After 10 years of support from Foundation North, we are proud to open applications for the 2025 South Shorts Script Mentorship programme. This programme will continue to support new and emerging screenwriters from the South Auckland community* to enhance their screenwriting capabilities. Take the leap and submit your story ideas to be a part of this unique development opportunity. South Shorts will help you develop your story idea/s (short film or web series), write a script, share your unique perspective, and advance your screenwriting career within a supportive framework.
During this six-month mentorship programme (Dates to be confirmed; likely May-September 2025), you will attend a series of Saturday hubs alongside like-minded creatives, be led through focused script development and receive one-on-one feedback under the guidance of writer, and director Briar Grace-Smith (Cousins, Waru). Briar has mentored the past 7 years of South Shorts, and she brings considerable experience and knowledge from her own projects.
The hub days are shaped based on the groups needs and involve script read-throughs, writing exercises, and hearing from guest speakers about their experiences making films. We also look forward this year to adding sessions around pitching ideas, funding, working with actors and further development tasks to the programme as required.
On completion you will leave South Shorts with new skills and tools to develop your work, a great new network of like-minded practitioners, a completed script, and greater confidence in yourself as a screenwriter.
We welcome applications from past participants of the South Shorts programme, who wish to develop a new script idea and are still recognised as new and emerging screenwriters.
This year we will also be accepting video applications to help expand the accessibility of our application process.
Opens: Monday 16th December 2024
Information Webinar: 5 pm – 6 pm Tuesday 11th February 2025
Closes: 1 pm, Monday 3rd March 2025
“The confidence that participating in South Shorts has instilled in me as an emerging filmmaker cannot be understated. Briar and Script to Screen create such a safe space for us to grow as writers at our own pace and to tell stories that otherwise wouldn’t get told in Aotearoa. Whatever is next on my filmmaking journey, I can thank South Shorts for helping to build me as a writer and filmmaker.”
– Claire Patolo, South Shorts 2024 Participant
About you: (Either a written application or video submission outlining the below.)
About your project:
Optional material:
Who is eligible?
Briar Grace-Smith is of Ngā Puhi descent and a writer of short fiction, stage plays and feature films. Her plays include Ngā Pou Wāhine, Purapurawhetū and When Sun and Moon Collide. She is an Arts Foundation Laureate and was recently made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to film, television and theatre. She has worked as a Development Executive for the New Zealand Film Commission and taught ‘Writing for Theatre’ at IIML (2015). Briar is a Sundance alumni and the writer of the feature films The Strength of Water and Fresh Meat. Her television credits include Fishskin Suit, Being Eve, Kaitangata Twitch and the Australian children’s television series, Grace Beside Me (2017). She was a director and co-writer of the short film, Nine of Hearts, and wrote and directed Charm for the feature project Waru (2017). She collaborated with Toi Whakaari, directing Krystal, a short film by Josephine Stewart-Te Whiu. She was the screenwriter and co-director of the feature film Cousins, and is a writer and co-director of Rūrangi, Series 2. Briar was made a member of the Directors branch of the Academy in 2022.
The South Shorts Mentorship Programme is made possible thanks to generous support from Foundation North.
“South Shorts has given me the opportunity to connect with industry experts and fellow storytellers, building my confidence to develop my first short film.”– Ava Williams, 2022
The South Shorts Mentorship Programme, an initiative by Script to Screen funded by Foundation North, has made a significant impact on the South Auckland community and creative storytelling over the past ten years.
By fostering local talent through intensive script development for short films, this programme has supported over 80 aspiring filmmakers to develop their creative visions.
The South Shorts programme which runs five hubs over five months, equips participants with essential skills in script and story development.
The fully-funded programme features mentorship by writer and director Briar Grace-Smith and seminars with industry experts. This combination of mentorship and seminars, helps participants build a strong understanding of the film industry and aids them in refining their scripts for further development, preparing them for the next steps in the process.
Since 2015 numerous films developed during South Shorts have gone on to be made and screened in festivals across the world, including:
Many alumni have gone on to achieve remarkable success, including:
These achievements highlight the programme’s effectiveness as a launch pad for emerging filmmakers. The South Shorts programme has not only contributed to the success of individual participants but has also played a vital role to support the creative community of South Auckland.
