Script to Screen is delighted to award the creators of eight projects intensive development time at Story Camp Aotearoa 2024. Story Camp is a residential feature film development lab that fosters craft, voice and vision, with a programme designed to meet the development needs of each writer and project. Over the week, the participating writers and their collaborators workshop their feature film projects with exceptional local and international advisors. 

This year, Script to Screen received 66 applications. Three experienced independent practitioners underwent a rigorous marking process, compiling a shortlist of 17 and ultimately selecting the eight projects to be developed at Story Camp in May.  

The selectors were intrigued, moved, surprised, and made to laugh by the stories submitted and said it was a privilege to enter the writers’ worlds and walk in their characters’ shoes. We thank and value all the filmmakers who took the time to apply for this opportunity.

Script to Screen is excited by the depth and breadth of the work selected and looks forward to supporting the filmmakers to take their work further. 


Congratulations to the filmmakers whose feature film projects will be developed at Story Camp Aotearoa 2024:
(Teams pictured from left to right) 

 

READ MORE ABOUT THE TEAMS HERE 


Story Camp is made possible thanks to funding from the New Zealand Film Commission.

Story Camp is invaluable for filmmakers. The advisor sessions were hugely significant  and working with the actors and a dramaturg was electric. Through the entire process you engage in meaningful artistic practice. The experience is centered on creating excellent work.” 

Katie Wolfe (2022 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 2024 seeks feature film projects ready for a in-depth development process. Projects can be at any stage from a well-developed treatment through to a script in advanced development. Up to eight selected writers or teams will participate in a rigorous four-day experience designed specifically to meet the development needs of their project.

Story sessions between advisors and participants form the backbone of the week, with advisors chosen based on the development needs of each selected writer or filmmaking team. This tailored development process can also include project-based group workshops; workshopping with actors; strengthening the director’s vision, and making good decisions together under pressure.  

Recent films that have been through Story Camp include Ms Information, Cousins, The Justice of Bunny King, There Is No I In Threesome, Juniper and Nude Tuesday.  

Take this opportunity to elevate your screenplay and propel your film closer to production. 


“The experiences I had at Story Camp will continue to fuel me as a filmmaker for a long time. I felt truly seen as a maker, I felt my strengths. I was able to finally see the value in my story and my reason for telling it, and in turn, gained trust and confidence in my voice and kaupapa as a storyteller.”  

filmmaker Chelsie Preston Crayford


Past advisors include screenwriter Guillermo Arriaga, producer Philippa Campbell, writer/director Jane Campion, script consultant Stephen Cleary, editor and script consultant Cushla Dillon, screenwriter Louise Fox, producer and director Ainsley Gardiner, filmmaker and artistic director of the Sundance Directors’ Lab Gyula Gazdag, poet Anahera Gildea, screenwriter Michael Goldenberg, painter Star Gossage, novelist Patricia Grace, screenwriter and director Briar Grace-Smith, actor and screenwriter Sophie Henderson, playwright Nathan Joe, installation artist Yona Lee, dreamworks teacher Amanda Lovejoy Street, choreographer Ross McCormack, actor and director Miriama McDowell, writer and actor Bret McKenzie, story consultant Brita McVeigh, choreographer Moss Te Ururangi Patterson, writer Emily Perkins, director Christopher Pryor, festival and lab director Marten Rabarts, writer/director Dana Rotberg, writer Duncan Sarkies, Australian producer Kath Shelper, writer Tracey Slaughter, actor and writer/director Loren Taylor, screenwriter and Sundance advisor Joan Tewkesbury, director Sima Urale, filmmaker Lynette Wallworth, film consultant Alesia Weston, and producer Tim White.


APPLICATIONS OPEN: Now, Monday 2 October 2023
APPLICATIONS CLOSED:
Monday, 13 November 2023, 11:59PM
STORY CAMP AOTEAROA DATES:6-9th May 2024.
 


Story Camp is made possible thanks to generous support from
New Zealand Film Commission.

📸 Photo by Evie Mackay

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)

“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.

