Since 2009, Script to Screen has proudly delivered 18 workshops throughout Northland and the Far North. Nurturing the talents of young filmmakers from Hokianga, Rawene, Whirinaki, Kaikohe, Kerikeri and Whangārei.
Each session provides a unique experience, fostering skills in writing, directing, and producing and acting while also offering an opportunity to connect with other creatives.
Given our extensive experience and expertise in developing people’s creativity and their projects, Script to Screen recognises the essential role filmmaking and the wider arts play in people lives.
We disagree with the recent government kōrero that the arts are a “nice to have”. From our experience, we understand the true value creative development programmes and workshops like the ones that Script to Screen run have for the individuals participating in them, along with their wider community. That is why we are committed to continuing to offer this unique create pathway within Northland for the next generation of screen storytellers to develop their skills and creative voice.
Film still, taken from Qianne Titore’s short film NATALIE.
Qianna Titore (Ngāti Hau, Ngāti Kaharau) went on to graduate from AUT with a Bachelor’s of Communication Studies in Television. She is the youngest filmmaker selected for the NZ international film festival with her short film NATALIE, made in the Hokianga as part of a filmmaking workshop run by Script to Screen. Qianna also won Best Documentary/Pakipūmeka Mātua for Wāhine Toa at the 2019 E Tū Whānau Rangatahi Film Award.
Founded in 2007 Script to Screen has seen the evidence of the positive impact the arts has in communities across Aotearoa, and is committed to fostering opportunities for young talent to thrive through participating in filmmaking.
The impact of these specific workshops is reflected in the words of our past participants:
“Having a creative space that gives youth an accepting and open environment to express themselves leaves a positive effect. Initiatives like this should be held all over the country.” — Workshop Participant, 2020
“This workshop is important to young people in Northland as it allows them to gain a better understanding of the film industry and how to develop their own skills.” — Workshop Participant, 2020
“Kids aspiring to be part of the film industry need access to amazing workshops that bring together a like-minded community. I’ve left feeling like I have knowledge that can only be taught in person.” — Workshop Participant, 2023
As we head into the new year, Script to Screen are excited to announce, thanks to the continued support of Foundation North, we will continue our creative journey with the Northland Film Workshops coming back to Whangārei for the 6th year in 2025!
The Northland Film Workshops consist of a four-day programme aimed at young people aged 14 to 17 and a one-day adult workshop for people 17+, funded by Foundation North and brought to you by Script to Screen.
The workshops mentioned were made possible thanks to generous support from Foundation North.
Strength in Numbers is focused on building sustainable businesses in our screen industry. Selected filmmakers participate in a series of workshops led by David Court. 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 and ultimately shape the industry itself. Selected participants will have a proven track record that demonstrates considerable talent and tenacity in their field and are the primary decision maker(s) of their screen industry business, that has been in active operation for at least three years.
Screen practitioners with a slate of projects and a screen industry business that has been in operation for at least 3 years
Producer, Director, Writer (Can be any combination)
Emerging to mid-career experience level
You must be a NZ citizen or permanent resident to apply.
Applicants must be the primary business decision maker(s)
What you’ll need to submit:
One paragraph biography about you as a screen practitioner (100-150 words)
A statement about why the Strength in Numbers programme would be beneficial to you and your business at this time. Why are you and your business ready for growth and development now? (200-400 words)
A statement about what you would like to get out of the programme. (200-400 words)
A list of two to three projects you have in development, what stage they are at, along with a one-paragraph synopsis or logline for each project.
Links to prior work (up to your two best)
Your screen CV
Please copy and paste all answers from a separate document into the application form so you don’t lose your work.
Dates of delivery:
November 22 & 23 – all day workshops in Auckland
February 14 – 1/2 day online session
March 21 – 1/2 day online session
April 16 – 1/2 day online session
June 6 & 7 – all day workshop in Auckland
One-on-one meetings will be held between the last two workshops.
Applicants need to be available for all dates of the programme.
Travel and accommodation costs for participants who live outside Auckland will be paid for as part of the programme.
Applications open: Tuesday 20th August 2024
Applications close: 1 PM, Monday 23rd September 2024
We will notify shortlisted applicants at the end of October. Selected applicants will be contacted in early December and announced soon after.
The residential development lab will take place in Auckland from 24-28 February 2025 Travel costs for participants who live outside Auckland will be covered as part of the programme.