“The connections I made were life-changing. I highly recommend these workshops to any filmmaker looking to develop their ideas.” – Kaitiaki Rodger, 2023
“Seeing the progression of my peers and myself is a testament to the quality of the programme and its mentors.” – Dennis Zhang, 2021
As we gear up for the 2024/25 South Shorts Mentorship Programme, Script to Screen remains committed to nurturing diverse voices and stories from South Auckland. The continued support from Foundation North ensures that unique narratives will resonate on screens both locally and beyond.
We look forward to celebrating the next generation of filmmakers and the remarkable stories they will bring to life, further enriching the film industry with their perspectives and creativity.
Troy Blackman developed his short film script for Zebra as a South Shorts particpant in 2023. Now he needs our help to make it happen!
A MESSAGE FROM TROY:
“When I submitted Zebra to Script to Screen, I wasn’t sure they’d let me in – I used the N-word so much in the synopsis. But from the start of this journey, I’ve been met with so much support and reassurance that stories like this need to be told. I can’t thank Briar Grace-Smith, Script to Screen, my team, and all my Boosted supporters enough for getting Zebra this far. We’re just about ready to cross now!”
LOGLINE:
A mixed-race (Black/White) crossing guard, who is repeatedly called the N-word at school, discovers the power of his voice and learns that sticks and stones aren’t the only things that can break bones.
WHY THIS STORY MATTERS:
Zebra is more than a short film; it’s a call to action, challenging that classic Kiwi “she’ll be right” mentality that can often dismiss the power of harmful language. The film explores how words can leave deeper scars than physical violence, forcing us to rethink the adage, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” By placing a black narrative within the context of Aotearoa, Zebra offers a fresh, authentic perspective on how to confront racism and use dialogue to bring about change. Our protagonist, Tobe, uses his voice and the system to outsmart his aggressor, presenting a narrative that is both a coming-of-age story and a cautionary tale.
Troy Blackman – Writer/Director (Photo by Abhi Chinniah)
Troy Blackman is an Afro-Caribbean/NZ European filmmaker based in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) whose work is deeply inspired by his unique ethnic background. Through his films, he explores the complex relationships between race, identity, and society. Zebra is a project born from his lived experience and desire to amplify black voices in Aotearoa, highlighting stories often overlooked by mainstream media. This film is a culmination of his creative journey, developed through the Script to Screen South Shorts Mentorship Programme.
The South Shorts Mentorship Programme is made possible thanks to generous support from Foundation North.
Script to Screen welcomes eight new filmmakers who have been selected for the tenth South Shorts Mentorship Programme!
Over the next six months, the participants will embark on an incredible journey of development once again led by acclaimed screenwriter and director Briar Grace-Smith (Rūrangi, Cousins, Waru).
During this time, the participants will take part in five group workshops that will include script read-throughs, group discussions, writing exercises, and insightful sessions with guest filmmakers. By the end of the Programme, the filmmakers will have produced a polished script.
Filmmakers who go through South Shorts 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 mentorship and the boundless potential in the South Auckland community.
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.
If you are a new or emerging filmmaker with a connection to South Auckland, don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to advance your screenwriting abilities in 2024.
During this six-month mentorship programme, successful applicants attend a series of one-day hubs and are led through focused script development under the guidance of Briar Grace-Smith. Briar brings considerable experience and knowledge to the room for group mentorship, and each participant also gets one-on-one feedback. The hub days involve script read-throughs, writing exercises, and hearing from guest speakers about their experiences making films. On completion of the programme, you will leave with new skills and tools to develop your work, a great new network of like-minded practitioners, and a completed short film script.
This initiative is intended for people who live in South Auckland or are connected to the South Auckland community – maybe you grew up there, have whānau there, or feel connected to the community in some other way. This opportunity will help you to develop your story, share your unique perspective, and develop your career as a screenwriter within a supportive framework.
Opens: Wednesday 7th February 2024
Closes: 1:00 PM Monday 25th March 2024
Notification of outcome: Early May 2024
“South Shorts has helped me with overcoming writers block and given me the confidence to present my ideas in a safe creative space. The connections I have made throughout the hubs are life changing and extremely valuable for my career moving forward. I would highly recommend these workshops to any filmmaker out there looking to develop their ideas and build connections with fellow likeminded creatives.”
– Kaitiaki Rodger, South Shorts 2023 Participant
|
|
|
For the ninth year running, Script to Screen is delighted to introduce the eight filmmakers selected to participate in this year’s South Shorts Mentorship Programme. Over six months, the programme enables South Auckland affiliated talent to develop their short film projects through group sessions and script-focused mentorship under the leadership and guidance of acclaimed screenwriter and director Briar Grace-Smith (Rūrangi, Cousins, Waru).
