Script to Screen is excited to bring you a late-night TALK with award-winning director Jessica Hobbs, in conversation with moderator Rob Sarkies. Jessica started her career in New Zealand and has risen to work on some of our favourite series made in Australia and the United Kingdom.
Jessica has directed episodes of The Split, Apple Tree Yard, Broadchurch and most recently multi-award-winning show The Crown. She directed two episodes of Season 3, including the finale starring Olivia Colman and Helena Bonham Carter which was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series. She has gone on to direct three episodes of Season 4 including the finale.
Before moving to the UK Jessica was the lead director on the award-winning series The Slap, directed episodes of Rake and Love My Way, and won an Australian Directors Guild Award for her work on Devil’s Dust. She was also awarded the Australian Film Institute Award for ABC mini-series, Answered by Fire.
In this Script to Screen TALK, Jessica will join us live from London to talk to director Rob Sarkies (The Gulf, Consent, Jean, Two Little Boys, Wanted, Out of the Blue, Scarfies). They will discuss what it is like working on a series drama in the UK right now, her approach to directing, and her ambitions for the future.
ABOUT THE PANEL
JESSICA HOBBS
Jessica Hobbs began directing short films in her 20s, during an eight-year stint as an assistant director. After helming Cliff Curtis TV drama Overnight in 1995, she got her break on Australia’s Heartbreak High. Hobbs went on to build up an impressive — and award-winning — Australian resume, including hit show Love My Way, East Timor mini-series Answered by Fire, winning the Australian Film Institute Directing Award for both, and the first two episodes of BAFTA-nominated ensemble drama The Slap, which she also set up. After relocating to England, she directed Emily Watson in the high profile mini-series Apple Tree Yard, based on the Louise Doughty bestseller about a married woman who has an affair. Other directing credits include Broadchurch, River, BBC mini-series The Split, written by Abi Morgan, and most recently seasons 3 and 4 of The Crown for Netflix.
ROB SARKIES
Rob Sarkies works across feature films, series television and commercials as a creator and director. His work includes Out of the Blue about the Aramoana shootings, Consent based on Louise Nicholas’s fight for justice, Jean about aviator Jean Batten, black-buddy-comedy Two Little Boys, Wanted, The Gulf and NZ classic Scarfies.
Tues 23 March
9:00pm – 10:00pm NZDT – TALK
Still have questions about Kōpere Hou – Fresh Shorts Stage One applications? Then this webinar is for you!
Join us for our second live webinar on Thursday 08 October at 5:30pm to ask all your last-minute questions about Whiringa Tauatahi – Stage One and how to make your 2020 Kōpere Hou – Fresh Shorts application shine ✨.
Teams needs to register on the Kōpere Hou – Fresh Shorts Portal to access the application. If you are considering applying, register now and familiarise yourself with the application portal. If it raises any questions for you they can be answered next Thursday.
You need to sign up for the webinar in advance. There will be an opportunity to send questions during the webinar but you can also submit your question ahead of time to help shape the discussion.
The webinar will be available for you to view on Script to Screen’s YouTube and Facebook afterwards if you are unable to join the discussion live, and for you to refer to afterwards.
KŌPERE HOU – FRESH SHORTS KEY DATES
APPLICATIONS OPEN NOW(Apply via Kōpere Hou – Fresh Shorts Portal)
APPLICATIONS CLOSE: 1pm, Monday 19 October 2020
ANNOUNCEMENT OF SHORTLISTED TEAMS: Week commencing 16 November 2020
APPLICATIONS CLOSE: 1pm, Monday 11 January 2021
ANNOUNCEMENT OF FUNDED TEAMS: Week commencing 8 February 2021
DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP DATES: 6-7 March 2021
USEFUL LINKS:
Read Guidelines
Read Application Pointers
REGISTER FOR KŌPERE HOU – FRESH SHORTS APPLICATION PORTAL
Wondering about the new application process for Kōpere Hou – Fresh Shorts?
