Hear from some of the key creatives of TVNZ smash hit, After the Party, a series many are calling the best new Kiwi offering in years.
Story creators Robyn Malcolm and Dianne Taylor and producer/director Peter Salmon come together to talk about their collaborative process, from the very earliest story conversations to the writing, all stages of production, and publicity.
Peter, Dianne and Robyn will discuss some of their learnings and how they managed challenges that inevitably arose along the way. With dynamic, talented speakers like these, this promises to be an interesting and stimulating conversation.
There are limited seats, book early, don’t miss out!
When: Tuesday 23rd April, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Arrive from 6:00 PM for a 6.30 start
Where: The Spinoff
1/615 New North Road, Morningside
(entrance is off Western Springs Road)
Please get in touch if you have any accessibility requirements.
Cost: General Admission $5.00 (Plus. GST+BF) via Humanitix.
Please be sure to arrive with plenty of time to be seated for a 6:30 prompt start.
Allow time to find a park. There are bus and train stops close to the venue.
ABOUT ROBYN MALCOLM:
Robyn Malcolm, a celebrated multi Award winning New Zealand actress is renowned for her iconic portrayal of Cheryl West in Outrageous Fortune. She is currently engaged in filming the feature Pike alongside Melanie Lynskey and features in TVNZ/ITV’s After the Party, which she co-created and stars in alongside Peter Mullan. Her diverse screen presence extends to Warner Bros/Discovery’s Far North with Temuera Morrison, Apple TV’s Black Bird with Taron Egerton and the late Ray Liotta. Notably, she has made significant contributions to Australian television through appearances in series such as Rake, Upper Middle Bogan, Wanted, and Harrow, and has graced notable films like Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, The Lovely Bones, and Jane Campion’s Top of the Lake.
ABOUT DIANNE TAYLOR:
Dianne’s latest project is the six-part t.v drama, After The Party, (dir. Peter Salmon) which she created in collaboration with lead actor, Robyn Malcolm. It screened on TVNZ in late 2023 and is available to view on TVNZ+. Her previous work includes the feature film, Beyond The Known World, (dir. Pan Nalin) which was filmed in India and released in New Zealand in April 2016. Her first film, Apron Strings, 2008 (dir. Sima Urale co-writer, Shuchi Kothari) opened the NZ International Film Festival and screened in numerous film festivals around the world, including Toronto. Dianne also works as a script advisor and has mentored writers in the Show Me Shorts and Fresh Shorts development programmes. In 2023 she was invited to tutor at the FilmNomad Screenwriting Workshop in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
ABOUT PETER SALMON:
Peter Salmon is an award-winning director and producer working extensively in Australia and New Zealand. A co-founder of Auckland production company Luminous Beast, he co-created and directed the Sky Originals series INSiDE, winner of the 2021 International Emmy for Short-Form Series. His other directing credits include ABC’s Rake, Harrow for Hulu and ABC, Halifax: Retribution for the Nine Network, the CBBC/Seven Network/TVNZ co-production Mystic; the ABC’s The Beautiful Lie, starring Sarah Snook, the award-winning Nowhere Boys, Offspring for Network Ten, and Wanted for Matchbox Pictures and Netflix, for which he won the New Zealand TV Award for Best Director.
Peter produced and directed the acclaimed NZ drama After The Party and has recently completed directing Madam, starring Rachel Griffiths and Martin Henderson.
This TALK is made possible thanks to the support from the New Zealand Film Commission, Images and Sound, White Studios and The Spinoff.
Narrative Design is the process of understanding story as a system. This understanding allows storytellers to better connect to both play and interactivity, for games, XR and live choice-driven experiences. It also gives a look “under the hood” at how story functions on a meta and micro structural level, which can help linear storytelling move away from rigid conventions.
This practical workshop will introduce three validated processes of narrative design that can be used across a wide range of media.
The high concept formula can be used to break down any story into its important elements, regardless of source media.
Narrative design patterns are a way of understanding how the story unfolds over time, detailing the dramatic relationships between the different elements.
Designing valuable choices requires its own process. Not all choices are created equal, and while choices can be created for aesthetic reasons, their story value to the audience should still be understood.
These result in clear and simple diagrams that can be used to clarify ideas, facilitate discussion and communicate to stakeholders.
Participants will work on their own laptops using the online collaboration tool, Miro – now a standard for the industry – and take a new idea from inspiration to a short choice-driven narrative design.