The participants meet for five workshops where they do group script read-throughs as well as one-on-one sessions with Briar. Guest filmmakers join the group to share their creative process. In this environment the participants build their own supportive community. They leave the programme with greater confidence in their writing, new connections in the industry and at least one short film script ready to progress towards production.
“We couldn’t be happier seeing the successes of our South Shorts alumni, and the diverse perspectives they are adding to our screens. It’s great to welcome these eight new filmmakers on that pathway.” says Jackie Dennis, Executive Director of Script to Screen
Congratulations to theses filmmakers selected for South Shorts 2023:
(pictured left to right)
Destiny Fruean
Dominic McAlpine
Frank Akauola
Kaitiaki Rodger
Mary Afemata
Paige Larianova
Taniora Ormsby
Troy Blackman
The South Shorts Mentorship Programme is made possible thanks to generous support from Foundation North.
“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.”
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 (Rūrangi, Cousins, 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.
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:
|
|
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.
“Programmes like South Shorts are crucial for the creative ecosystem. I can see a real place for my stories that perhaps I didn’t feel I was qualified or valued enough to tell prior. I imagine there are many others out there who know deep down they have stories worth sharing or creating but lack the support and safe space to share it with the world. South Shorts has been that support and safe space for me. I not only feel worthy to share my stories, I can actually see a pathway to making it happen.”– Jaeman Busby, South Shorts 2021 participant
Applications for the 2022 South Shorts Mentorship Programme are open now.
The South Shorts Mentorship programme supports new and emerging screenwriters from the South Auckland community to develop their short film scripts. Participants are lead through focused script development over a six-month period under the guidance of experienced screenwriting mentor, Briar Grace-Smith. Participants leave the programme with at least one completed short film script and practical tools to develop their own work.
During this six-month programme, the participants will attend a series of one-day hubs and receive mentorship throughout. The hub days involve script read-throughs, writing exercises and hearing from guest speakers about their experiences making films. Each participant will also have individual online script sessions with their mentor between hub days.
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.
Applications open: Mon 18th October
Applications close: Monday 29th November, 5pm
Applicants notified of outcome: Monday 17th January 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.
The South Shorts Mentorship programme returns in 2021 with ten 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 sixth year, the programme guides emerging South Auckland affiliated talent to develop their short film scripts. Over a sixth-month period, the participants get individual script notes from Briar Grace-Smith, meet for workshops where they do group script read-throughs, and hear from guest filmmakers about their experience making short films.
“Since its inception in 2015, South Shorts has seen numerous alumni gone on to make films. The programme provides a safe space for aspiring and emerging South Auckland filmmakers to gain confidence in themselves as writers while building a sense of 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.”
The search for South Shorts Mentorship participants begins with our annual two-day South Auckland Short Film Workshop held each year in October.
Congratulations to the filmmakers selected for South Shorts 2021:
The South Shorts Mentorship Programme is made possible thanks to generous support from Foundation North with additional support from the New Zealand Film Commission.
“South Shorts not only opened the door for me to discover my skills as a writer but also gave me the confidence to know that I can actually do this, anyone can. I’m so grateful to have had this opportunity”
– 2019 South Shorts Participant
South Shorts is an intensive development programme that supports up to nine new and emerging screenwriters from the South Auckland community to develop a short film script. Under the guidance of renowned screenwriter Briar Grace-Smith, participants are lead through focused script development over a six-month period. The programme will start in early 2021 and participants will attend a series of one-day hubs between March and September.
During these full-day ‘hubs’ participants will get together to workshop and discuss their short film scripts. At the hubs, writers will take part in script read-throughs, get individual script notes from a mentor, do writing exercises, and hear from filmmakers about their experiences making short films. Each participant will also have individual script sessions with their mentor between hub days.
Dates for the South Shorts Mentorship Programme will be set in December 2020. The hub days usually take place on Saturdays, 9 am-5 pm.
This initiative is intended for people who either live in South Auckland or who feel connected to South Auckland (maybe you grew up there, have whānau there, have worked there for years, feel connected to the community in someway, etc.) and is made possible with assistance from Foundation North.
Applications open: Tues 27th October
Applications close: Tuesday 24th November, 5pm
Applicants notified of outcome: Friday 18th December