Script to Screen is delighted to announce the projects and filmmakers awarded places at Story Camp Aotearoa 2021, a residential feature film lab that fosters craft, voice and vision. The lab, which takes place in Port Waikato, is tailored to meet the specific development needs of each project. Nine selected projects with 12 writers and their collaborators will workshop their feature films over the week with exceptional local advisors, and international advisors who are attending virtually.

This year Script to Screen received 76 applications. Three experienced independent practitioners from here and offshore went through a rigorous process compiling a shortlist of 19 and ultimately selecting nine projects to be developed at Story Camp. We would like to thank all the filmmakers who applied.

“Throughout the process, the selectors were intrigued and inspired by the multitude of incredible worlds and stories. The final decisions were tough to make.  Script to Screen is delighted with the breadth of exceptional projects selected, and to see some wonderful new voices making it 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 2021:
(Writers pictured from left to right)

Story Camp Aotearoa is a nationwide programme. This year participants will attend from Auckland, Tauranga, Wellington, Nelson and Christchurch. If delivery of the workshop is not possible due to Covid-19 restrictions, a part of the workshop will be delivered online in November with the residential component moving to February 2022.

Story Camp is made possible thanks to funding from the New Zealand Film Commission and additional support from the US Embassy.

     

Story Camp is a unique space to live and breathe story. Every moment was a moment to be challenged on my own ideas, a space for experimentation, play and discovery, and a place to grow.”

– Nayheon Lee (2020 participant)


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

Story Camp 2021 seeks feature film projects from a well-developed treatment through to an advanced development stage. 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.


Overall I think the entire Story Camp was a huge success, for me personally and for us as a team. I think the varied sessions provide a great mix of the creative and professional development for the advancement of any script.”

– Chelsea Winstanley (2020 participant)

Past advisors have included Mexican screenwriter Guillermo Arriaga (Amores Perros, 21 Grams, Babel), producer Philippa Campbell (Top of the Lake, Rubbings from a Live Man), director and writer Jane Campion (Top of The Lake, The Piano), producer and director Ainsley Gardiner (Cousins, Boy, The Breaker Upperers),filmmaker & Artistic Director of the Sundance Directors’ Lab Gyula Gazdag, poet and academic Anahera Gildea, Hollywood writer & longstanding Sundance mentor Michael Goldenberg (Harry Potter and The Order of The Phoenix), renowned painter Star Gossage, playwright, screenwriter and director Briar Grace-Smith (Cousins, The Strength Of Water), NZ-based Korean installation artist Yona Lee, EP and producer Andrew Mason (The Matrix Trilogy, Tomorrow When The War Began), writer/actor Bret McKenzie (Flight of the Conchords), dramaturg and story consultant Brita McVeigh, choreographer Moss Te Ururangi Patterson (Atamira, Black Grace, Footnote), New Zealand International Film Festival Director Marten Rabarts, Australian producer Kath Shelper (Samson & Delilah, Tender), actor/writer/director Loren Taylor (Eagle vs Shark), legendary US screenwriter Joan Tewkesbury (McCabe & Mrs. Miller, Thieves Like Us, Nashville), emerging technologies artist and filmmaker Lynette Wallworth (Awavena, Collisions) and veteran NZ film producer and EP Tim White (The Luminaires, I Am Mother, The Dark Horse).

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

APPLICATIONS OPEN NOW
APPLICATIONS CLOSE:
11:59 PM, 09 August 2021
STORY CAMP AOTEAROA DATES: 22 – 27 November 2021

We’ve made some changes to the roll-out of our high-end intensive development programmes for 2021. So if you are a filmmaker planning to apply to FilmUp, Story Camp or Strength in Numbers in 2021 make sure these dates are on your radar!

All of our high-end, contestable programmes are open nationally and take place in Auckland. Travel will be covered for selected participants from outside of Auckland. Due to COVID-19 and current New Zealand government border restrictions, all applicants must be residing in New Zealand at the time of applying.

