“An excellent and mandatory program for Aotearoa’s new wave of storytellers, writers and filmmakers. Opportunities like this to develop, learn, un-learn and grow are very rare in the world. And to share this space with other high-level creatives and mentors/industry experts only elevates our professional standards and work. Big thank you to Script to screen!”
Danny Aumua
FilmUp 2023/24 participant (mentor Catherine Fitzgerald)
The FilmUp Mentorship is professional development programme for filmmakers making feature films. In 2026 it will continue to support and empower eight tenacious and talented feature filmmakers to reach the next stage in their creative careers.
As this is a one-to-one mentorship, it is open to individual filmmakers rather than writing partnerships and/or teams.
Applications are now open for filmmakers who are writers, directors or producers with a feature film project and who can demonstrate that their project and career are at the right stage for mentorship.
FilmUp will run from April to November 2026.
Each successful filmmaker will receive:
Mentorship forms the cornerstone of the FilmUp programme, successful applicants can clearly identify and hold their learning and development needs. Autonomy is fostered from the start of the programme with participants actively involved in the selection of their mentor and additional support.
Since its inception in 2013, FilmUp has gone from strength to strength, with a growing number of alumni who have benefitted and progressed from the programme, including 22 debut feature films being made by alumni following their FilmUp mentorship.
Alumni include Briar March (Dame Valerie Adams: MORE THAN GOLD, Mothers of the Revolution), Chelsea Winstanley (TOITU:Visual Sovereignty,Ka Po, Night Raiders), Desray Armstrong (Kōkā, The Mountain, Bad Behaviour), Florian Habicht (James & Isey, Spookers), Gaysorn Thavat (The Justice of Bunny King), Jake Mahaffy (Reunion, Free in Deed), Nic Gorman (Human Traces), Paula Whetu-Jones (Whina, Waru), Sophie Henderson (Workmates, Baby Done) and Stallone Vaiaoga-Ioasa (Three Wise Cousins, Take Home Pay).
KEY DATES:
APPLICATIONS OPEN: Monday 29th September 2025
Q&A WEBINAR: 6:00 pm, Wednesday 15th October 2025
FilmUp Transcript Please note this has not been edited.
APPLICATIONS CLOSE: 1:00 pm, Monday 10th November 2025
NOTIFICATION OF OUTCOME: Early December
HUB DATES: (Dates subject to change)
HUB 1: Auckland (2 days) – Monday 20th and Tuesday 21st April 2026
HUB 2: Online – Friday 22nd May 2026
HUB 3: Auckland (1 day) TBC – proposed late June/ early July
HUB 4: Online – Friday 28th August 2026
HUB 5: Auckland (2 days) – Thursday 5th and Friday 6th November 2026
APPLY FOR FILMUP:
https://form.jotform.com/Script_to_Screen_NZ/2026-filmup-mentorship-application-
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:
FilmUp is a one-to-one mentorship for individual filmmakers who are working on a feature film or feature documentary. You must be a NZ citizen or permanent resident to apply.
Make sure you read our Top Tips to make your FilmUp application shine while crafting your application. FilmUp top tips to apply 2026
Selection Criteria:
The selection criteria is used by the selection panel to help assess your application and guide their discussion. Listed below in no specific order.
FilmUp is made possible thanks to financial support from the New Zealand Film Commission.
Te Tari Tuhi Kupu a Whakaahua Script to Screen invite applications for two different roles within our organisation.
Opportunities available to work with us include the Programme & Events Manager (Parental Leave Cover) and Programme Facilitator (Contract)
Script to Screen is Aotearoa’s leading organisation dedicated to developing screen culture and NZ’s storytelling talent. We deliver world-class development programmes, labs, and workshops that support emerging and established filmmakers to tell bold and authentic stories.
Programme & Events Manager
PARENTAL LEAVE COVER
October 2025 – December 2026
Fulltime
This role is based in Auckland
The PROGRAMME and EVENT MANAGER is a senior role within STS and BSS. The main focus of the role is the exceptional management of all our programmes and events.
Key responsibilities include co-designing programmes and events with the Script to Screen Executive Director, managing the logistics of all development programmes and events and applying for funding.
The Programme and Events Manager will take a lead across all the STS development programmes and events for STS and BSS.
For role requirements, please refer to the job description pdf below.
PDF Programme & Events Manager Job Description: https://script-to-screen.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Programme-Events-Manager-Parental-Leave_updated.pdf
Apply for Programme & Events Manager Role: https://form.jotform.com/Script_to_Screen_NZ/job-application-pro-events-manager
Deadline: End of Day – Monday 6th October 2025
As this is parental leave position, we are flexible with the start and end dates.
