18 teams and their projects have been shortlisted for Kōpere Hou Fresh Shorts. Script to Screen and Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga New Zealand Film Commission thank all the filmmakers who applied for Whiringa Tuatahi – Stage One.

The range of stories and the exciting talent across the 89 applications made it challenging for our independent readers to shortlist just 18 projects. The shortlisted teams have all accepted their invitation to apply for Whiringa Tuarua – Stage Two. They have a one in three chance of workshopping their project with industry experts and receiving a grant of $25,000 to make their film.

This year the teams come from Northland, Auckland, Hawkes Bay, Nelson Tasman and Canterbury. The genres range across drama, comedy, horror, historical, fantasy, mystery and western and include two animated projects. Six of the projects are re-submissions from previous years. Jackie Dennis, ED of Script to Screen, said “We were all delighted to see the shortlisted teams, and their stories are a great representation of the diversity of Aotearoa.”

We now have great pleasure in announcing the projects and teams shortlisted for Whiringa Tuarua – Stage Two of Kōpere Hou – Fresh Shorts 2022/23.

Congratulations to:

 

Image:  Fetch (directed by Sam Gill 2021)


Script to Screen and Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga New Zealand Film Commission
work in partnership to deliver the Kōpere Hou – Fresh Shorts programme.

“South Shorts has given me the opportunity to connect not only with industry experts but also with other South Auckland storytellers, whose feedback and knowledge have been invaluable in the development of my writing. It has given me the confidence (and the audacity) to develop my first short film, in a time when we need and deserve more South Auckland, Māori and Pasifika stories.”
– Ava Williams South Shorts 2022 participant

The South Shorts Mentorship programme supports new and emerging screenwriters from the South Auckland community to develop their short film scripts. Participants are led through focused script development over a six-month period under the guidance of experienced screenwriting mentor Briar Grace-Smith (RūrangiCousins, Waru), and leave the programme with a completed short film script and practical tools to develop their own work.

During this six-month programme, the participants attend a series of one-day hubs, held on a Saturday. The hub days involve script read-throughs, writing exercises and hearing from guest speakers about their experiences making films.

This initiative is intended for people who either live in South Auckland or are connected to the South Auckland community – maybe you grew up there, have whānau there, have worked there for years or feel connected to the community in some way.

No experience in scriptwriting is necessary. Applicants should have a passion for storytelling and have at least one short film concept that they want to develop.

Applications for the 2023 South Shorts Mentorship Programme are open now.

Opening: Wednesday 26th October
Closing: 5 December, 1pm
Notification of outcome: mid January 2023


To apply you will need to submit:

  • Short Biography (300-word limit)
  • Why would this programme be valuable to you (300-word limit)
  • Synopsis of your short film idea (600-word limit)
  • Script or written document for your short film idea (optional)

The South Shorts Mentorship Programme is made possible thanks to generous support from Foundation North.

Script to Screen is delighted to announce the nine projects awarded places at Story Camp Aotearoa 2022, a residential feature film lab that fosters craft, voice and vision. The programme is crafted to meet the development needs of each writer and project. Over the week, participating writers and their collaborators workshop their feature film projects with exceptional local and international advisors.

This year Script to Screen received 60 applications. Three experienced independent practitioners underwent a rigorous process, compiling a shortlist of 20 and ultimately selecting the nine projects to be developed at Story Camp in November. We would like to thank all the filmmakers who applied.

“It is always an enormous privilege to be invited in to people’s stories. The selectors and I were intrigued by many wonderful characters and worlds, and the final decisions were not easy. We are delighted with the breadth of exceptional stories coming to Story Camp”, says Story Camp Programme Director Esther Cahill-Chiaroni.


Congratulations to the filmmakers whose feature film projects will be developed at Story Camp Aotearoa 2022:
(Writers pictured from left to right)

We hear you!

Kōpere Hou Fresh Shorts had a shorter application period this year compared to previous years and this has made it tricky for many of you, so the closing date has been extended.

The deadline to submit your Whiringa Tuatahi – Stage One application is now 31 October.

For many, this is your first time applying so we have gathered all the information you need in the links below to help you submit the best application possible.

If you are having trouble finding a producer please get in touch with Emma Mortimer, our Fresh Shorts programme manager, as she will be able to guide you.