All programmes are contingent on funding.

FilmUp
FilmUp is a nine-month professional development programme for practising writers, directors and producers. It supports and empowers up to eight emerging to senior practising filmmakers selected each year to further develop a project and participate in group workshops. Throughout the programme, each participant receives 20 hours of mentorship with an esteemed industry mentor, participates in group work & round tables, and receives wrap-around support.

Applications Open: Early May 2021
Applications Close:  Mid June 2021
Group Workshops Held: from August 2021 – April 2022

READ APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS


Story Camp Aotearoa
Story Camp Aotearoa is a residential feature film lab that fosters craft, voice and vision. Eight selected screenwriters or creative teams workshop their projects with exceptional international and local advisors in a rigorous five-day experience designed specifically to meet the development needs of a feature film.

Applications Open: Early July 2021
Applications Close: Mid August 2021
Residential Lab: Five Days in Late November

READ APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS


Strength in Numbers
Strength in Numbers is focused on building sustainable businesses in our screen industry. Selected filmmakers participate in a series of workshops over a 5 to 6 month period. The programme offers a unique opportunity for practitioners in the screen industry to work together on the building blocks of business models that will sustain their future.

Applications Open: Late September 2021
Applications Close: Early November 2021
Group Workshops held: from February 2022 – June 2022

READ APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

 

Image: Story Camp 2020. Credit: Evie Mackay Photography

Script to Screen is delighted to announce the projects and filmmakers awarded places at Story Camp Aotearoa 2020, a residential feature film lab that fosters craft, voice and vision. The lab, which takes place in Port Waikato, is tailored to meet the specific development needs of each project. Nine selected projects with 11 writers and six producers will workshop their feature films over the week with exceptional local advisors, and international advisors who are attending virtually.

This year Script to Screen received an astounding 116 applications. Three experienced independent practitioners went through a rigorous process compiling a shortlist of 19 and ultimately selecting nine projects to be developed at Story Camp in November. We would like to thank all the filmmakers who applied.

“The calibre of applications this year surpassed expectations, making the selection process both tough and rewarding for the selectors. We are delighted with the breadth of exceptional stories selected, and particularly excited to see emerging filmmakers secure places within this highly competitive round” says Story Camp Programme Director Esther Cahill-Chiaroni.

Congratulations to the filmmakers whose feature film projects will be developed at Story Camp Aotearoa 2020:

Script to Screen is delighted to announce the projects and filmmakers awarded places at Story Camp Aotearoa 2019, an intensive residential lab designed to develop New Zealand feature films. The lab, which takes place in Port Waikato, is tailored to meet the specific development needs of each project.

This year Script to Screen received 60 applications. Three experienced industry practitioners went through a rigorous process, compiled a shortlist of 17 and ultimately selected seven projects to be developed at Story Camp in November. We would like to thank all the filmmakers who applied.

Congratulations to the 13 filmmakers selected to workshop their feature film scripts this summer at Story Camp Aotearoa:

 

READ MORE ABOUT THE TEAMS 

 

Story Camp is made possible thanks to generous support from the New Zealand Film Commission.

We are delighted to announce nine esteemed advisors will join us for the rigourous programme of group workshops, team sessions and individual sessions carefully crafted to serve feature film projects in advanced development.

The complete line-up of advisors for 2018 are:
– Renowned director and writer Jane Campion
– Producer/EP Andrew Mason (THE MATRIX trilogy, TOMORROW WHEN THE WAR BEGAN)
– Creative and Strategic Advisor Alesia Weston (USA)
– Esteemed painter Star Gossage
– Editor Nick Meyers (SWEET COUNTRY, THE BOYS)
– Producer Kath Shelper (TENDER, SAMSON & DELILAH)
– Directing & acting coach and story consultant Brita McVeigh
– Actor, casting director and filmmaker Loren Taylor
– Aus/NZ Producer Tim White (THE LUMINARIES, THE DARK HORSE)

Read there full bios: https://script-to-screen.co.nz/story-camp-mentors/

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