Story Camp Aotearoa is a residential feature film development lab run by Script to Screen that fosters screenwriting craft, voice and vision through a rigorous interrogation of story. The lab is designed to meet the development needs of each selected writer, filmmaking team and project.Selected screenwriters, filmmakersand creative teams workshop their projects with exceptional international and local advisors through a bespoke developmentalprocess designed specifically to meet the development needs of their feature film project. Story Camp supports the development of feature films, both narrative and documentaries.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:
Stage of Development Although we recognise the development process for feature films is as individual as the stories they are telling, Story Camp is designed to deep dive into the development process. Therefore, scripts or projects that are early in their journey may not benefit as much as others from this process. So, although we are not prescriptive about what draft your project should be at, we highlight that it is unlikely a first or early draft script or project would be selected.
We are keen to hear from writers, writer/directors, and filmmaking teams who have a feature film in development that they are ready to go deeper into their development process. These could be in the story development phase, the structural re-drafting phase or even at an advanced stage and getting close to production ready. We are happy to discuss the stage you are at and whether this is an appropriate route for you and your project prior to applying. Please contact info@script-to-screen.co.nz to arrange a time to have a kōrero.
Your voice Story Camp Aotearoa is all about supporting unique screen stories from Aotearoa. We are open to all genres. We are passionate about supporting stories that reflect who we are and the rich diversity of our communities and country. We encourage applications with scripts in Te Reo Māori, and those from our Pacific Island, Asian and other culturally diverse communities. We also encourage applications from other underrepresented communities like, but not limited to, those who identify as LGBTQi, *gender diverse, *disabled or neurodivergent.
If you have any access support needs to help you apply, please get in touch so we can help. info@script-to-screen.co.nz
You must be a NZ citizen or permanent resident to apply
Copyright ownership. When you apply for Story Camp one of your team will need to own the copyright of the project you apply with. This chain of title may be requested. If you need more information about what chain of title is, please use this NZFC link https://www.filmnz.com/resources/chain-title-information-sheet
All submissions need to be for feature film or feature documentary projects only
Participants must agree to attend all dates of Story Camp
Provide the following via this form:
Applicant Contact details (the writer and or rights holder must be the lead applicant).
List of team members and their roles
A link to your prior work – film or other art form (please choose one link to a piece of work that you think best represents you as an artist)
Upload
Full script (scriptment/story treatment if documentary)
Please provide one submission PDF document (no more than 10 pages) with the following: Please ensure ALL uploaded attachments are page-numbered and include a header with the applicant’s name and the project title.
Film Logline (50 words or less)
Film Synopsis (500-750 words)
The following statements:
Why you want to tell this story
Where the project is in its development journey, including any finance and key team and/or talent secured (if appropriate)
What do you think that you, your team and the project need from Story Camp
A short biography of you and attached key creatives (½ a page per person – not a list of credits)
If you are applying with a feature documentary, please also provide (if you have it) a link to some footage from/about the documentary you are applying with
Application Fee We have a nominal application fee of $25. If this is a barrier to you applying, please get in touch with us.
Please make your payment of the $25 application fee by midnight on Monday 23rd September 2024.
Account Name: Script to Screen Te Tari Kupu A Whakaahua
Account Number: 03 0255 0178775 00
Reference: StoryCamp – Applicant Name
*Gender diverse is the umbrella term for the variation of gender identities in the gender spectrum (i.e. it encompasses gender identities such as transgender, agender and non-binary).
*A disability is defined as a long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairment which in interaction with various barriers may hinder full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. This definition comes fromArticle 1 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
📸 Photograph captured by Evie Mackay
For all those who missed out, we hear you! We couldn’t bring our speakers to every city, but the Script to Screen podcast channel gives you access to all recorded TALKS, no matter where you are. Here’s a link to all our TALKS recorded in 2023.
Script to Screen was delighted to present this in-conversation with Lee Tamahori, one of New Zealand’s most successful and celebrated filmmakers. He is the director and co-writer of The Convert, starring Guy Pearce and Tioreore Ngatai-Melbourne and premiering at Toronto International Film Festival where it was described as ‘a stunning, sweeping & action-packed historical epic’. Paula Morris moderated the discussion exploring Lee’s approach to making the film, including story themes, ideology and past experiences that guided his decisions.
This talk was held in October 2023 at the Capitol Cinema in Auckland.
Kickstart Your Screenwriting Career
Explore the roots of accomplished New Zealand writers Briar Grace-Smith, Michael Bennett, and Pip Hall, and how they have each paved their way for a successful career in the screen industry. Jackie Dennis probes into their screenwriting process and seeks their advice for aspiring screenwriters including navigating writer’s block and special tips.
This talk was held in August 2023, at the Christchurch Screen Canterbury offices.
Development Essentials with Nicole Dade
Experienced screenwriter, script editor and development producer Nicole Dade breaks down the script development process and discusses how to develop your own idea so that it moves forward. Nicole talks about the main structural element of the story, the story world, and examines how the importance of finding the heart and primal theme of the story is fundamental to its success.
This talk was held in June 2023, at the Christchurch Screen Canterbury offices.
