2016 Auckland Central Short Film Workshop‏

Is there a story you would like to tell through film but don’t know where to start?

Do you want the chance to have one-on-one mentoring with an experienced filmmaker?

Script to Screen presents the 2016 Auckland Central Short Film Workshop – a two-day workshop that will give you everything you need to know to make a short film. Over one weekend, four experienced industry practitioners will guide you through each stage of the filmmaking process – from the initial concept, writing, producing, directing, and finally to pitch your idea to collaborators and funders. We are looking for new talent with a passion for storytelling, and an interest in learning how to make a short film. One attendee will be chosen for one-on-one mentoring with an experienced filmmaker on their short film script.

What do I need to bring to the workshop?

You are encouraged to come with a short film idea, and any team members you might wish to work with (e.g. co-writer, director). It is not compulsory to have a short film idea ready, but will mean that you get the most out of the workshop.

To prepare for the workshop, you may want to work on a synopsis or short outline for your film (this is not compulsory). It should be about half a page, describing what your film is about, what happens in the film, and what you want people to feel when they are watching it. You could also include why this story is important to you or why this story needs to be told. Remember to include details like, the title, how long you expect the film to be (short films are usually 5 – 15 mins long), whether it is a comedy or drama etc, and the characters’ names. This outline can be used as the pitch for your film.

On Day 2 of the workshop, participants will be invited to pitch their short film idea to the group in a pitching competition, to a panel of industry mentors. One winner will be chosen to go on for mentoring with an experienced filmmaker. The pitch is to be kept to 5 minutes.

Date: Sat 28 / Sun 29 May, 2016

Time: Saturday 9am – 5pm, Sunday 9am – 5pm

Venue: St Columba Centre, 40 Vermont Street, Ponsonby

Cost: The workshop cost is $20 for the weekend – please bring cash on the day. Morning and afternoon tea will be provided. Please bring lunch with you or there are many cafes in the area.

Registration: Spaces are limited so you must register your interest. Please rsvp to Eloise on eloise @ script-to-screen.co.nz or ring the office on 09 360 5400. This workshop is aimed at ages 17+ (and is suitable for adults of all ages).

SCHEDULE

Day One – Saturday 28 May

9am – 9:30am: Tea/Coffee and Introduction

9:30am – 12:30pm: Screenwriting with writer/director Michael Bennett (Matariki, The Factory)

Learn about the key points of storytelling and forming a structure that will grab the audience

12:30-1:30pm: Lunch

1:30-3:30pm: Producing with Orlando Stewart (The Dump, Ross and Beth)

Learn about the role of the producer in driving the project from conception to completion

3:30-4pm: Afternoon tea

4 – 5pm: The life of a short film with Gina Dellabarca (Festival Director – Show Me Shorts Film Festival)

Day Two – Sunday 29 May

9am – 11am: Directing with Roseanne Liang (My Wedding and Other Secrets, Flat 3)

Learn about the director’s role in the film and forming a strong vision for your story

11am – 4:30pm: Pitching Session (with a lunch break)

Participants are invited to pitch their short film idea to the group and a panel of industry mentors. One winner will be chosen to work with an experienced industry mentor on their short film script. The pitch is to be kept to 3 minutes.

This workshop was made possible with the support of the Creative Communities Scheme.

Script to Screen presents a two-day filmmaking workshop aimed at rangatahi in the Far North region.

Join us in the April school holidays for a free two-day workshop that will give you the tools you need to take stories from your community and tell them on screen.

The aim of the workshop is to foster local talent and encourage aspiring filmmakers. The workshop is suitable for ages 15+, and adults of all ages are welcome. No experience or prior knowledge of filmmaking is necessary – but those with experience are more than welcome and will also benefit from the workshop. The workshop covers short drama and short documentary formats.

We also welcome those who work with rangatahi in the Far North region, who would like to learn more about how to inspire their youth to write and make a film project with local content. Whānau are also welcome to attend.

On Day 1, participants will hear from esteemed filmmakers – writer/director Michael Bennett and producer Quinton Hita, about the essential elements of storytelling and how to bring ideas to life.

On Day 2 participants will have the opportunity to pitch their short film idea to the group for advice and feedback. A noho marae after Day 1 includes screenings of Māori and other NZ short films and short documentaries. Whānau and friends are welcome to join us for dinner and movies. There will also be the opportunity to discuss your film ideas with the group after dinner.

