SCRIPT TO SCREEN presents
Script Development Workshops for DDN Creatives
Te Tari Tuhi Kupu a Whakaahua Script to Screen, is proud to be piloting a new community programme of Script Development Workshops.
In partnership with the Screenrights Cultural Fund, this bespoke programme of workshops will upskill Deaf, Disabled and Neuro Diverse (DDN) creatives in Aotearoa, NZ, to create innovative and compelling screen stories for TV, Film and online platforms.
This programme places creatives unique perspectives at the heart of their story development, helping them to create and develop authentic work that resonates with audiences.
These workshops have been designed to support this underserved and underrepresented group of creative talent, helping to uplift them and their stories, and creating pathways for progression in the screen sector in Aotearoa, NZ.
Script to Screen looks forward to working with the community on the final planning and design of the programme before inviting applications from participants.
A huge mihi (thanks) to the Screenrights Cultural Fund for supporting this important work, we can’t wait to get started.
Register your interest for the DDN Workshops here: https://form.jotform.com/Script_to_Screen_NZ/register-your-interest-DDN-workshop
Script Development Workshops for DDN Creatives
Activity: A programme designed to upskill Deaf, Disabled, and Neuro Diverse (DDN) creatives in innovative screen storytelling. Co-created with DDN artists and organisations, the programme supports participants in utilising their unique perspectives in story development, aiming to break down barriers for their progression in the New Zealand screen sector. The programme will feature script development workshops for emerging DDN creatives held in various centres across NZ.
These workshops will cover fundamentals of screen storytelling, including character development, conflict creation, scripting, dialogue writing, and genre exploration, and are open to those developing short films, TV, digital series, and feature films (excluding documentaries).
A key objective is to reduce barriers to progression, with a final online pitch session, for those participants who want to, with invited New Zealand screen industry decision-makers. As Script to Screen alumni, participants also receive ongoing support through the STS awhi programme as well support to attend STS events likes Big Screen Symposium.
Location: Various centres (tbc) across New Zealand.
Check out the other initiatives supported by Screenrights here: https://www.screenrights.org/screenrights-announces-300k-funding-for-six-initiatives-supported-by-2025-cultural-fund/
Script Development Workshops for Deaf, Disabled and Neuro Diverse creatives is made possible through our partnership with the Screenrights Cultural Fund.
Script to Screen in association with Foundation North presents a 1-day adult workshop covering scriptwriting for screen in Whangārei. We look forward to facilitating the opportunity for local Northland screen story tellers to work with renowned writer, director and author, Michael Bennett (The Gone, In Dark Places), after a successful Kerikeri workshop last year.
The morning will be spent delving into character, story structure, key moments and writing fundamentals and then in the afternoon you will develop your own original story idea and write a scene.
Not to be missed, this is a practical and interactive workshop that will help you find the momentum you need to initiate a screen story or move your project forward.
If you’re a new or emerging filmmaker or a local creative wanting to reinvigorate a screen idea or explore writing for film and television, this workshop is for you.
When and where:
Sunday 21st September
9am – 5pm
ONEONE SIX
116A Bank Street, Whangārei 0110
Venue is wheelchair accessible
Cost:
$25 including GST and booking fee. Tickets via humanitix
Morning tea and afternoon tea provided, BYO lunch
Workshop Prep:
Before Sunday if you get the chance it may be beneficial to watch a few episodes of Michael Bennett’s recent work, The Gone (here) Free on TVNZ+.
What to bring:
We do not advise participants to take notes on phones.