Crafting Powerful and Original Character Arc’s with Anthony Mullins
What story have you got to tell? Hear from Anthony Mullins about how to expand your possibilities as a storyteller and widen your storytelling landscape. This talk delves into the art of screenwriting and explores how writers can excel in crafting more complex intricate and authentic stories through character arcs that go beyond the hero’s journey.
This talk was recorded in Wellington, in May 2023.
Adapting Real Life For The Screen
Three outstanding writer-directors, Welby Ings, Matthew J. Saville, and Paula Whetu Jones discuss their observations with producer Karin Williams in crafting feature films Punch, Whina and Juniper. If you are telling a story from real life, learn from the experiences of these filmmakers as they recall the creative choices used to weave these screen stories of truth, memory, and social history.
This talk was recorded live in Auckland, in March 2023.
These Script to Screen TALKS have been turned into podcasts thanks to the generous support of Images and Sound.
Note: Other supporters are detailed in their relevant podcasts.
Script to Screen and Film Otago Southland are looking for new and emerging filmmakers with compelling, bold series story ideas suitable for development and viable for future production. Southern Pilots offers both talent and project development for three teams. The teams will have one-on-one advisor sessions and hear from industry speakers over a three-day development workshop, which aims to create outstanding pitch documents to present to potential producer partners and funders.
Southern Pilots kaupapa is to help creatives from Otago and Southland generate IP for local and international audiences. This will, in turn, increase activity in both regions and foster a strong creative network of screen practitioners.
Key Dates:
12 February: Applications open now 19 February: 5:30 pm application information webinar. Read FAQ’S Here 18 March: 1 pm applications close 21-23 June: 3-day workshop for selected teams
Application Requirements:
A PDF document of up to 10 pages, with the following information:
Logline
One page synopsis
Episode breakdown – one paragraph per episode
Genre
Style, Tone & World
Why this story?
Who is your audience?
Team members short screen biography/s
Images to support your application
Script sample (5-10 pages)
Links to prior work, optional
Eligibility:
All applicants / team members are NZ citizens or NZ Permanent Residents.
All applicants / team members have permanent residence in the Otago or Southland region (proof required).
Teams with scripted series suitable for any platform
Teams have two or more members made up of writer, producer and director. However, the producer cannot also have the role of director.
Applicants can submit more than one project – each project is a new application.
Single team members can be part of different teams and in various roles but can only be part of one selected team.
Selection:
Three independent, experienced screen creators will be engaged to select compelling, bold stories suitable for development.
Selectors will be looking for teams who demonstrate the talent and determination required to create a series.
This programme is for new and emerging filmmakers who can benefit from the development programme.
Preference will be given to projects either set in Otago and/or Southland or will very likely be shot in Otago and/or Southland.
Script to Screen will manage the application and selection process and design and deliver the development workshop. We have a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion strategy that informs our work. Southern Pilots uses the NZFC definition for new and emerging filmmakers.
Join Script to Screen and the New Zealand Film Commission for a live webinar on Tuesday 17th October 5:00-6:00 pm. You will hear about what’s needed to apply for Whiringa Tauatahi – Stage One of Kōpere Hou – Fresh Shorts and get a complete overview of the application process and 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 webinar questions to communications@script-to-screen.co.nz.
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 1pm, Monday 6 November 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
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: Wednesday,27 September 2023(Apply via Kōpere Hou – Fresh Shorts Portal) APPLICATIONS CLOSE: 1 pm, Monday, 6 November 2023 ANNOUNCEMENT OF SHORTLISTED TEAMS: Early January 2024
WHIRINGA TUARUA – STAGE TWO APPLICATIONS OPEN:Monday 15 January 2024 APPLICATIONS CLOSE: 1 pm, Monday 26 February 2024 ANNOUNCEMENT OF FUNDED TEAMS:Late April 2024 DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP DATES:8-9 June 2024 MENTORSHIPS:10 June to 19 July 2024 (Six weeks)
Kōpere Hou – Fresh Shorts is a New Zealand Film Commission Short Film Fund and Script to Screen manages the reading, assessment, workshop and mentoring aspects of the Fresh Shorts Development Programme.
Strength in Numbers is focused on building sustainable businesses in our screen industry. Selected filmmakers participate in a series of workshops run by Script to Screen and led by David Court. 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 and ultimately shape the industry itself. Selected participants will have a proven track record that demonstrates considerable talent and tenacity in their field, and a screen industry business already underway to work on. Read more
Submission Requirements
2021 Application Dates:
Applications opened 20 September 2021
Applications closed 01 November 2021
Who is eligible?