Up to four of the writers who pitch on Friday will be chosen to go on to develop their ideas into finished scripts alongside a mentor. The aim is to finish the scripts in July, and to make the films in October at a five-day workshop. To be considered for mentoring, projects should be based in or strongly connected to Northland, and the mentoring is aimed at youth (recommended age 15-25 years old). Projects can be pitched in teams, and to be eligible for mentoring the teams should include at least one filmmaker under 25 years old. School projects are welcome. Anyone is welcome to attend the workshop and pitch their idea for feedback, but only those aged 15-25 years old will be eligible for script mentoring.

When: Thursday 28th April 9am – Friday 29th April 5pm. Noho marae on Thursday night. (These are the last two days of the school holidays.)

Where: Matai Aranui Marae, 49 Wikaira Rd, Whirinaki.

Cost: A $10 contribution towards food and accommodation would be greatly appreciated. Lunch, afternoon tea and dinner will be provided. Contributions of food also welcome.

Registration: If you would like to attend, please rsvp to Eloise on eloise@script-to-screen.co.nz or ring the office on 09 360 5400. This workshop is aimed at ages 15+.

This workshop is the first in a series of three film workshops in 2016.

SCHEDULE – Workshop 1.0

Day One – Thurs 28 April

9:00am – Meet at Matai Aranui Marae

10:30am – Storytelling for the screen with writer/director Michael Bennett (Matariki, The Confessions of Prisoner T) Learn about the key points of what makes a great story for the screen and how to stay true to the heart of your idea.

12:30pm – Lunch

1:30pm – Michael Bennett leads a group session on writing

2:30pm – Bringing projects to life with producer Quinton Hita (Taua, Mt Zion) Learn about the role of the producer, and the obstacles and joys of bringing a film to life

5:30pm – Break/help prepare kai

6:30pm – Dinner

7:30pm – Film screenings in the whare – prepare for overnight stay

Day Two – Friday 29th April

8:00am – Breakfast

9:00am – Writing

9:30am – Teams pitch their film project ideas one by one and receive feedback on their idea

12:30 – Lunch

1:30pm – Pitching resumes

4:00pm – Judging panel convene – group helps clean the space

4:30pm – Judging panel announce projects to go on for mentoring

5:00pm – Workshop ends

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING TO THE WORKSHOP?

Project Idea – optional

To get the most out of the workshop, we encourage you come with a project idea. It’s best if you can write an outline of the idea and bring it along to the workshop. You are welcome to work in teams. The workshop is aimed at those working on short-form film projects, that is short films, short documentaries or web projects.

Participants are welcome to bring along and pitch full length projects i.e. a feature film or a feature documentary, but these projects won’t be eligible for mentoring.

If you don’t have an idea, come along and listen. You might develop an idea during the workshop based on what you are learning.

Writing an outline

The outline should be half a page, describing what your film is about, what happens in the film, and what you want people to feel when they are watching it. You could also include why this story is important to you or why this story needs to be told. Remember to include details like, how long you expect to be (short films are usually 5-15 mins long), whether it is a comedy or drama etc, and the characters’ names.

If your project is a series – like a web series, then it is helpful to include a description of how the story develops over the episodes. You may also want to include a short summary of what happens in each episode.

There will also be time to work on writing these outlines during the workshop, so don’t worry if you don’t have one when you arrive.

Pitching

You will have a chance to pitch your idea to the group on the Friday. Your idea might change throughout the weekend, or you might end up pitching a new idea based on something you have learnt throughout the weekend.

Pitching the idea will give you a chance to get feedback on the idea itself and how to best communicate it. 2-4 ideas will be chosen to be part of a mentoring programme offering the chance to work one-on-one with an industry professional on writing the script and getting the film/project made. To be considered for mentoring, the project should be strongly connected to Northland – so either the team members live in Northland, or the story is set in Northland (or both). The mentoring is aimed at youth (recommended age 15-25 years old), so teams should include at least one filmmaker under 25 years old. School projects are welcome. Those over 25 are welcome to attend, pitch their idea and get feedback, but will not be eligible for the mentoring programme.