We are very keen to hear from anyone with the relevant skills and experience for this role. Although there is a deadline (Monday 6th October), we will undertake meetings and interviews as and when people get in touch, so the role may be filled prior to the closing date. We therefore encourage early contact.
Please email info@script-to-screen.co.nz to have an initial conversation or use this link to submit an application.
Programme Facilitator
This role may be based outside of Auckland. EOI is open nation wide.
The STS Programme Facilitators are FIXED TERM CONTRACTOR ROLES responsible for hosting and facilitating STS development programmes, workshops and hubs. They will work closely with the STS Executive Director and Programme and Events Manager to ensure all programmes are delivered to the highest standards, meeting the needs of the participants, leaders, STS and our funders.
STS is seeking Expressions of Interest from Screen industry professionals who are interested in contract work.
For role requirements, please refer to the job description pdf below.
PDF Programme Facilitator Job Description: https://script-to-screen.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/STS-Programme-Facilitator-Role.pdf
Submit your EOI: https://form.jotform.com/Script_to_Screen_NZ/EOI-programme-facilitator
Deadline: End of Day – Monday 20th October 2025
About Te Tari Tuhi Kupu a Whakaahua Script to Screen
As the leading screen sector talent development and training organisation in Aotearoa for nearly 20 years, Te Tari Tuhi Kupu a Whakaahua Script to Screen (STS) is dedicated to supporting Aotearoa’s screen storytellers and growing a diverse, inclusive screen industry that reflects our communities.
Our commitment to Te tiriti o Waitangi and Tangata Whenua underpins our kaupapa and organisational mahi. We are guided by teachings and learning within te Ao Māori, incorporating a tikanga Māori lens across our work, while being led by the principles of Manakitanga, Kotahitanga, Tika and Pono.
STS is a not-for-profit charity whose core business is the professional development of screen storytellers (writers, directors, producers). We provide bespoke talent development programmes, mentorships, and professional training programmes that help develop skills and champion voices from across the country.
STS also runs Big Screen Symposium (BSS). Our largest event, this two-day immersive event is focused on bringing the NZ screen industry together to connect, learn and be inspired. A mix of panel discussions, masterclasses, workshops, keynote speeches and industry meetings, this high-level industry conference attracts 400-500 people each year and is funded by all of the key major industry funders and organisations.
Photography by Evie Mackay
“This development lab was a game-changer for my screenplay, allowing me to deeply refine my story while receiving guidance that was specifically tailored to the stage of development I was in. It wasn’t a one-size-fits-all approach, it was a truly immersive and personalized experience that helped me push my script forward.” – Participant 2025
Script to Screen welcomes feature film projects (narrative or documentary) that are ready for an in-depth development process to apply for Story Camp Aotearoa 2026.
Story Camp Aotearoa is a unique stepping stone for any project prior to pitching, funding and production. This development camp, which has tikanga and Māoritanga embeded in its kaupapa, enables screenwriters and their teams to shut out the noise from their usual working environment and life, embarking on a five-day journey of deep story development. The unique location of the camp both informs and protects the wairua of our participants and their stories.
Each film and team is matched with leading industry experts as advisors who are chosen specifically for the needs of the project, and where it is at in its developmental journey. Alongside in-depth story sessions with advisors, Story Camp Aotearoa also includes project-based group workshops; workshopping with actors; industry panel discussions and guest advisors from other artforms.
Alumni films from Story Camp which have since progressed through to production are Human Traces, Cousins, The Justice of Bunny King, There’s No I In Threesome, Juniper, Nude Tuesday, Millie Lies Low, Ms Information and Caterpillar.
Q&A WEBINAR WATCH NOW:
Story Camp Aotearoa Kaupapa
Story Camp Aotearoa is an intensive Feature Film development lab run by Script to Screen. Participants stay onsite in Auckland for the duration of the camp. This unique opportunity provides participants the freedom to switch off from the outside world and be immersed in their project.
Over the course of the camp daily content may include: group work, 3-5 story development sessions per day, time for personal and project reflection, and team meetings.
Sessions can include the following elements:
Shared communal spaces allow for participants to connect at mealtimes and breaks, building new relationships and discovering and advancing their projects together.
Script to Screen alongside our volunteers provide the manaakitanga of the camp, which includes ensuring coffee, food and amenities are provided throughout the course of the camp.
Story Camp is made possible thanks to generous support from Te Tumu Whakaata Toanga New Zealand Film Commission.