NOTE KEY DATE CHANGES:
WHIRINGA TUATAHI – STAGE ONE
Applications Close: 1pm, Monday 31 October 2022
Announcement of Shortlisted Teams: Week commencing 12 December 2022WHIRINGA TUATAHI – STAGE TWO
Applications Close: 1pm, Wednesday 25 January 2023
Announcement of Funded Teams: March 2023
Development Workshop Dates: 01-02 April 2023
The full criteria and requirements for the assessment of both Whiringa Tuatahi – Stage One and Whiringa Tuarua – Stage Two can be found on our website.Any enquiries can be directed to Emma Mortimer the Script to Screen Kōpere Hou – Fresh Shorts Programme Manager: freshshorts@script-to-screen.co.nz

 

 

Image from Fetch directed by Sam Gill, 2021

Join Script to Screen and the New Zealand Film Commission for a live webinar on Thursday 22 September 2022 at 5:30pm – 6:30pm. You will hear about what’s needed to apply for Whiringa Tauatahi – Stage One of Kōpere Hou – Fresh Shorts to give you a complete overview of the application process and guide you through the selection criteria.

Register for the webinar in advance, and submit a question to help shape the discussion. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions during the webinar or you can email freshshorts@script-to-screen.co.nz.

Image from Fetch directed by Sam Gill, 2021


Kōpere Hou – Fresh Shorts is now open for Whiringa Tauatahi – Stage One applications. Applications are made via the Kōpere Hou – Fresh Shorts Funding Portal which is open until 1:00pm, 10 October 2022.

The full criteria and requirements for the assessment of both Whiringa Tuatahi – Stage One and Whiringa Tuarua – Stage Two can be found on our website. Any enquiries can be directed to Emma Mortimer the Script to Screen Kōpere Hou – Fresh Shorts Programme Manager: freshshorts@script-to-screen.co.nz

If you are unable to join the discussion live, the Webinar will be available for you to refer to afterwards on Script to Screen’s YouTube and Facebook page.

KEY DATES

WHIRINGA TUATAHI – STAGE ONE
APPLICATIONS OPENED: 9 September (Apply via Kōpere Hou – Fresh Shorts Portal)
APPLICATIONS CLOSE: 1pm, Monday 10 October 2022
ANNOUNCEMENT OF SHORTLISTED TEAMS: Week commencing 21 November 2022

WHIRINGA TUARUA – STAGE TWO
APPLICATIONS CLOSE: 1pm, Wedensday 11 January 2023
ANNOUNCEMENT OF FUNDED TEAMS: Mid February 2023
DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP DATES: 18-19 March 2023
MENTORSHIPS: 18 March to 21 April 2023

 

This year marks our tenth year of the FilmUp mentorship programme, and we are delighted to announce the 2022 participants who join this growing community.

Script to Screen engaged three external selectors to read all of the applications and select 8 participants who show exceptional skill in the work they are making and who have a project in development that excited them.

The selected participants listed below will be matched with a filmmaker mentor to develop their project. They will also participate in a series of six FilmUp Hubs that include round tables, workshops, and group work as part of the eight-month programme tailored to the group’s needs.

We congratulate this year’s participants and thank all the filmmakers who applied.


The 8 filmmakers selected for FilmUp 2022:
(Pictured left to right above)

FilmUp is made possible thanks to funding from The New Zealand Film Commission

 

“Story Camp was invigorating and provided me with what I knew in my heart but was too scared to explore. It is an incredible bunch of talented, big-hearted and brave people helping you find that in yourself.”
– Gwen Isaac (2021 participant)

Story Camp Aotearoa is a residential feature film workshop that cultivates exceptional filmmaking by fostering voice, honing craft, and clarifying vision and kaupapa. Selected storytellers workshop their film project with esteemed advisors from here and abroad.

Story Camp 2022 seeks feature film projects from a well-developed treatment through to a script in advanced development. Up to eight selected writers or teams will participate in a rigorous five-day experience designed specifically to meet the development needs of their project.

Story sessions between advisors and participants form the backbone of the week. As the programme is tailored to each project, the process can also include project-based group workshops; workshopping with actors;  strengthening and clarifying the director’s vision, and making good decisions together under pressure.

Don’t miss this opportunity to propel your film closer to production with expert support.


” The personal care and support, the encouragement of having specific feedback and deep dives into your own work. Feeling seen and heard and supported. That really does more than any specific problem solving. For me it gave me the energy and motivation to keep digging deeper into the story as I was so moved that people cared and not just in a box ticking way but a real human and creative way.”
– Arlo Green (2021 participant)

Past advisors have included screenwriter Guillermo Arriaga, producer Philippa Campbell, director Jane Campion, editor and script consultant Cushla Dillon, producer and director Ainsley Gardiner, filmmaker and Artistic Director of the Sundance Directors’ Lab Gyula Gazdag, poet and academic Anahera Gildea, screenwriter Michael Goldenberg, painter Star Gossage, screenwriter and director Briar Grace-Smith, NZ-based Korean installation artist Yona Lee, US Dreamworks teacher Amanda Lovejoy Street, EP Andrew Mason, writer/actor Bret McKenzie, dramaturg and story consultant Brita McVeigh, choreographer Moss Te Ururangi Pattersonnovelist, playwright and screenwriter Emily Perkins, festival and lab director Marten Rabarts, Australian producer Kath Shelper, actor/writer/director Loren Taylor, legendary screenwriter and Sundance advisor Joan Tewkesbury, director Sima Urale, filmmaker Lynette Wallworth and producer and EP Tim White.