Mentoring

2-4 ideas will be chosen to be part of the Hokianga Film Project. Each writer will receive mentoring, including one-on-one script mentoring, with a focus on getting their projects made. The mentoring will take place in the July school holidays, so those chosen to participate will need to be available then. The aim is to finish the scripts in the July school holidays, ready to be made in a 5 day workshop in the October school holidays. See below for more details.

2016 HOKIANGA FILM PROJECT – OVERVIEW

April – Workshop 1.0 – Storytelling for the Screen – A two-day workshop open to anyone in the Far North who wants to learn about crafting stories to be told on screen. Participants have the opportunity to pitch their project to the group for advice and feedback. Up to four writers will be chosen to go on for script mentoring, with the aim of the films being made in October.

July – Workshop 2.0 – Script Writing – A three day screenwriting workshop aimed at rangatahi in the Far North. Learn how to take stories you have written, or stories from your community, and make them come alive on screen.

July – Workshop 3.0 – Let’s Make the Films – Everyone who attended the first workshop and more! are welcome to come back to this 5 day workshop to help up to four writers make their films. Volunteer filmmakers will be present at the workshop to help get the films made.

Registrations for the April workshop are now open. Email Eloise to sign up.

Script to Screen returns to Christchurch to present a free one-day workshop for filmmakers with actor, writer, director and producer Jackie van Beek.

This is a highly participatory workshop where participants will be challenged to think about their stories in fresh and exciting ways. We welcome filmmakers of all levels, from beginners to those with experience.

What to bring? Participants must bring two ideas for a short film, with enough knowledge about the story to pitch it very briefly (one minute max). The day will be spent exploring these ideas through writing, acting and directing techniques.

When: Sat 27th February 2016, 9am – 5pm

Where: CPIT Broadcasting School, Television Studio – 171 Madras Street, accessible through the car park on the corner of Madras Street and Southwark Street, Christchurch. MAP.

Cost: The workshop is free

Coffee, tea, biscuits and fruit provided. Please bring your own lunch or buy from one of the cafes nearby.

Registration: Please RSVP to Eloise eloise@script-to-screen.co.nz or 09 360 5400.

This workshop is made possible with support from the Creative Communities Scheme.

Is there a story from your community that you would like to tell through film but don’t know where to start?
Do you want the chance to have 6 months one-on-one mentoring with an experienced filmmaker?

Script to Screen and Ngā Aho Whakaari present the 2015 South Auckland Short Film Workshop – a free two-day workshop that will give you everything you need to know to make a short film.

Over one weekend, four experienced filmmakers will guide you through each stage of the filmmaking process – from the initial concept, writing, directing, working with actors and finally to pitch your idea to collaborators and funders. We are looking for new talent from South Auckland with a passion for storytelling, and an interest in learning how to make a short film. Up to six attendees/teams will also have the opportunity to participate in the South Shorts Mentoring Programme. This is a tailored programme that pairs writers and producers with experienced industry mentors, and returns after a successful inaugural year.

What do I need to bring to the workshop?

You are encouraged to come with a short film idea, and any team members you might wish to work with. It is not compulsory to have a short film idea ready, but will mean that you get the most out of the workshop.
The synopsis should be half a page, describing what your film is about, what happens in the film, and what you want people to feel when they are watching it. You could also include why this story is important to you or why this story needs to be told. Remember to include details like, how long you expect the film to be (short films are usually 5 – 15 mins long), whether it is a comedy or drama etc, and the characters’ names.
On Day 2 of the workshop, participants will be invited to pitch their short film idea to the group in a pitching competition, to a panel of industry mentors.You are welcome to pitch the short film idea you submitted, or another idea. The pitch is to be kept to 3 minutes.

2016 South Shorts Mentorship Programme

Following the workshop, those who wish to apply for the mentorship programme will be asked to submit a short statement to Script to Screen outlining why the mentorship programme is for them. The programme focuses on emerging writers and producers. Participating in the pitching session is not only a great way to practice communicating your film idea to others, but provides a great opportunity to introduce yourself and your film idea to the panel who will be selecting the participants for the 2016 South Shorts Mentorship Programme. Producers applying for the mentoring programme may either pitch their own idea at the pitching session, or pitch as a team with a writer. More info about South Shorts here.