📸 Pictured 2025 advisor Miriama McDowell with writer Jamie McCaskill (Hide the Dog). Photo by Evie Mackay
APPLICATIONS CLOSE: 1PM, FRIDAY 21ST MARCH 2025
It has just come to our attention that some of our posts and promotional information regarding Waitaha Screen Development Incubator did not include all the eligibility criteria.
We are very sorry for this and any additional work this may have caused you. As a result, we are extending our deadline until Friday, 21 March, to allow all applicants more time to refine their applications if they want to. Again, we apologise for this technical error.
If you feel you no longer meet the criteria or you are concerned about whether you do, we are available to have a conversation with anyone that wants to. Please contact us on info@script-to-screen.co.nz
Eligibility & Selection Criteria?
This unique development incubator is now open for TV series (scripted or stand-alone documentary) and Feature Film (scripted or documentary) projects in development that are planning to be filmed and produced in Waitaha Canterbury. The purpose of this programme is to support the development of original IP in the region and support creators to progress their project to be equipped for funding and production.
This is an accelerated development programme where up to six projects will be selected to attend a two-day workshop held in Christchurch this May. Teams will then receive mentorship online from experienced industry practitioners to develop their projects. The culmination of this programme is an in-person pitch to an invited audience of project relevant guests in Auckland at the Big Screen Symposium (BSS) 2025. A representative of each team will attend BSS to pitch, further increasing their connections with other creators in the industry by attending all of BSS as a part of this programme.
This collaboration between Script to Screen and Te Puna Matarau will continue to bring attention to the talent and potential within Waitaha and create development opportunities, to strengthen and support screen storytellers, their projects and the future of screen in the region.
Applications open: Thursday 20th February
Applications close: 1pm, Monday 17th MarchApplication Deadline Extended: 1pm, Friday 21st March
Key Dates
This development programme has been designed with momentum and progression in mind. It has been structured in a way to help support teams to gain new information that can be implemented into their work, developed through an online mentorship, and utilized in a unique opportunity to pitch to decision makers within the industry within 2 months.
All teams chosen will need to commit to the dates below and the speed in which this programme will be run.
Programme dates:
Note: All workshop expenses are covered other than any travel for those attending from outside Waitaha.
Submission Requirements:
Feature Film (Scripted or Documentary):
TV Series (Scripted or stand-alone Documentary):
The Waitaha Screen Development Incubator is made possible thanks to funding from the
New Zealand Film Commission, and NZ on Air.
A Script to Screen Programme presented in partnership with Te Puna Matarau.
Image Building: Lincoln Mechanics cnr West Belt and Gerald Street – Image from The Lincoln Project by Kelly Shakespere
This unique development incubator is now open for TV series (scripted or stand-alone documentary) and Feature Film (scripted or documentary) projects in development that are planning to be filmed and produced in Waitaha Canterbury. The purpose of this programme is to support the development of original IP in the region and support creators to progress their project to be equipped for funding and production.
This is an accelerated development programme where up to six projects will be selected to attend a two-day workshop held in Christchurch this May. Teams will then receive mentorship online from experienced industry practitioners to develop their projects. The culmination of this programme is an in-person pitch to an invited audience of project relevant guests in Auckland at the Big Screen Symposium (BSS) 2025. A representative of each team will attend BSS to pitch, further increasing their connections with other creators in the industry by attending all of BSS as a part of this programme.
This collaboration between Script to Screen and Te Puna Matarau will continue to bring attention to the talent and potential within Waitaha and create development opportunities, to strengthen and support screen storytellers, their projects and the future of screen in the region.
Applications open: Thursday 20th February
Applications close: 1pm, Monday 17th MarchApplication Deadline Extended: 1pm, Friday 21st March
Key Dates
This development programme has been designed with momentum and progression in mind. It has been structured in a way to help support teams to gain new information that can be implemented into their work, developed through an online mentorship, and utilized in a unique opportunity to pitch to decision makers within the industry within 2 months.
All teams chosen will need to commit to the dates below and the speed in which this programme will be run.
Programme dates:
Note: All workshop expenses are covered other than any travel for those attending from outside Waitaha.
Eligibility & Selection Criteria:
NB: It has just come to our attention that some of our posts and promotional information regarding Waitaha Screen Development Incubator did not include all the eligibility criteria.
We are very sorry for this and any additional work this may have caused you. As a result, we are extending our deadline until Friday, 21 March, to allow all applicants more time to refine their applications if they want to. Again, we apologise for this technical error.