Watch this webinar with Miriam Smith (Fresh Shorts Facilitator), Jude McLaren (Talent Pathways Manager, NZFC) and Jackie Dennis (ED, Script to Screen) to hear about what’s needed for Whiringa Tauatahi – Stage One and how to put your best foot forward in your 2020 Kōpere Hou – Fresh Shorts application. The purpose of the webinar is to give an overview on the new application process and guide you through the selection criteria.
This webinar took place on Thursday 17 September at 5:30pm.
Kōpere Hou – Fresh Shorts Webpage: https://script-to-screen.co.nz/development-programmes/fresh-shorts/
Full Application Information: https://script-to-screen.co.nz/fresh-shorts-application-info-2/
Guidelines: https://script-to-screen.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2000/09/Ko%CC%84pere-Hou-Fresh-Shorts-2020-Guidelines-10.09.2020.pdf
Pointers: https://script-to-screen.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2000/09/Ko%CC%84pere-Hou-Fresh_Shorts_Stage-One-Application_Pointers__10.09.2020.pdf
Email the Fresh Shorts Facilitator: FreshShorts@script-to-screen.co.nz
Due to popular demand, we’re bringing this TALK to Auckland. Join us for our first Script to Screen TALK, kanohi ki te kanohi since lockdown!
Have you ever found yourself confused by music rights, or grappling with decisions about soundtrack or score for your film, TV or online project? Wondering what the difference is between publishing rights and master rights?
Music can enhance visual expression when used well, setting a mood or atmosphere. But licensing agreements need to be negotiated and it can become complicated and expensive if you don’t plan well. This TALK will help you get your dream soundtrack by demystifying the jargon and giving some helpful tips to guide you about music choices, music rights, and how to effectively communicate with your composer.
Music supervisor Karyn Rachtman (Pulp Fiction, Boogie Nights, Moulin Rogue) and screen composer and music editor Samuel Flynn Scott (Phoenix Foundation, Boy, Hunt for the Wilderpeople, The Gulf) will chat to our Executive Director, Jackie Dennis about what they think filmmakers should consider when thinking about soundtrack and score.
When you book your ticket via Eventbrite, there’ll be an opportunity for you to guide the discussion by telling us what you would like to understand better.
Thurs 16 July 2020
6:30pm – 7:30pm – TALK
7:30 – 8:30pm – Cash Bar, Networking and Pizza
TAPAC Theatre, 100 Motions Road, Western Springs, Auckland
After the TALK, stay and have pizza on Script to Screen, there will be a cash bar and socialising with fellow filmmakers.
$5.75 (incl. GST) for sales via EventBrite to secure your seat.
$5 cash at the door.
ABOUT THE PANEL
Samuel Flynn Scott has composed music for two Netflix series Skylander Academy and Moving Art, both music supervised by Karyn Rachtman.
Samuel Flynn Scott is a celebrated musician. He has composed music for many films including Eagle v Shark, Separation City, Boy and Hunt For The Wilderpeople as well as numerous television (The Gulf), dance and theatre projects. Samuel has produced radio shows for RNZ National, sung his songs with the NZSO and written articles for The Guardian and The Spin Off. He formed and is lead singer of The Phoenix Foundation and has also performed and recorded with Fly My Pretties, Flash Harry, and The Boomshack.
Karyn Rachtman is an acclaimed music supervisor who has collaborated with filmmakers such as Baz Luhrmann, Quentin Tarantino, Paul Thomas Anderson, and Warren Beatty. She has worked on some of the most beloved soundtracks of all time including Pulp Fiction, Moulin Rouge, Romeo & Juliet, Clueless, and Boogie Nights. She is an award-winning film producer, the founder of music supervision and consulting company Mind Your Music, and has extensive experience in the corporate environments, having served as Vice President of Soundtracks and A&R at Capitol Records and Head of Soundtracks at Interscope. Currently, Karyn is working on video games, films and multiple projects in Los Angeles and New Zealand.