Details for the 2015 South Auckland Short Film Workshop

Date: Sat 28 / Sun 29 November, 2015
Time: Saturday 9:15am – 4:00pm, Sunday 10am – 5:00pm
Venue: Manukau School of Visual Arts, 50 Lovegrove Crescent, Otara 2023
Cost: The workshop is free. Morning and afternoon tea will be provided. Please bring a $15 koha to cover lunch for the weekend.
Registration: Spaces are limited so you must register your interest. Please rsvp to Eloise on eloise @ script-to-screen.co.nz or ring the office on 09 360 5400. This workshop is aimed at ages 17+. Participants should be from the South Auckland community or have strong connections there.

SCHEDULE:

Day One – Saturday 28 November

9:15am – 9:30am: Tea/Coffee and Welcome

9:30am – 12:30pm: Screenwriting with writer/director Michael Bennett (Matariki, The Factory)

Learn about the key points of what makes a great story for the screen and then how to go about writing it in a way that will grab the audience.

12:30pm – 1:30pm: Lunch

1:30pm – 3:00pm: Producing with Julia Parnell (Friday Tigers, Dive, Hitch Hike)

Learn about bringing a film to life, from conception to completion – the obstacles and joys you’ll face

3:00-4:30pm: Working with Actors – Rene Naufahu (The Last Saint)

Learn about the relationship between the actor, the director, and the character, and what leads to great performances

Day Two – Sunday 29 November

10am – 12:00pm: Directing with Zia Mandviwalla (Nightshift)

Learn about the director’s role in the film and forming a strong vision for your story

12pm-1pm: Lunch

1pm – 4:30pm: Pitching Session

Participants are invited to pitch their short film idea to the group and a panel of industry mentors. You are welcome to pitch the short film idea you submitted before the workshop, or another idea. The pitch is to be kept to 3 minutes.

Following the workshop, up to six writers and producers will be chosen to participate in our 2016 South Shorts Mentoring Programme. They will be chosen based on their pitch, and a statement about why the mentoring programme is for them. Producers applying for the mentoring programme may either pitch their own idea, or pitch in a team with a writer.

If you have any questions please contact Eloise Veber on 09 360 5400 or at eloise @ script-to-screen.co.nz.

The South Auckland Short Film Workshop returns thanks to the continued support of Auckland Council Creative Communities, Foundation North and the New Zealand Film Commission.

Last weekend, 25 aspiring short filmmakers gathered at Te Whaea for the 2015 Wellington Short Film Workshop. Attendees heard from industry practitioners including directors Sima Urale and Rob Sarkies, producer Vicky Pope and acting coach Brita McVeigh, who shared insights into each part of the filmmaking process, and discussed with attendees what they need to know to make their first short film.

On Sunday afternoon, participants pitched their short film ideas to filmmakers Rob Sarkies and Michelle Savill for discussion and feedback. The winner of the pitching session was Finn Teppett, with his idea DEMOCRACY.

Congratulations to Finn Teppett, and thanks to all the filmmakers who came along and shared their ideas.

This workshop was made possible with support from the Creative Communities Scheme.

Is there a story you would like to tell through film but don’t know where to start?

Script to Screen presents the 2015 Wellington Short Film Workshop – a two-day workshop that will give you everything you need to know to make a short film. Over one weekend, four experienced industry practitioners will guide you through each stage of the filmmaking process – from the initial concept, writing, directing, casting, producing and finally to pitch your idea to collaborators and funders.

The workshop is suitable for those preparing to make their first short film. No experience necessary.

What do I need to bring to the workshop?

Bring along a half-page synopsis describing what your film is about, what happens in the film, and what you want people to feel when they are watching it. You could also include why this story is important to you or why this story needs to be told. Remember to include details like, how long you expect the film to be (short films are usually 5 – 15 mins long), whether it is a comedy or drama etc, and the characters’ names.

On Day 2 of the workshop, participants will be invited to pitch their short film idea to the group in a pitching competition, to a panel of industry mentors. The pitch is to be kept to 5 minutes.

Date: Sat 29 / Sun 30 August, 2015

Time: Saturday 9am – 5pm, Sunday 9am – 5pm

Venue: Drama 1, Te Whaea: National Dance and Drama Centre, 11 Hutchison Rd, Newtown

Cost: The workshop cost is $20 for the weekend – please bring cash on the day. Morning and afternoon tea will be provided. Please bring lunch with you or there are many cafes in the area.