If you feel you no longer meet the criteria or you are concerned about whether you do, we are available to have a conversation with anyone that wants to. Please contact us on info@script-to-screen.co.nz
Feature Film (Scripted or Documentary):
TV Series (Scripted or stand-alone Documentary):
The Waitaha Screen Development Incubator is made possible thanks to funding from the
New Zealand Film Commission, and NZ on Air.
A Script to Screen Programme presented in partnership with Te Puna Matarau.
Image View: Filmmakers setting up their camera in Pigeon Bay, Banks Peninsula
Image Building: Lincoln Mechanics cnr West Belt and Gerald Street – Image from The Lincoln Project by Kelly Shakespere
After 10 years of support from Foundation North, we are proud to open applications for the 2025 South Shorts Script Mentorship programme. This programme will continue to support new and emerging screenwriters from the South Auckland community* to enhance their screenwriting capabilities. Take the leap and submit your story ideas to be a part of this unique development opportunity. South Shorts will help you develop your story idea/s (short film or web series), write a script, share your unique perspective, and advance your screenwriting career within a supportive framework.
During this six-month mentorship programme (Dates to be confirmed; likely May-September 2025), you will attend a series of Saturday hubs alongside like-minded creatives, be led through focused script development and receive one-on-one feedback under the guidance of writer, and director Briar Grace-Smith (Cousins, Waru). Briar has mentored the past 7 years of South Shorts, and she brings considerable experience and knowledge from her own projects.
The hub days are shaped based on the groups needs and involve script read-throughs, writing exercises, and hearing from guest speakers about their experiences making films. We also look forward this year to adding sessions around pitching ideas, funding, working with actors and further development tasks to the programme as required.
On completion you will leave South Shorts with new skills and tools to develop your work, a great new network of like-minded practitioners, a completed script, and greater confidence in yourself as a screenwriter.
We welcome applications from past participants of the South Shorts programme, who wish to develop a new script idea and are still recognised as new and emerging screenwriters.
This year we will also be accepting video applications to help expand the accessibility of our application process.
Opens: Monday 16th December 2024
Information Webinar: 5 pm – 6 pm Tuesday 11th February 2025
Closes: 1 pm, Monday 3rd March 2025
“The confidence that participating in South Shorts has instilled in me as an emerging filmmaker cannot be understated. Briar and Script to Screen create such a safe space for us to grow as writers at our own pace and to tell stories that otherwise wouldn’t get told in Aotearoa. Whatever is next on my filmmaking journey, I can thank South Shorts for helping to build me as a writer and filmmaker.”
– Claire Patolo, South Shorts 2024 Participant
About you: (Either a written application or video submission outlining the below.)
About your project:
Optional material:
Who is eligible?
Briar Grace-Smith is of Ngā Puhi descent and a writer of short fiction, stage plays and feature films. Her plays include Ngā Pou Wāhine, Purapurawhetū and When Sun and Moon Collide. She is an Arts Foundation Laureate and was recently made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to film, television and theatre. She has worked as a Development Executive for the New Zealand Film Commission and taught ‘Writing for Theatre’ at IIML (2015). Briar is a Sundance alumni and the writer of the feature films The Strength of Water and Fresh Meat. Her television credits include Fishskin Suit, Being Eve, Kaitangata Twitch and the Australian children’s television series, Grace Beside Me (2017). She was a director and co-writer of the short film, Nine of Hearts, and wrote and directed Charm for the feature project Waru (2017). She collaborated with Toi Whakaari, directing Krystal, a short film by Josephine Stewart-Te Whiu. She was the screenwriter and co-director of the feature film Cousins, and is a writer and co-director of Rūrangi, Series 2. Briar was made a member of the Directors branch of the Academy in 2022.
The South Shorts Mentorship Programme is made possible thanks to generous support from Foundation North.
“One of the most important experiences a filmmaker can have before making a film.”
– Matthew J. Saville (2024 participant)
Story Camp Aotearoa is a residential feature film lab run by Script to Screen that cultivates writers and their projects by fostering voice, honing craft, clarifying vision and kaupapa through in-depth story sessions between international and local advisors and the selected filmmakers.
We welcome feature film projects (narrative or documentary) that are ready for an in-depth development process to apply. Selected writers or teams will participate in a rigorous four-day experience designed specifically to meet the development needs of their project.
Alongside in-depth story sessions with advisors Script to Screen will tailor the lab to include exploration opportunities through various approaches like project-based group workshops; directorial vision work, workshopping with actors; and collaborative teamwork and decision-making.