ABOUT PROGRAMME MENTORS
MICHAEL BENNET
Michael Bennett (Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Whakaue) is a screenwriter, filmmaker and author. Michael’s short films and feature films have screened and won awards internationally, including Cannes, Toronto, Berlin, Locarno, New York, London, ImagiNative and Dreamspeakers. He is the 2020 recipient of the Te Aupounamu Māori Screen Excellence Award, awarded by the NZ Film Commission for excellence in Māori filmmaking. Michael devoted many years of his recent career to the fight for justice for Teina Pora, a young Māori man wrongly imprisoned for 21 years. Michael made the documentary The Confessions of Prisoner T, which lead to the discovery of evidence pivotal to Teina’s exoneration. Michael directed and co-wrote the TV feature film In Dark Places about Teina’s case, which was finalist for a record 11 awards in the NZ Television Awards, winning Best Film and Best Director. Michael has been head writer or showrunner for many dozens of hours of prime-time television drama including The Gone (NZ / Ireland crime thriller), Vegas (crime thriller), Te Kohu (supernatural drama), and Mataku (the Māori Twilight Zone). Michael’s debut novel Better The Blood, a crime thriller, was published in 2022 in the UK, USA, Australia and NZ, with nine international translations. Better The Blood was a finalist for the fiction prize at the 2023 New Zealand literary awards (The Ockhams) and won Best First Novel at the Ngaio Marsh Awards. Michael is currently adapting his novel for television, and his second novel, Return To Blood, is in bookstores now.
This workshop is made possible thanks to generous support from Foundation North, Whangarei District Creative Communities Scheme and White Studios.
We are also running a Youth school holiday workshop. Check it out using the link below.
Script to Screen Script to Screen in association with Foundation North is presenting presents a free four-day filmmaking workshop in the September school holidays for 14 – 18 year olds.
This is an outstanding opportunity for the next generation of filmmakers to develop skills and learn about the fundamentals of crafting a story idea, writing a script, and acting for camera.
The aim of the workshop is to foster filmmaking talent in the Northland region and to provide an opportunity for young creatives to learn new skills and level up without having to travel outside of the region. No experience or prior knowledge of filmmaking is necessary. We encourage anyone who has an interest in telling stories for the screen, writing and acting to apply.
The programme will be taught by Michael Bennett (storytelling and screenwriting) and local Whangārei theatre practitioner Laurel Devine (storytelling and acting).
When and where:
Monday 22nd September – Thursday 25th September
9am – 3pm each day
ONEONE SIX
116A Bank Street, Whangārei 0110
The venue is wheelchair accessible
Programme Structure:
Cost: The workshop is free, please register via Humanitix as spaces are limited
Morning Tea, Lunch and Afternoon Tea are provided. However, if you have special dietary requirements (allergies, gluten free, dairy free, keto, paleo, etc) please bring food with you.
ABOUT PROGRAMME MENTORS
MICHAEL BENNET
Michael Bennett (Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Whakaue) is a screenwriter, filmmaker and author. Michael’s short films and feature films have screened and won awards internationally, including Cannes, Toronto, Berlin, Locarno, New York, London, ImagiNative and Dreamspeakers. He is the 2020 recipient of the Te Aupounamu Māori Screen Excellence Award, awarded by the NZ Film Commission for excellence in Māori filmmaking.
Michael devoted many years of his recent career to the fight for justice for Teina Pora, a young Māori man wrongly imprisoned for 21 years. Michael made the documentary The Confessions of Prisoner T, which lead to the discovery of evidence pivotal to Teina’s exoneration. Michael directed and co-wrote the TV feature film In Dark Places about Teina’s case, which was finalist for a record 11 awards in the NZ Television Awards, winning Best Film and Best Director.
Michael has been head writer or showrunner for many dozens of hours of prime-time television drama including The Gone (NZ / Ireland crime thriller), Vegas (crime thriller), Te Kohu (supernatural drama), and Mataku (the Māori Twilight Zone). Michael’s debut novel Better The Blood, a crime thriller, was published in 2022 in the UK, USA, Australia and NZ, with nine international translations. Better The Blood was a finalist for the fiction prize at the 2023 New Zealand literary awards (The Ockhams) and won Best First Novel at the Ngaio Marsh Awards. Michael is currently adapting his novel for television, and his second novel, Return To Blood, is in bookstores now.