SCHEDULE:

Day One – Saturday 29 August

9am – 9:30am: Tea/Coffee and Introduction

9:30am – 12:30am: Screenwriting

Learn about the key points of storytelling and forming a structure that will grab the audience

12:30pm – 1:30pm: Lunch

1:30pm – 3:00pm: Casting

Learn about the importance casting plays in bringing your film to life

3:00 – 3:30pm: Afternoon tea

3:30 – 5pm: Producing

Learn about the role of the producer in driving the project from conception to completion

Day Two – Sunday 30 August

9am – 12pm: Directing

Learn about the director’s role in the film and forming a strong vision for your story

12pm – 1pm: Lunch

1pm – 4:30pm: Pitching Session

Participants are invited to pitch their short film idea to the group and a panel of industry mentors. The pitch is to be kept to 5 minutes.

If you have any questions please contact Eloise Veber on 09 360 5400 or at rsvp @ script-to-screen.co.nz.

This workshop was made possible with the support of the Creative Communities Scheme.

46 people developing a short film gathered at the St Columba Centre this weekend for Script to Screen’s Auckland Central Short Film Workshop.

The workshop was aimed at all levels of experience, and attracted those with no experience but a passion for storytelling, to those with industry experience or academic knowledge, yet to make their own film.

Participants heard from experienced Auckland industry practitioners including writer Michael Bennett (Matariki, The Confessions of Prisoner T), casting director Mike Dwyer (Ebony Society, Dotty), producer Orlando Stewart (The Dump, Ross and Beth) and director Jackie Van Beek (Uphill, The Inland Road), and came away with the tools needed to make a short film.

On Sunday afternoon, participants had the chance to pitch a short film idea to judges Jackie Van Beek and Michael Bennett. The judges were blown away by the calibre and diversity of the ideas pitched.

“Although we can only have one winner, every one of these ideas has a reason to be told and the filmmakers showed deep connections to the material they are developing. It is wonderful to see such a strong generation of storytellers coming into the industry” Eloise Veber – Script to Screen’s workshop facilitator.

“It’s awesome to bring the short film workshop to central Auckland, with the area’s high concentration of filmmakers and film students. It was next to impossible choosing six finalists from the exciting selection of ideas pitched, and the quality of the ideas truly reflects the passion for short film and the unique strength of the film culture in Tāmaki Makaurau.” Writer/Director Michael Bennett – competition judge.

“I was taken by the strength of ideas being pitched. Some were hilarious, others highly emotional whilst some bravely dealt with extremely confronting topics.” Writer/director Jackie Van Beek – competition judge.

The winner of the pitching competition was Arnette Arapai for her short film idea CICADAS. Arnette will have 6 hours of script development with an industry mentor to work on her short film draft. The finalists of the competition were Chye-Ling Huang, Claire Van Beek, Eryn Wilson, Tania Wolfgramm and Becks Woodall.

Is there a story you would like to tell through film but don’t know where to start?

Do you want the chance to have one-on-one mentoring with an experienced filmmaker?

Script to Screen presents the 2015 Auckland Central Short Film Workshop – a two-day workshop that will give you everything you need to know to make a short film. Over one weekend, four experienced industry practitioners will guide you through each stage of the filmmaking process – from the initial concept, writing, directing, casting, producing and finally to pitch your idea to collaborators and funders. We are looking for new talent with a passion for storytelling, and in interest in learning how to make a short film. One attendee will be chosen for one-on-one mentoring with an experienced filmmaker on their short film script.

What do I need to bring to the workshop?

The synopsis should be half a page, describing what your film is about, what happens in the film, and what you want people to feel when they are watching it. You could also include why this story is important to you or why this story needs to be told. Remember to include details like, how long you expect the film to be (short films are usually 5 – 15 mins long), whether it is a comedy or drama etc, and the characters’ names.

Date: Sat 23 / Sun 24 May, 2015

Time: Saturday 9am – 5pm, Sunday 9am – 5pm

Venue: St Columba Centre, 40 Vermont Street, Ponsonby

Cost: The workshop cost is $20 for the weekend – please bring cash on the day. Morning and afternoon tea will be provided. Please bring lunch with you or there are many cafes in the area.