This TALK is co-presented by the Screen Composer’s Guild of New Zealand
Script to Screen TALKS are made possible thanks to generous support from New Zealand Film Commission, Foundation North and White Studios. A special thanks to our venue sponsor, TAPAC.
Script to Screen brings you our next TALK online. We have taken the opportunity to invite Australian powerhouse creatives – showrunner/screenwriter/director/producer Tony Ayres (Stateless, The Slap, The Home Song Stories) and producer Kristina Ceyton (The Nightingale, The Babadook) to discuss Building a Slate You Believe In with moderator Karin Williams.
Despite the pandemic impacting screen production, distribution and exhibition, the development process for screen projects is able to continue and in some cases thrive. In this TALK, the panel will delve into curating the talent you work with and how to decide which projects to work on.
Now more than ever a captive audience demands engaging content. Tony Ayres and Kristina Ceyton’s feature films and television series demonstrate each of their abilities to produce projects that please both audiences and critics.
Tony is well known for creating some of Australia’s most revered film and television drama including The Home Song Stories, Nowhere Boys, The Slap, Glitch and most recently Stateless – created and executive produced with Cate Blanchett and Elise McCredie. Stateless is a series about the people caught up in Australia’s immigration system, it premiered at Berlinale this year and Netflix acquired global rights (release date soon to be announced).
Kristina’s most recent films, allegorical thriller The Babadook, historical thriller The Nightingale (both directed by Jennifer Kent) and Buoyancy (dir. Rodd Rathjen) about 14-year-old Chakra who is sold as slave labour to the captain of a Thai fishing vessel, all deal with challenging subject matter and have gone on to be award-winning films.
The projects you choose to put your time into can and should be well-considered, as is the work of these two admired and tenacious filmmakers. They will share what they have learned so you too can build a slate you believe in.
Wed 27 May
2:00pm – 3:00pm NZST – TALK + Live Q&A
Script to Screen Livestream
There are two ways to join this Script to Screen Livestream:
ZOOM – You pre-register via Zoom and can ask questions, spaces are limited to 100.
FACEBOOK – You can watch the talk live on our facebook page, you don’t need to register and you can ask questions.
For Non-Facebook Users, if you miss out on a pre-registration on Zoom you can still tune into the TALK via this link to Facebook. You do not need to create a Facebook account to watch. Ignore any Facebook prompts to Log In/Create New Account, or click ‘Not Now’ if the option appears. Click play once the live broadcast has started. You will not be able to ask questions during the live stream when you do not have a Facebook account.
Ever found yourself confused by music rights, or grappling with decisions about soundtrack or score for your film, TV or online project? Wondering what the difference is between publishing rights and master rights?
Music can enhance visual expression when used well, setting a mood or atmosphere. But licensing agreements need to be negotiated and it can become complicated and expensive if you don’t plan well. This TALK will help you get your dream soundtrack by demystify the jargon and giving some helpful tips to guide you about music choices, music rights, and how to effectively communicate with your composer.
Join us at our first Script to Screen TALK of the year as our Executive Director, Jackie Dennis chats to music supervisor Karyn Rachtman (Pulp Fiction, Boogie Nights, Moulin Rogue) and screen composer and music editor Samuel Flynn Scott (Phoenix Foundation, Boy, Hunt for the Wilderpeople, The Gulf) about what they think filmmakers should consider when thinking about soundtrack and score.
When you book your presale ticket via Eventbrite, there’ll be an opportunity for you to guide the discussion by telling us what you would like to understand better. Tuesday 10 March
6:15pm – 7:15pm – TALK
Te Auaha, 65 Dixon St, Te Aro, Wellington
After the TALK, stay and have pizza on Script to Screen, there will be a cash bar and socialising with fellow filmmakers.
$5.75 (incl. GST) for pre-sales available via EventBrite.
$5 cash at the door if the theatre is not already fully booked from pre-sales.
ABOUT THE PANEL
Samuel Flynn Scott has composed music for two Netflix series Skylander Academy and Moving Art, both music supervised by Karyn Rachtman.