LAUREL DEVENIE
Laurel Devenie is Whangārei based theatre practitioner who works as an actor, director, teacher, and producer. She is co-founder of ONEONESIX and The Whangārei Fringe Festival and works in a creative director role at ONEONESIX. She is a graduate of Toi Whakaari and The John Bolton Theatre School. She has been involved in both professional and community projects all over the country and has worked with South Pacific Pictures, ATC, Silo Theatre, Capital E, Unitec, Prayas, Downstage Theatre, Red Leap, Northland Youth Theatre and Script to Screen. Laurel is the Director of Whangārei based theatre collective, Company of Giants and has led many devised theatre projects including Odyssey, The Owl and the Pussycat and Rangitahua. She has facilitated arts-based programmes to work with different sectors of the community and is curious about spaces where arts practice can be used to invite new ways of engaging within communities and organisations.
This workshop is made possible thanks to generous support from Foundation North, Whangarei District Creative Communities Scheme and White Studios.
Script to Screen in collaboration with Film Dunedin, DCC Creative Partnerships, and the Otago Community Trust presents Screenwriting: What Producers Need to Know a two day workshop delivered by renowned Australian script editor/EP/creative producer Claire Dobbin.
Getting to work with Claire Dobbin is a rare opportunity for those committed to investing in themselves, their creativity, and their future as screen story tellers. Designed for producers, writers, HOD’s and other key creatives, Claire has developed and delivered workshops worldwide.
Effective collaboration is one of the key pillars of a screen storytellers toolkit, and is essential for all crew, whether they be above or below the line. The workshop will cover:
Advanced preparation of approximately 16-24 hrs is required. Participants will have a curated watch list and script reading to complete. These case studies will form an integral foundation for the analysis and discussion undertaken over the weekend.
This workshop was initiated by Film Dunedin and made possible thanks to generous support from Film Dunedin, Film Otago Southland, University of Otago, and Ara Toi Creative Capabilities to help build creative capability in the Otago and Southland regions.
When and where:
Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd March 2025
9:00am – 5:00pm
Centre for Innovation, Seminar Room
87 Saint David Street, Dunedin North, Dunedin 9016
Cost:
Was: $85 Now: $20 Total *
On both days morning tea and afternoon tea provided, BYO lunch.
* The unique value of this workshop is recognised by Ara Toi, with subsidised places available thanks to the Ara Toi Arts Capability Fund.
Note: Places are limited. In order to complete the online registration you will be asked a series of short answer questions. You will be notified at least 2 weeks prior, if you have gained a place within the workshop.
ABOUT PROGRAMME MENTOR
CLAIRE DOBBIN
Claire Dobbin is a script editor/EP/creative producer who works globally with development agencies, screenwriters, producers and directors. Claire is also –
Claire devised, and secured the funds for:
In 2017 Claire was awarded an AM for Services to the Australian Film Industry and in 2019 Claire received the Jill Robb award for outstanding leadership in the Victorian Screen Industry.
Claire is currently the Executive Producer of a number of films including Shit – a film based on the acclaimed play of the same name. She is also script editing a number of international feature films and TV series in Europe, India and the US.
Script to Screen also receives core funding from Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga New Zealand Film Commission.
Script to Screen in collaboration with Film Queenstown Lakes presents Screenwriting: What Producers Need to Know a two day workshop delivered by renowned Australian script editor/EP/creative producer Claire Dobbin.
Getting to work with Claire Dobbin is a rare opportunity for those committed to investing in themselves, their creativity, and their future as screen story tellers. Designed for producers, writers, HOD’s and other key creatives, Claire has developed and delivered workshops worldwide.
Effective collaboration is one of the key pillars of a screen storytellers toolkit, and is essential for all crew, whether they be above or below the line. The workshop will cover:
Advanced preparation of approximately 16-24 hrs is required. Participants will have a curated watch list and script reading to complete. These case studies will form an integral foundation for the analysis and discussion undertaken over the weekend.
This workshop was initiated by Film Otago Southland and also made possible thanks to generous support from Film Otago Southland, Film Queenstown Lakes, and Central Lakes Arts Support Scheme (CLASS) to help build creative capability in the Otago and Southland regions.
