feature filmmakers, who will work with international mentors.
The participants of the 2017 FilmUp Mentorship Programme are:
Dianne Taylor (senior mentorship)
Florian Habicht (senior mentorship)
Abigail Greenwood
Chantelle Burgoyne
Jamie Lawrence
Jessica Hansell
J. Ollie Lucks
Zia Mandviwalla
See the participants’ biographies here.
We would like to thank all the filmmakers who applied.
FilmUp is made possible with financial assistance from the New Zealand Film Commission.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Monday 6th March 2017, 5pm
“Thank you for connecting me with the industry both here and in Australia. I have a greater understanding of the business of writing having met with Alice (Bell) every week and the importance of having ‘product’ as a writer. I’m delighted to have made new long-term creative relationships. What you have made is so important, this year has been transformative.” – Sophie Henderson, 2014 FilmUp participant
If you are a writer, director, or producer with proven talent and feature film projects in development, you could be one of the eight filmmakers to participate in this year’s FilmUp Mentorship Programme.
A tailored mentorship for each filmmaker forms the cornerstone of the programme, which also includes story workshops, facilitated group work and round table discussions with esteemed film industry practitioners.
The driving force of successful mentorship is that participants actively take hold of their own learning and development. This autonomy will be fostered from the start of the programme, as we once again invite you to play a part in choosing your mentor.
Although the mentorship is for the filmmaker rather than for individual projects, applicants need to have projects in development. Preference will be given to those filmmakers highly likely to get a feature film off the ground in the near future.
Applicants will need to demonstrate how mentoring at this stage in their career will be valuable and be in a position to reflect on and advance their work during the programme which runs from April to December.
The programme will offer the following to successful applicants:
Who can apply?
Filmmakers who are have feature films in development as writer, director or producer, and can demonstrate tenacity, originality, and competence in their field. You will need to demonstrate you have proven talent in short film, television, documentary or feature film. Your track record could be in a different role, for example editing, cinematography, or acting.
Senior Mentorship: established feature film writers, directors and producers.
Key Dates
Applications open Thursday 9th February 2017 and close on Monday 6th March 2017 at 5pm.
A selection panel will choose the successful applicants and all applicants will be advised of the results in late March.
Successful applicants must be available for a one-day intensive on Friday 7th April, 2017 and for 4 full-day hubs throughout the year – Thursday 4th May, Thursday 20th July, Monday 2nd October and the closing hub day on Friday 8th December.
Application Requirements
Applicants will need to submit:
DOWNLOAD THE FILMUP APPLICATION FORM HERE
DOWNLOAD THE SENIOR MENTORSHIP APPLICATION FORM HERE
Please email your application in a single .pdf file to sjionel@script-to-screen.co.nz (Learn how to combine .pdfs here)
Applications close at 5pm on Monday 6th March, 2017.
Any questions can be directed to sjionel@script-to-screen.co.nz, or you can call the office on 09 360 5400.
FilmUp is made possible with financial assistance from the NZ Film Commission.
The FilmUp Mentorship Programme is an eight-month professional development programme of mentorships, group-work, and wrap-around support for writers, directors, producers and script editors. It supports and empowers up to eight practicing filmmakers each year to reach the next stage in their creative careers.
FilmUp provides tailored support to up-skill writers, directors and producers in their craft, career and creative process. Throughout the programme each participant receives 20 hours with an esteemed industry mentor, participates in group work & round tables, and receives wrap-around support.
Previous participants have included producer Chelsea Winstanley (WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS) with NZ/Australian prolific producer Tim White, and writer Sophie Henderson (FANTAIL) with Australian film and high-end TV writer Alice Bell (THE SLAP). A full list of participants and their mentors can be found here.
FilmUp is made possible with financial assistance from the NZ Film Commission.
Script to Screen is proud to announce the eight filmmaker mentors who join FilmUp 2016.
The securing of legendary NZ writer/director Andrew Adamson and Australian producer Rosemary Blight (CLEVERMAN) completes the stella line-up.
The mentorship pairings for the 2016 FilmUp Programme are:
Director Ray Lawrence (LANTANA) mentors Gaysorn Thavat
Producer Rachel Gardner (SLOW WEST) mentors Georgina Conder
Writer/direcor Gerard Johnstone (HOUSEBOUND) mentors Joe Lonie
Writer/director Dana Rotberg (ANGEL DE FUEGO) mentors writer Josephine Stewart-Tewhiu
Writer/director Jake Mahaffy (FREE IN DEED) mentors Max Currie
Prouducer Rosemary Blight (CLEVERMAN) mentors Nadia Maxwell
Writer/director Andrew Adamson (SHREK) mentors Tim Van Dammen
Writer/director Rolf De Heer (CHARLIE’S COUNTRY) mentors Yamin Tun
See their biographies here.
The generosity and spirit of our distinguished mentors is an integral part of what makes Script to Screen’s FilmUp Programme so successful, and a heartfelt thank you goes to each of them for joining us.
FilmUp is our high-end development programme for writers, directors and producers who have already shown considerable talent and tenacity in their work.
Over the year, each film-up participant has 20 hours of time from their mentor, and attends a series of hub days that include round tables, workshops, and group work as part of the programme, which is tailored to participants’ individual needs.
We are excited about the time ahead for these filmmakers and look forward to seeing what each mentorship brings.
FilmUp is made possible with financial support from the New Zealand Film Commission.
Script to Screen is proud to award eight filmmakers with places on the FilmUp Programme for 2016.
FilmUp is our high-end development programme for writers, directors and producers who have already shown considerable talent and tenacity in their work.
We are also delighted to award a senior mentorship for the first time to writer/director Jake Mahaffy (FREE IN DEED). Mahaffy is a critically acclaimed feature film maker and will be paired with an international mentor in the coming weeks.
The participants of the 2016 FilmUp Mentorship Programme are:
Gaysorn Thavat – Director
Georgina Conder – Producer
Joe Lonie – Writer/director
Josephine Stewart-Tewhiu – Writer
Max Currie – Writer/director
Nadia Maxwell – Producer
Tim Van Dammen – Writer/director
Yamin Tun – Writer/director
See a full list of their biographies here.
Each participant will be matched with a filmmaker mentor from NZ or Australia over the coming weeks, and will attend a series of hub days that include round tables, workshops, and group work as part of the eight-month programme that is tailored to participants individual needs.
We would like to thank all the filmmakers who applied.
FilmUp is made possible with support from the New Zealand Film Commission.