APPLICATIONS OPEN NOW
APPLICATIONS CLOSE:
 11:59 PM, 10 August 2022
STORY CAMP AOTEAROA DATES: 15 – 19 November 2022
 


Delivery of Story Camp is contingent on continued funding from
New Zealand Film Commission.

“FilmUp is the kick up the pants you need to fall in love with that project you know you’ve been sitting with for far too long.

Chris Parker,
FilmUp 2021/22 participant (mentor Jackie Van Beek)

The FilmUp Mentorship programme returns for its tenth year to support and empower eight tenacious and talented filmmakers to reach the next stage in their creative careers. If you are developing a feature film or documentary this programme could be just what you need to progress your work to the next stage.

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.

Successful applicants will take part in 20 hours of mentorship with an experienced film practitioner over an six-month period and six FilmUp hubs spread between September 2022 and March 2023. 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.

Since its inception in 2013, FilmUp has gone from strength to strength, with a growing alumni of talented local filmmakers who have benefitted from the programme including Briar March (Mothers of the Revolution, The Coffin Club, There Once Was An Island: Te Henua A Nnoho)Chelsea Winstanley ( Jojo Rabbit, MERATA: How Mum Decolonised the Screen, Reo Lion King, What We Do in the Shadows)Desray Armstrong (Coming Home in the Dark, Juniper, Millie Lies Low, Stray), Florian Habicht (James & Isey, 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 (Mama’s Music BoxTake 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. Here’s what’s required for the application:

APPLICATIONS CLOSE: Mon 27 June, 11:59pm

Make sure you read our Top Tips to make your FilmUp application shine while crafting your application.


FilmUp is made possible thanks to financial support from the New Zealand Film Commission.

Six filmmaking teams have been selected for Kōpere Hou Fresh Shorts  2021/22, and each will receive project development and a grant of $15,000 to make their short film.

The final six were selected from 112 applications received. 18 teams were shortlisted and given feedback from independent assessors.  Fresh Shorts programme manager Emma Mortimer supported the teams as they prepared for a more detailed application to Whiringa Tuarua – Stage Two in January. From those 18 submissions, six have been selected.  Two teams who were shortlisted last year, but didn’t get selected, did further work on their projects and resubmitted with success this year.

Through a development process and mentoring these writers, producers and directors are supported to improve their projects to an excellent standard where the story is shoot ready. The teams will get the advice they need, and guidance from experienced mentors.

Jackie Dennis, Executive Director of Script to Screen Te Tari Tuhi Kupu A Whakaahua says, “it’s our joy to create a tailored programme that nurtures, challenges, and inspires these filmmakers. We look forward to supporting each member of the teams as they develop their stories and prepare for production.

Dale Corlett, Head of NZFC Talent Development says ” We were impressed by both the talent of all the shortlisted teams and the uniqueness of their stories. We look forward to working alongside the funded teams to bring exceptional films to the screen.”

 

The 6 selected teams and their projects are:

Script to Screen’s South Shorts Mentorship programme returns in 2022 with nine emerging filmmakers selected to take part. Under the leadership and guidance of renowned screenwriter and director Briar Grace-Smith (Cousins, The Strength of Water), participants will develop their short film projects through a script-focused mentorship.

Now in its eighth year, the programme guides emerging South Auckland affiliated talent to develop their short film scripts. Over a sixth-month period, the participants meet for workshops where they do group script read-throughs and hear from guest filmmakers about their process. In between workshops, they meet with their mentor Briar Grace-Smith for individual script feedback. Participants leave the programme with greater confidence in their writing, new connections in the industry and at least one short film script that is ready to progress towards production.

“Since its inception in 2015, South Shorts has seen numerous alumni go on to make films. The programme provides a safe space for aspiring and emerging South Auckland filmmakers to gain confidence as writers while building a community within the industry,” says Eloise Veber, Script to Screen Programme Manager. “Ultimately we want to see more stories from South Auckland filmmakers produced and seen by audiences. We feel so privileged to continue to do this work thanks to support from our funders.”

Congratulations to the filmmakers selected for South Shorts 2022:

The South Shorts Mentorship Programme is made possible thanks to generous support from Foundation North with additional support from the New Zealand Film Commission.

                 

  • NEWS
  • Development Programmes
  • Talks
  • Workshops
  • Tutorials
  • Script Development Service
  • JOIN
  • Big Screen Symposium