When and where:
Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 February 2025
9:00am – 5:00pm
Building 11, Dart House, Remarkables Park Town Centre
12 Hawthorne Drive, Frankton, Queenstown 9300
Wheelchair Access is available. If you require special assistance, please let us know.
Cost:
Was $85 Now $20 Total * Tickets have been generously subsidised by Film Queenstown Lakes
On both days morning tea and afternoon tea provided, BYO lunch.
Note: Places are limited. In order to complete the online registration you will be asked a series of short answer questions. You will be notified at least 2 weeks prior, if you have gained a place within the workshop.
ABOUT PROGRAMME MENTOR
CLAIRE DOBBIN
Claire Dobbin is a script editor/EP/creative producer who works globally with development agencies, screenwriters, producers and directors. Claire is also –
Claire devised, and secured the funds for:
In 2017 Claire was awarded an AM for Services to the Australian Film Industry and in 2019 Claire received the Jill Robb award for outstanding leadership in the Victorian Screen Industry.
Claire is currently the Executive Producer of a number of films including Shit – a film based on the acclaimed play of the same name. She is also script editing a number of international feature films and TV series in Europe, India and the US.
Script to Screen also receives core funding from Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga New Zealand Film Commission.
Script to Screen is presenting a one-day scriptwriting workshop in South Auckland. This is a great opportunity for local storytellers to learn from renowned writer, director, and author Michael Bennett (The Gone, In Dark Places). Michael has worked across a range of genres within feature film, short films, and television, including documentaries, crime thrillers, and drama.
The workshop will dive into writing fundamentals including character, story structure and key moments that make a great story for screen. In the afternoon you will develop your own original story idea and write a scene.
This is a practical and interactive workshop that will help you find the momentum you need to start writing your screen story or move your project forward. It is also a fantastic opportunity to meet other creatives within the community and be inspired by filmmaking’s possibilities.
We welcome anyone who wants to tell their stories through film. If you’re a new or emerging filmmaker or a local creative this workshop is for you.
When and where:
Saturday 30th November 2024
9am – 5pm
Friendship House, 20 Putney Way, Manukau, South Auckland
The venue is wheelchair accessible
Cost: $12.50 (INC BF & GST) Book via Humanitix
Morning tea and afternoon tea provided, BYO lunch
ABOUT PROGRAMME MENTORS
MICHAEL BENNET
Michael Bennett (Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Whakaue) is a screenwriter, filmmaker and author. Michael’s short films and feature films have screened and won awards internationally, including Cannes, Toronto, Berlin, Locarno, New York, London, ImagiNative and Dreamspeakers. He is the 2020 recipient of the Te Aupounamu Māori Screen Excellence Award, awarded by the NZ Film Commission for excellence in Māori filmmaking. Michael devoted many years of his recent career to the fight for justice for Teina Pora, a young Māori man wrongly imprisoned for 21 years. Michael made the documentary The Confessions of Prisoner T, which lead to the discovery of evidence pivotal to Teina’s exoneration. Michael directed and co-wrote the TV feature film In Dark Places about Teina’s case, which was finalist for a record 11 awards in the NZ Television Awards, winning Best Film and Best Director. Michael has been head writer or showrunner for many dozens of hours of prime-time television drama including The Gone (NZ / Ireland crime thriller), Vegas (crime thriller), Te Kohu (supernatural drama), and Mataku (the Māori Twilight Zone). Michael’s debut novel Better The Blood, a crime thriller, was published in 2022 in the UK, USA, Australia and NZ, with nine international translations. Better The Blood was a finalist for the fiction prize at the 2023 New Zealand literary awards (The Ockhams) and won Best First Novel at the Ngaio Marsh Awards. Michael is currently adapting his novel for television, and his second novel, Return To Blood, is in bookstores now.
This workshop is made possible thanks to generous support from Foundation North and Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga New Zealand Film Commission.
Spend a day with Hamish Bennett (Bellbird, Uproar) as he guides participants through the fundamentals of screenplay writing for short film.
