Script to Screen with the support of Screen Rights present a new script development pathway for Deaf, Disabled and Neurodivergent (DDN) screen storytellers in Aotearoa
Have a story you want to tell on screen? Want to strengthen your screenwriting craft, develop your ideas and better understand how to take your work forward in the screen industry?
Control + Alt = Script (CAS) is a new development initiative from Script to Screen designed specifically for Deaf, Disabled and Neurodivergent creatives.
The programme recognises that Deaf, Disabled and Neurodivergent storytellers bring perspectives, experiences and ways of seeing the world that can enrich the stories we see on screen. At the same time, barriers to accessing training, development opportunities and industry pathways mean these voices remain significantly underrepresented in the Aotearoa screen sector.
A DDN-centred approach to screenwriting
CAS offers an opportunity to explore story and screenwriting craft and develop a short-form screen story with the ambition of seeing it produced. By placing Deaf, Disabled and Neurodivergent creatives at the centre of the learning environment, the programme approaches disability and neurodivergence as a creative lens, recognising that different experiences, perspectives, modes of communication and ways of processing the world can shape how stories are conceived and told.
Participants will engage with the craft and industry conventions of screenwriting while also creating space to question them:
What does the story need?
What does the writer intend?
How can that intention be communicated effectively to an audience and to the collaborators who may help bring the story to the screen?
The aim is not to prescribe one way of writing, but to give participants greater control over their creative choices, explore alternative approaches where established conventions may not serve the story or the writer, and develop the craft, language and tools to translate their intentions into a script that can move towards the screen.
Join award-winning filmmaker and author Michael Bennett (Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāti Hinerangi) for a practical and engaging workshop that puts your storytelling through its paces.
Whether you’re new to screenwriting or have more experience, Stage One starts with a short-form story at an early stage of development. Drawing on short films, music videos and excerpts from feature films, Michael will explore some of the fundamental elements that make stories work on screen, with opportunities to apply them to your own idea.
You’ll explore:
You don’t need to arrive with a finished screenplay or polished project. The workshop is an opportunity to explore, test and shape an idea you want to see on screen, and consider how different storytelling choices might strengthen it.
By the end of the day, Michael’s goal is for you to have a stronger understanding of the storytelling tools available to you and a practical toolkit you can continue applying to your own work. You’ll also have developed your short film idea towards a clear one-paragraph synopsis, giving you the option to apply for the two-day Stage Two development workshop in November.
Wellington: Saturday 26 September 2026, 9am – 4pm
Auckland: Sunday 27 September 2026, 9am – 4pm
The foundation workshop is designed for Deaf, Disabled and Neurodivergent creatives who:
You do not need a completed screenplay, professional screenwriting credits or a polished pitch to apply.
Your project can be at an early stage. We want to understand the story you are interested in telling, why you want to tell it and where you would like your screenwriting to take you.
Registrations Open: NOW
Registration Closes: Friday 18 September 3:00pm
Following the foundation workshops, participants who want to take their project further will have the opportunity to apply for an intensive two-day development workshop. A smaller group will be selected based on the readiness of both the writer and their project, and what they hope to achieve through this next stage.
Stage Two is for writers and projects ready for a deeper level of development. Participants will interrogate and strengthen their story, explore how their creative intentions translate to the page, and develop their work with greater attention to the expectations of collaborators, funders and the wider screen industry.
Led by international story developer, Nicole Dade, this intensive will explore premise, theme, storyworld, character, form, conflict, dramatic engine, how to connect with your audience, cinematic storytelling, and rewriting. The intensive recognises that Deaf, Disabled and Neurodivergent storytelling may explore and expand beyond ‘conventional’ approaches to screenwriting craft.
Selection for Stage Two seeks applicants who can identify clear and achievable next steps for their project, such as developing their idea towards a short film funding opportunity, working with collaborators, or moving the project towards production.
Auckland: Saturday & Sunday 7-8 November 2026 9:00am – 4:00pm
Applications Open: 2 October 9:00am
Applications Close: 16 October 4:oopm
Following the intensive, Stage Two participants will have time to apply their learnings and work towards a specific development goal. They will then submit relevant material before taking part in a dedicated feedback session with a script advisor, focused on that goal.