SCHEDULE:

Day One – Saturday 23 May

9am – 9:30am: Tea/Coffee and Introduction

9:30am – 12:30am: Screenwriting with writer/director Michael Bennett (Matariki, The Factory)

Learn about the key points of storytelling and forming a structure that will grab the audience

12:30pm – 1:30pm: Lunch

1:30pm – 3:00pm: Casting with Mike Dwyer (Ebony Society, Dotty)

Learn about the importance casting plays in bringing your film to life

3:00 – 3:30pm: Afternoon tea

3:30 – 5pm: Producing with Orlando Stewart (The Dump, Ross and Beth)

Learn about the role of the producer in driving the project from conception to completion

Day Two – Sunday 24 May

9am – 12pm: Directing with Jackie Van Beek (Uphill, Go the Dogs)

Learn about the director’s role in the film and forming a strong vision for your story

12pm – 1pm: Lunch

1pm – 4:30pm: Pitching Session

If you have any questions please contact Eloise Veber on 09 360 5400 or at eloise @ script-to-screen.co.nz.

This workshop was made possible with the support of the Creative Communities Scheme.

On the 2^nd and 3^rd of May, 2015, Script to Screen held a weekend long film workshop in South Hokianga around developing story ideas for the screen. The workshop was open to anyone in the community with an interest in film and storytelling, with a special focus on rangatahi. The workshop attracted a mix of adults and young people aged 15-25 yrs old, as well as their teachers.

The group spent the first day with screenwriter Michael Bennett at the Rawene Northtec Campus, learning about the fundamentals of screenwriting and finding the heart of their story. Attendees were encouraged to come with a film idea that they could work on over the weekend. An overnight stay at Tuhirangi Marae in Waima allowed the group to develop a sense of community around a shared interest in filmmaking, and Script to Screen showed a selection of short films. Day Two was a chance for the participants to take a personal or a fictional story and learn how to structure it in a way that would captivate an audience. Each film idea pitch received feedback and advice from the panel including screenwriter Michael Bennett, local filmmaker Susy Pointon, and workshop organiser Eloise Veber.

A key outcome of the workshop was to give four of the youth participants a mentorship to progress their film project.

The judges were blown away by the strength of the film ideas pitched, which told moving personal stories and captured moments of local history including the loss of Te Reo, and the Dog Tax Wars of 1989. Script to Screen is thrilled to offer mentorships to four promising filmmakers. Caylynn Titore (16, Northland College), Qianna Titore (15, Northland College), William Hohepa (17, Northland Colllege), and Francesca Blaikie (17, Okaihau College), will work with industry mentors to develop and make their films this year.

Lahni Sowter of Tuhirangi Marae attended the workshop and was energised by seeing the young people develop their story ideas. “We are natural orators here in the North, and I believe that the medium of filmmaking and visual storytelling will play a vital role in preserving our culture and history, enabling us to keep our korero, our stories, and our reo alive for future generations.”

This workshop was made possible with support from Foundation North.

There’s big difference between writing a screenplay and writing a screenplay that people will read till the last page.

Join us for a one-day screenwriting workshop with experienced NZ screenwriter Nick Ward (Stickmen, Second-Hand Wedding, Outrageous Fortune, The Almighty Johnsons), who has an extensive career in screenwriting, from feature films to television.

In an entertaining in-depth workshop, Nick shares his secrets to writing a screenplay that engages the reader and reads professionally. Come and hear how to inspire producers, avoid the common pitfalls and deal with the tough realities of getting your story to the big screen.

This workshop is suitable for screenwriters of all levels, from beginners to those with experience, and directors and producers are also welcome.

When: Saturday 9 May, 9am – 5pm.

Where: CPIT Broadcasting School, Television Studio – 171 Madras Street, accessible through the car park on the corner of Madras Street and Southwark Street, Christchurch. MAP.

Cost: The workshop is free.

Coffee, tea, biscuits and fruit provided. Please bring your own lunch or buy from one of the cafes nearby.

Registration: Please RSVP to Eloise eloise@script-to-screen.co.nz or 09 360 5400.

This workshop is made possible with support from the Creative Communities Scheme.