The focus of the day will be building stories around character and bringing specificity to your work. This workshop will be craft based, combining practical exercises with discussion and reflection. After covering writing fundamentals, participants will then explore bringing the written element from the page to the screen.
Promising to be both interactive and engaging, this is a terrific opportunity to spend a day focusing on your craft as a writer.
When and where:
Saturday 12 October 2024
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Screen CanterburyNZ Office
BNZ Centre, Level 3, 101 Cashel Street
Wheelchair access is available.
Ages 16 +
$25.00 (incl. GST & Fees) book via Humanitix
Morning tea and afternoon tea provided, BYO lunch
ABOUT
HAMISH BENNET
Hamish Bennett (Te Arawa, Patuharakeke, Kāi Tahu) is an accomplished director and award-winning screenwriter based in Aotearoa New Zealand. In 2023, he co-wrote and co-directed his second feature film, Uproar (Firefly Films), which celebrated its world premiere at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival, earning widespread acclaim from both audiences and critics.
In 2019, Hamish wrote and directed his debut feature film, Bellbird (Herringbone Productions), garnering recognition on the international festival circuit and securing several awards, including Best Screenplay at the Macao International Film Festival.
In addition to his success in feature films, Hamish has lent his writing expertise to various television series, including Hui Hoppers (NZTV, 2023) and the teen drama Mystic (Libertine Pictures, NZTV, 2022).
During the early stages of his career, Hamish directed multiple award-winning short films. In 2011, his short film The Dump earned him the Best Short Script award at the New Zealand Writers Guild Awards. Subsequently, in 2014, Ross & Beth claimed both the jury and audience prizes at the New Zealand International Film Festival.
Beyond his creative work, Hamish has over twenty years of experience as a school teacher, and has recently returned to Aotearoa with his whānau after two years living in Rarotonga.
This Script to Screen workshop is made possible thanks to generous support from Christchurch Creative Communities and Screen CanterburyNZ.
Script to Screen is presenting a 1-day adult scriptwriting workshop in Kerikeri. This is a rare opportunity for local story tellers to work with renowned writer, director and author, Michael Bennett (The Gone, In Dark Places). The morning will be spent delving into character, story structure, key moments and writing fundamentals and then in the afternoon you will develop your own original story idea and write a scene.
Not to be missed, this is a practical and interactive workshop that will help you find the momentum you need to initiate a screen story, or move your project forward. If you’re a new or emerging filmmaker or a local creative wanting to reinvigorate a screen idea or explore writing for film and television, this workshop is for you.
When and where:
Sunday 14 July
9am – 5pm
Turner Centre, 43 Cobham Road, Kerikeri 0230
Venue is wheelchair accessible
Cost:
$25 including GST and booking fee. Tickets via humanitix
Morning tea and afternoon tea provided, BYO lunch
ABOUT PROGRAMME MENTORS
MICHAEL BENNET
Michael Bennett (Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Whakaue) is a screenwriter, filmmaker and author. Michael’s short films and feature films have screened and won awards internationally, including Cannes, Toronto, Berlin, Locarno, New York, London, ImagiNative and Dreamspeakers. He is the 2020 recipient of the Te Aupounamu Māori Screen Excellence Award, awarded by the NZ Film Commission for excellence in Māori filmmaking. Michael devoted many years of his recent career to the fight for justice for Teina Pora, a young Māori man wrongly imprisoned for 21 years. Michael made the documentary The Confessions of Prisoner T, which lead to the discovery of evidence pivotal to Teina’s exoneration. Michael directed and co-wrote the TV feature film In Dark Places about Teina’s case, which was finalist for a record 11 awards in the NZ Television Awards, winning Best Film and Best Director. Michael has been head writer or showrunner for many dozens of hours of prime-time television drama including The Gone (NZ / Ireland crime thriller), Vegas (crime thriller), Te Kohu (supernatural drama), and Mataku (the Māori Twilight Zone). Michael’s debut novel Better The Blood, a crime thriller, was published in 2022 in the UK, USA, Australia and NZ, with nine international translations. Better The Blood was a finalist for the fiction prize at the 2023 New Zealand literary awards (The Ockhams) and won Best First Novel at the Ngaio Marsh Awards. Michael is currently adapting his novel for television, and his second novel, Return To Blood, is in bookstores now.