Samuel Flynn Scott is a celebrated musician. He has composed music for many films including Eagle v Shark, Separation City, Boy and Hunt For The Wilderpeople as well as numerous television (The Gulf), dance and theatre projects. Samuel has produced radio shows for Radio NZ National, sung his songs with the NZSO and written articles for The Guardian and The Spin Off. He formed and is lead singer of The Phoenix Foundation and has also performed and recorded with Fly My Pretties, Flash Harry, and The Boomshack.
Karyn Rachtman is an acclaimed music supervisor who has collaborated with filmmakers such as Baz Luhrmann, Quentin Tarantino, Paul Thomas Anderson, and Warren Beatty. She has worked on some of the most beloved soundtracks of all time including Pulp Fiction, Moulin Rouge, Romeo & Juliet, Clueless, and Boogie Nights. She is an award-winning film producer, the founder of music supervision and consulting company Mind Your Music, and has extensive experience in the corporate environments, having served as Vice President of Soundtracks and A&R at Capitol Records and Head of Soundtracks at Interscope. Currently, Karyn is working on video games, films and multiple projects in Los Angeles and New Zealand.
Join us at this Script to Screen TALK and find out what local distributors consider before they take on a film for distribution.
Having a strong script and a great filmmaking team is not enough. Unlocking NZFC production funding depends on a letter of offer from a local distributor as part of your audience engagement plan.
Come along to hear from Mark Chamberlain at Transmission, Andrew Cozens at Madman, Nigel Forsyth at Studio Canal and Kevin Gordon at Rialto Distribution.
Entertainment lawyer, Sarah Cull will talk to the panelists about what they look for when selecting projects and at what stage of development they like to get on board. An audience Q&A will follow.
If you are developing a feature film project this event is not to be missed. Last time we held a TALK with New Zealand distributors it was a full house, avoid disappointment by getting your ticket early.
Wednesday 3 July
6:15pm -7:15pm – TALK
Te Auaha, 65 Dixon St, Te Aro, Wellington
After the TALK, stay and have pizza on Script to Screen, there will be a cash bar and socialising with fellow filmmakers.
$5.75 (incl. GST) for pre-sales.
$5 cash at the door if the theatre is not already fully booked from pre-sales.
This StS TALK is made possible thanks to the support of the New Zealand Film Commission. Thanks to the New Zealand Film Commission and the New Zealand Film and Television School for the venue.
The New Zealand International Film Festival (NZIFF) and Script to Screen are thrilled to present these very special TALKS with the filmmakers behind three highly anticipated films BELLBIRD, JUDY & PUNCH, and ANIMALS.
Join us after each screening to hear first hand from Hamish Bennett (BELLBIRD), Mirrah Foulkes (JUDY & PUNCH) and Sophie Hyde (ANIMALS) about their connection with the story and their experience getting the story to the screen.
The TALKS are free, but to see the film beforehand you need to book your ticket through the NZIFF website. TALKS held at the ASB Waterfront Theatre are held in the cinema immediately after the film. TALKS held at the Civic are in the Wintergarden, downstairs from the main foyer, immediately after the film.
BELLBIRD
Ross (Marshall Napier) is the third generation on the small family dairy farm and he’s determined that son Bruce (Cohen Holloway) will follow suit. Bruce, however, makes for a squeamish farmer and would be perfectly content to stick with his job reinventing abandoned treasures at the town dump. Civic Wintergarden | Sat 20 July | after the 5:45pm screening. Hamish Bennett, Catherine Fitzgerald and Orlando Stewart with moderator Dame Gaylene Preston (1hr).
JUDY & PUNCH
Mia Wasikowska and Damon Herriman represent the titular duo, reimagined as a puppeteering couple whose artistic quarrels – and Punch’s mishandling of their baby – lead to an epic revenge fable awash with bloody satire and pitch-black comedy. Civic Wintergarden | Thu 25 July | after the 3:30pm screening. Mirrah Foulkes with moderator Chelsie Preston-Crayford (1hr). Civic Wintergarden | Fri 26 July | after the 6:30pm screening. Mirrah Foulkes with moderator Robyn Malcolm (1hr).