Screen practitioners with a slate of projects and a screen industry business already underway
What you’ll need to submit:
One paragraph biography about you as a screen practitioner
A statement about why Strength in Numbers Growth would be beneficial to you and your business at this time
A statement about what you would like to get out of the programme.
A list of two to three projects you have in development along with a one-paragraph synopsis or logline for each project and what stage they are at.
Links to prior work (up to your two best)
Optional: Your screen CV
Dates of delivery:
February 21 & 22 – Workshops in Auckland
March 22 – 90 minute online session
April 26 – 90 min online session
May 9 – Workshop in Auckland
June 27 – Workshop in Auckland
One-on-one meetings will be held between the last two workshops.
Travel costs for participants who live outside Auckland will be paid for as part of the programme.
The FilmUp Mentorship programme returns to support and empower up to eight tenacious and talented filmmakers to reach the next stage in their creative careers. If you are writer, director or producer 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, narrative or documentary, and be able todemonstrate 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 and three 2-day FilmUp hubs held between February 2024 and July 2024. 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(Dame Valerie Adams: MORE THAN GOLD, Mothers of the Revolution, ), Chelsea Winstanley ( Ka Po, Night Raiders, Jojo Rabbit,), Desray Armstrong (Earthlings, Bad Behaviour, Coming Home in the Dark), Florian Habicht(James & Isey, Spookers, Love Story), GaysornThavat(The Justice of Bunny King), Jake Mahaffy(Reunion, Free in Deed), Nic Gorman(Human Traces), Paula Whetu-Jones (Whina), Sophie Henderson(Baby Done, Fantail) and Stallone Vaiaoga-Ioasa(Mama’s Music Box, Take Home Pay, Three Wise Cousins). You can read about past participants and an impressive list of mentors from the last 10 years who have helped these filmmakers take a step up in their careers here.
The FilmUp Mentorship programme is for individual filmmakers (not pairs or teams) who are working on a feature film. You must be a NZ citizen or permanent resident to apply.
Here’s what’s required for the application:
A one-paragraph industry-related biography;
Information on the feature project you will work on during the mentorship (including a one-page synopsis of 500 – 1000 words, stage of project, your role on the project and any key collaborators you might have attached);
A brief description of what stage you are at in the process, and what the next steps/hurdles are.
A list of other projects (feature film or documentary only) you have in development (if applicable);
A paragraph about why mentorship would be beneficial to you at this stage of your career, and what you would like to get out of the programme;
Up to two links to selected previous work (It is not necessary to include everything. Put your best foot forward).
APPLICATIONS OPENED: Mon 4 September 2023
APPLICATIONS CLOSED: Mon 9 October 2023 1:00 pm
We will know the outcome of our funding before FilmUp applications close on 9 Oct and we will keep applicants informed of the outcome.
Six filmmaking teams have been selected for Kōpere Hou Fresh Shorts. Each team will receive development support, and a grant of $25,000 to make their short film.
Kōpere Hou Fresh Shorts is a popular fund; this round we received 89 applications. Eighteen were shortlisted and went on to submit a more detailed application to Whiringa Tuarua – Stage Two. From those eighteen submissions, six have been selected.
The writers, producers and directors of the six funded teams are supported to further develop and refine their story, vision, and production plans. They attend a workshop that is carefully planned to meet the needs of these projects, and the filmmakers work with experienced advisors over an intense three-week period. “This process both challenges and nurtures the teams, encouraging them to take creative risks,” says Jackie Dennis, Executive Director at Script to Screen. “The intent is to provide thoughtful support so they can craft exceptional films that get noticed.”
The selected projects include an animation, a comedy and a psychological drama. Team members hail from Northland, Auckland, Wellington, Tasman and Canterbury. Three of the directors are female. Two of the projects had been shortlisted before without being selected and, after further work on their project, resubmitted this year with success. We hope this will be encouraging for the teams that did not make it through this year.
Dale Corlett, Head of Talent Development at the New Zealand Film Commission says, “A huge thanks and acknowledgement to all the applicants for this year’s Kōpere Hou Fresh Shorts. It is always very humbling and rewarding for us to read and experience your stories, we thank you for choosing to share them with us. We are very excited about the filmmaking teams and the films selected this year. They are challenging, thought provoking, touching, funny and entertaining.”
The six selected teams and their projects are (L-R):
Beast Mode
Chye-Ling Huang (W/D) and Joyce Wong (P)
Grassroots
Aaron Ly (W/D) and Isaiah Tour (P)
Invisible Dragons
Victoria Boult (W/D), Madison Henry-Ryan (P) and Mikaela Rüegg (P)
Josephine
Stef Harris (W/D) and Patsy Burke (P)
Mirumiru (Bubble)
Allan George (W/D) and Jason Taylor (P)
Tall Hours
Sophie Black (W/D) and Esther Leilua (P)