This workshop is made possible thanks to generous support from Foundation North.
We are also running a Youth school holiday workshop. Check it out using the link below.
Script to Screen presents a free four-day filmmaking workshop in the July school holidays for 14 – 18 year olds.
This is an outstanding opportunity for the next generation of filmmakers to develop skills and learn about the fundamentals of crafting a story idea, writing a script, and acting for camera. The aim of the workshop is to foster filmmaking talent in the Far North region and to provide an opportunity for young creatives to learn new skills and level up without having to travel outside of the region. No experience or prior knowledge of filmmaking is necessary. We encourage anyone who has an interest in telling stories for the screen and acting to apply.
The programme will be taught by Michael Bennett (storytelling and screenwriting) and Jamie Irvine (storytelling and acting).
When and where:
Monday 15th July – Thursday 18th July
9am – 3pm each day
Turner Centre, 43 Cobham Road, Kerikeri 0230
Programme Structure:
Day 1 – Developing a story idea and screenwriting principles
Day 2 – Writing a scene
Day 3 – Storytelling and acting
Day 4 – Taping the scenes, debrief and discussion.
Cost: The workshop is free, please register via Humanitix as spaces are limited
Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea are provided. However, if you have special dietary requirements (allergies, gluten free, dairy free, keto, paleo, etc) please bring food with you.
ABOUT PROGRAMME MENTORS
MICHAEL BENNET
Michael Bennett (Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Whakaue) is a screenwriter, filmmaker and author. Michael’s short films and feature films have screened and won awards internationally, including Cannes, Toronto, Berlin, Locarno, New York, London, ImagiNative and Dreamspeakers. He is the 2020 recipient of the Te Aupounamu Māori Screen Excellence Award, awarded by the NZ Film Commission for excellence in Māori filmmaking. Michael devoted many years of his recent career to the fight for justice for Teina Pora, a young Māori man wrongly imprisoned for 21 years. Michael made the documentary The Confessions of Prisoner T, which lead to the discovery of evidence pivotal to Teina’s exoneration. Michael directed and co-wrote the TV feature film In Dark Places about Teina’s case, which was finalist for a record 11 awards in the NZ Television Awards, winning Best Film and Best Director. Michael has been head writer or showrunner for many dozens of hours of prime-time television drama including The Gone (NZ / Ireland crime thriller), Vegas (crime thriller), Te Kohu (supernatural drama), and Mataku (the Māori Twilight Zone). Michael’s debut novel Better The Blood, a crime thriller, was published in 2022 in the UK, USA, Australia and NZ, with nine international translations. Better The Blood was a finalist for the fiction prize at the 2023 New Zealand literary awards (The Ockhams) and won Best First Novel at the Ngaio Marsh Awards. Michael is currently adapting his novel for television, and his second novel, Return To Blood, is in bookstores now.
JAMIE IRVINE
As an Actor, Director and Acting Coach Jamie Irvine has worked in Australia, Los Angeles, New York and New Zealand. Jamie is a NIDA acting graduate and continued his study with Susan Batson and at the Stella Adler Studio in NYC. Over twenty years, he has taught acting at NIDA, Actors Centre Australia, Theatre of Arts in Hollywood, South Seas Film School and various other institutions. Acting Credits include Sweet Tooth, Tinā, Power Rangers: Dino Fury, Shortland St, Underbelly:Land of the Long Green Cloud, Black Hands, Westside, Home and Away, Anzac Girls and The Brokenwood Mysteries. Jamie has also directed across several mediums and in 2022 he directed NZ on Air funded webseries Here if you Need. Jamie joined Script to Screen in January 2023, where he currently works as Programme Manager.
This workshop is made possible thanks to generous support from Foundation North and White Studios.