Mirrah Foulkes’ visit is supported by 
ANIMALS
Holliday Grainger and Alia Shawkat (Arrested Development) are thirty-something best friends in Dublin, where partying hard is still their way to have fun, but the reality of getting older is getting harder to ignore. ASB Waterfront Theatre | Thurs 25 July | after the 8:30pm screening. Sophie Hyde with moderator Robyn Malcolm (30mins) ASB Waterfront Theatre | Fri 26 July | after the 3:00pm screening. Sophie Hyde with moderator Armagan Ballantyne (30mins)
Many of us long to see ourselves and our communities represented on screen. Filmmakers are in the unique position of being able to bring to life the diverse characters and worlds we want to see. But with power comes responsibility.
It can be a hard task navigating the balance between staying true to your story while satisfying the audience’s expectations for your character. Especially if those characters are the first of their kind on screen.
Please join us to hear from Shuchi Kothari (Coffee & Allah, Apron Strings, A Thousand Apologies), Stallone Vaiaoga-Ioasa (Three Wise Cousins, Hibiscus & Ruthless) and Josephine Stewart-Te Whiu (Waru, Ani) as they share their experiences finding the sweet spot between great stories and responsible representation.
Moderated by Dr Suzanne Woodward.
Tues 21 May, Galatos (17 Galatos St, Auckland)
6pm doors and bar open
6:30-7:30pm TALK
Cabaret style seating (chairs and tables)
$5.75 (incl. GST) Pre-sales available via EventBrite or bring $5 cash for the door.
Stay afterwards for a drink and a slice of pizza on us
*Parking in the vicinity is free from 6pm, or the Mercury Lane parking building is close by.
WELLINGTON Monday 1st April, 6pm, Penthouse Cinema
AUCKLAND Wednesday 3rd April, 6:30pm, Academy Cinemas
Jeff Wexler (Chief, International at Studio Ponoc and former Chief, International/Board Director and current consultant at Studio Ghibli) joins us from Tokyo to share insights into successfully bringing culturally specific stories to global audiences.
Studio Ghibli (SPIRITED AWAY, MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO, PRINCESS MONONOKE, among many other celebrated films) and Studio Ponoc (MARY AND THE WITCH’S FLOWER) are world-renowned for their ability to break into international markets and take seemingly unique Japanese stories worldwide. Jeff will share his ideas on embracing film localisation during the creative process and how doing so has supported growth of the global phenomenon that is Studio Ghibli and the launch of Studio Ponoc.
Drawing on films from Studio Ghibli and Studio Ponoc, Jeff will delve into internationalising IP, the nuances of dubbing and subtitling, and the importance of building—and sticking to—a philosophy for localisation that prioritises creative integrity.
The talk will be followed by a special private screening of Studio Ponoc’s latest production, the anthology feature MODEST HEROES: PONOC SHORT FILMS THEATRE, VOLUME 1 (53 mins).
Studio Ponoc’s debut feature MARY AND THE WITCH’S FLOWER is available on digital platforms (iTunes, Microsoft Online and Google Play) and DVD/Blu-ray. If you haven’t already seen it, Jeff suggests watching the English version of the film ahead of this talk.
WELLINGTON
Monday 1st April
6pm-8pm – Talk + Q&A (60mins) and screening (53mins)
Penthouse Cinema, 205 Ohiro Rd, Brooklyn, Wellington
Tickets $11.50 (incl. GST) via EventBrite
Co-presented by New Zealand Centre for Literary Translation
AUCKLAND
Wednesday 3rd April
5:45pm Networking & cash bar
6:30pm-8:30pm – Talk + Q&A (60mins) and screening (53mins)
Academy Cinemas, 44 Lorne St, Auckland
Tickets $11.50 (incl. GST) via EventBrite
Script to Screen TALKS are made possible thanks to New Zealand Film Commission, Foundation North, White Studios and Images & Sound.