Since its inception Story Camp Aotearoa has been developed and guided expertly by Esther Cahill-Chiaroni. As she has now taken up a role at the NZFC, 2025 will see us take a new direction. Script to Screen Executive Director Dale Corlett will take over the leadership of Story Camp, bringing in various leading industry experts to help in the final development and delivery of the 2025 lab.
All lab advisors are chosen based on the development needs of each selected writer and filmmaking team, these decisions will further influence the shape and structure of the lab in 2025. Past advisors have come from a range of mediums. Refer to our website for more info.
Alumni of Story Camp who have progressed their films into production include Caterpillar (recently receiving NZFC production funding July 2024), Ms. Information, Cousins, The Justice of Bunny King, There Is No I In Threesome, Juniper and Nude Tuesday.
📸 Photo by Evie Mackay
Script to Screen, in partnership with Compton School, is proud to be once again delivering Strength in Numbers. Through this programme, practitioners will develop the tools they need to build a sustainable and profitable business in the screen industry.
Led by Australian screen business expert David Court the programme is delivered through a series of workshops held in Auckland, and online over 7 months. During this time, participants will delve into key aspects of their business, which include decision processes, finance, strategy, and business structures.
Ideal applicants will have a screen industry business (at least three years old) with a slate of projects, be emerging to mid-career, and possess a proven track record demonstrating considerable talent and tenacity in their field. This opportunity is equivalent to a $10,000 investment in your business, and we anticipate up to 8 businesses will be supported.
Past participants of Strength in Numbers have helped shape the screen industry and have become a part of New Zealand’s most loved and successful screen projects, from commercials to feature films.
2024 Application Dates:
Overview
The programme will be delivered in two, two-day intensive workshops and three half-day online sessions from November 2024 to May 2025. The programme comprises of a mix of instruction, interactive discussion, case studies, guest speakers, peer feedback and a personal one-on-one session with David Court.
Curriculum
Dates of delivery:
Applicants need to be available for all dates of the programme.
Travel and accommodation costs for participants who live outside Auckland will be covered as part of the programme.
Please read the application requirements before you apply.
Strength in Numbers is run by Script to Screen in partnership with Compton School.
Strength in Numbers is possible thanks to generous support from Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga the New Zealand Film Commission.
Kotahi kapua ki te rangi he marangai ki te whenua *
one cloud from the heavens brings rain to the land nā tauira o Te Ataarangi
Script to Screen, in collaboration with Compton School, is excited to offer a new innovative mentorship programme that will continue to nourish the screen sector in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Rainmakers Aotearoa will harness the knowledge of a generation of exceptional individuals and through a co-designed approach, enable the transferring of this knowledge to the next generation of screen sector changemakers. This knowledge and experience is critical information that is not typically written down or taught at universities.
Research shows that mentoring delivers highly effective learning and outcomes. The best mentors ‘raise all boats’, increasing the output and creativity of everyone around them. Which is why we are proud to offer this opportunity to screen industry professionals in Aotearoa.
Mentee candidates can be from above or below the line or from across the value chain of content production, for example but not limited to producers, filmmakers, actors, heads of department, post-production supervisors, agents, lawyers, insurers, accountants and film agency executives and many others.
This NZ/Australian programme will see participants collaborating with their screen professionals’ counterparts from both countries. The programme will be led by David Court of Compton School, Australia’s first dedicated business school for creative people. It will be a mix of one-to-one mentoring, in-person seminars and online business clinics.
NZ participants will attend an in-person seminar in Melbourne during MIFF 2025 and a final in-person seminar in Auckland in November 2025 to which participants in the Australian version of Rainmakers will be invited.
An associated podcast series Rainmakers will also be produced interviewing leading screen professionals, who may be mentors in this programme and will be publicly available.
Key dates:
Please read the programme overview and application requirements before you apply.
Rainmaker Aotearoa is run by Script to Screen in partnership with Compton School.
Rainmaker Aotearoa is possible thanks to generous support from the Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga New Zealand Film Commission.
* This sentence is from a waiata composed by early members if Te Ataarangi in honour of Kāterina Mataira and the kaupapa of Te Ataarangi. It describes how a single person or kaupapa (kotahi kapua) can have great impact, just like one lifegiving rain shower on the parched land.
Script to Screen, in partnership with Film Otago Southland, launches an exciting new development opportunity called Southern Pilots, for Otago and Southland based screen creators.
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
Eligibility:
Selection:
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.
Please contact the team at Script to Screen, for any further questions. info@script-to-screen.co.nz
This development programme is possible thanks to funding from the New Zealand Film Commission.