We are also running an adult workshop. Check it out using the link below.
Calling all Far North filmmakers and creatives!!!
In July 2024, we are excited to bring two outstanding workshops to Kerikeri led by writer and director Michael Bennett (The Gone, In Dark Places). A four-day school holiday workshop for youth aged 14-18, and a one-day adult scriptwriting workshop.
Joining Michael for the Youth Workshop will be actor (Shortland Street, The Brokenwood Mysteries), director and acting coach, Jamie Irvine.
This is a great opportunity for you to learn new skills and share your stories. So, book your place and tell your friends and whanau. These workshops are not to be missed.
“The projects that Script to Screen does and the reason I’m so gung-ho enthusiastic about them is; it’s about accessing people whose stories just don’t make it on screen. It’s giving people skills to tell stories for the screen. Giving new voices and new stories the potential to become films” – Michael Bennett
Free Youth Workshop – 4 days
Monday 15 – Thursday 18 July
Turner Centre, 43 Cobham Road, Kerikeri 0230
Develop skills and learn about the fundamentals of crafting a story idea, writing a script and acting for camera. No experience or prior knowledge of filmmaking is necessary. We encourage anyone who has an interest in writing, filmmaking, and acting to apply. For ages 14 – 18.
Adult Workshop – 1 day
Sunday 14 July
Turner Centre, 43 Cobham Road, Kerikeri 0230
The morning will be spent delving into character, story structure, key moments and writing fundamentals. In the afternoon, you will develop your own original story idea and write a scene. This workshop is suitable for new and emerging filmmakers, local creatives wanting to reinvigorate a screen idea or anyone wanting to explore writing for film and television.
ABOUT PROGRAMME MENTORS
MICHAEL BENNET
Michael Bennett (Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Whakaue) is a screenwriter, filmmaker and author. Michael’s short films and feature films have screened and won awards internationally, including Cannes, Toronto, Berlin, Locarno, New York, London, ImagiNative and Dreamspeakers. He is the 2020 recipient of the Te Aupounamu Māori Screen Excellence Award, awarded by the NZ Film Commission for excellence in Māori filmmaking. Michael devoted many years of his recent career to the fight for justice for Teina Pora, a young Māori man wrongly imprisoned for 21 years. Michael made the documentary The Confessions of Prisoner T, which lead to the discovery of evidence pivotal to Teina’s exoneration. Michael directed and co-wrote the TV feature film In Dark Places about Teina’s case, which was finalist for a record 11 awards in the NZ Television Awards, winning Best Film and Best Director. Michael has been head writer or showrunner for many dozens of hours of prime-time television drama including The Gone (NZ / Ireland crime thriller), Vegas (crime thriller), Te Kohu (supernatural drama), and Mataku (the Māori Twilight Zone). Michael’s debut novel Better The Blood, a crime thriller, was published in 2022 in the UK, USA, Australia and NZ, with nine international translations. Better The Blood was a finalist for the fiction prize at the 2023 New Zealand literary awards (The Ockhams) and won Best First Novel at the Ngaio Marsh Awards. Michael is currently adapting his novel for television, and his second novel, Return To Blood, is in bookstores now.
JAMIE IRVINE
As an Actor, Director and Acting Coach Jamie Irvine has worked in Australia, Los Angeles, New York and New Zealand. Jamie is a NIDA acting graduate and continued his study with Susan Batson and at the Stella Adler Studio in NYC. Over twenty years, he has taught acting at NIDA, Actors Centre Australia, Theatre of Arts in Hollywood, South Seas Film School and various other institutions. Acting Credits include Sweet Tooth, Tinā, Power Rangers: Dino Fury, Shortland St, Underbelly:Land of the Long Green Cloud, Black Hands, Westside, Home and Away, Anzac Girls and The Brokenwood Mysteries. Jamie has also directed across several mediums and in 2022 he directed NZ on Air funded webseries Here if you Need. Jamie joined Script to Screen in January 2023, where he currently works as Programme Manager.
These workshops are made possible thanks to generous support from Foundation North.