This final stage provides an opportunity to receive focused feedback, reflect on how the project has developed, and consider the next steps for moving the work forward.
Michael Bennett
Michael Bennett (Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Whakaue) is an award-winning screenwriter, filmmaker and author whose work has screened internationally at festivals including Cannes, Toronto, Berlin and Locarno. He is the recipient of the 2020 Te Aupounamu Māori Screen Excellence Award, recognising excellence in Māori filmmaking.
Michael’s recent screen work includes co-creating, writing and executive producing the New Zealand-Irish crime series The Gone, now spanning two seasons. He is currently adapting his acclaimed crime novel Better the Blood for television. His extensive television career includes creating and writing Vegas, and writing and directing Beyond the Veil. His feature drama In Dark Places, based on the wrongful conviction of Teina Pora, received a record 11 NZ Television Awards nominations, winning Best Feature Drama and Best Director.
Nicole Dade
Nicole Dade is a highly regarded story developer, writer and script producer whose work connects stories with global audiences.
Her recent production credits include script producer on Barrumbi Kids (SBS/NITV), and associate producer and script editor on Leah Purcell’s feature film The Drover’s Wife: The Legend of Molly Johnson. She is also Development Producer for Oombarra Productions. Through her international consultancy and training company, Dept. of Stories, Nicole designs and delivers talent and story development programmes for filmmakers and storytellers of diverse experiences. She created Elements of Story, her own story methodology to break free of outdated ‘rules’ and jargon.
As a senior funding executive, Nicole developed a significant slate of projects at Screen Australia from early stage to production.
Felicity Hamill
Felicity Hamill is a freelance performer and crew member based in Te Whanganui-a-Tara with over 20 years’ experience crossing multiple departments on both local and international screen productions. Passionate about removing barriers to the arts, in 2023 Felicity was selected as one of three from Aotearoa to complete the Bridge 06 UK Access Coordinator Training programme in Sydney,Australia; with support from the New Zealand Film Commission and Screen Australia.
As an Access Coordinator, Felicity supports productions to implement an access first approach across the entire arc of a project, reflecting real life diversity on our screens, within our crews and in our audiences.
“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
KEY DATES:
Applications open: Wednesday 12th August 2026
Applications close: 1 PM, Monday 21st September 2026
The residential development lab will take place from: Monday 15th – Friday 19th March 2027.
Travel costs for participants who live outside Auckland will be covered as part of the programme.
Script to Screen reserves the right to amend these dates should it be necessary.
Shortlist Notified: End of October
Announcement: Early December
Team Zoom Meetings: 1-7 December TBC
ABOUT STORY CAMP:
Story Camp Aotearoa is an intensive residential feature film development lab that fosters craft, voice and vision. Selected screenwriters and creative teams deepen their understanding of the needs of their script and project through one-to-one bespoke sessions with exceptional international and local advisors. A rigorous five-day lab it is designed to specifically meet the development needs of their feature film project.
This development camp, which has tikanga and Māoritanga embed 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.
The tailored developmental approach of Story Camp Aotearoa also includes project-based group workshops; workshopping with actors; industry panel discussions and guest advisors from other artforms.
Each film and team are matched with advisors who are chosen specifically for the needs of the project, and where it is at in its developmental journey.
Post-camp, all teams will:
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 as soon as possible so we can help. info@script-to-screen.co.nz
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Eligibility:
(Please contact Script to Screen if you are developing a co-pro prior to applying)
Provide the following via this form:
https://form.jotform.com/Story-Camp-Aotearoa-2027
Upload
Please ensure ALL uploaded attachments are page-numbered and include a header with the applicant’s name and the project title.
Please provide one submission PDF document (no more than 10 pages) with the following:
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 $35. If this is a barrier to you applying, please get in touch with us.
Please make your payment by midnight on Monday 21st September 2026.
Account Name: Script to Screen Te Tari Kupu A Whakaahua
Account Number: 03 0255 0178775 00
Reference: StoryCamp – Applicant Name
Amount: $35
APPLY HERE:
Please apply via our online form: https://form.jotform.com/Story-Camp-Aotearoa-2027
*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 from Article 1 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Story Camp 2027 is a Script to Screen initiative made possible by funding from The New Zealand Film Commission.
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.