Alexander Swords works in writing, narrative design, and narrative direction for video games, XR and live interactive experiences. The workshop is based on the Forest Paths Method which is now used by studios and educators to develop and teach narrative design around the world.
Who is it for: Anyone 17+, any skill level.
When: Wednesday 3rd April, 10am – 4pm
Where: Yoobee College of Creative Innovation – Auckland City Road Campus
Level 4/3 City Road, Grafton, Auckland 1010
Please get in touch with us if you require special assistance with the venue.
Cost: General Admission $125 (incl. GST+BF) via Humanitix.
What to bring: Laptop (not provided), water bottle and lunch. Snacks, tea and coffee will be provided. 1hr lunch break – countdown and cafes within walking distance.
Parking: Allow adequate time to find a public park; using public transport is recommended.
Alexander Swords is a writer, narrative designer and director in video games and interactive experiences. He’s also the creator of the Forest Paths Method for Narrative Design, a player-first approach to understanding story in an approachable and collaborative way, used internationally by developers and educators. Advising government, arts organisations, and educators, he’s an advocate for diverse stories and their writers, and is currently teaching at the National Institute for the Dramatic Arts (NIDA), a resident practitioner at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image, and on the Interactive and AI Committees for the Australian Writers’ Guild.
Script to Screen thanks Yoobee College of Creative Innovation for providing the venue on their city campus.
8 March, 2024
Script to Screen Announces Departure of Executive Director Jackie Dennis
After seven years of dedicated service to Script to Screen, Executive Director Jackie Dennis has announced her decision to resign from full-time work. She will remain in the role for three months to ensure a smooth transition as the organisation seeks a new Executive Director.
The Board of Script to Screen has commenced the recruitment process. They remain committed to Script to Screen’s ongoing success in developing the craft and culture of storytelling for the screen and are grateful for Jackie’s significant contributions to its growth under her leadership.
During her tenure Jackie made meaningful contributions, including founding the Script Development Service, partnering on the annual Kōpere Hou Fresh Shorts program with New Zealand Film Commission, launching Awhi peer-to-peer support for alumni during COVID-19 lockdown, overseeing the creation of a free online short film and web series tutorial, and collaborating on development programs in the South Island with Te Puna Matarau and Film Otago Southland.
She also managed Script to Screen taking full ownership of the Big Screen Symposium, and kept the two-day event a vibrant, much-loved gathering of screen creatives despite pandemic challenges.
According to Michael Harper, Chair of the Board of Script to Screen “Jackie has made an incredible contribution to Script to Screen. She has steered our organisation through the significant challenges of recent years with grace, humour, passion and great wisdom. On behalf of all of the current and former trustees and staff of Script to Screen, I want to thank Jackie for all of her hard work. She has achieved much during her 7 years, and we are very sad to say goodbye.”
Reflecting on her time, Jackie said, “It has been an absolute pleasure being part of such a talented creative community. I am proud of our shared accomplishments and will always cherish the memories from my time here. I hope to continue contributing in some way to a vibrant screen industry.”
For further information, please contact the recruitment committee via info@script-to-screen.co.nz
To apply for the position, please follow this link:
Script to Screen is delighted to award the creators of eight projects intensive development time at Story Camp Aotearoa 2024. Story Camp is a residential feature film development lab that fosters craft, voice and vision, with a programme designed to meet the development needs of each writer and project. Over the week, the participating writers and their collaborators workshop their feature film projects with exceptional local and international advisors.
This year, Script to Screen received 66 applications. Three experienced independent practitioners underwent a rigorous marking process, compiling a shortlist of 17 and ultimately selecting the eight projects to be developed at Story Camp in May.
The selectors were intrigued, moved, surprised, and made to laugh by the stories submitted and said it was a privilege to enter the writers’ worlds and walk in their characters’ shoes. We thank and value all the filmmakers who took the time to apply for this opportunity.
Script to Screen is excited by the depth and breadth of the work selected and looks forward to supporting the filmmakers to take their work further.
Congratulations to the filmmakers whose feature film projects will be developed at Story Camp Aotearoa 2024:
(Teams pictured from left to right)
READ MORE ABOUT THE TEAMS HERE
Story Camp is made possible thanks to funding from the New Zealand Film Commission.
Eligibility Criteria
Q: Where can we seek external (objective) advice on whether we are emerging or mid-career filmmakers?
A: As this programme is funded by NZFC, we are using their career level descriptions. You can contact info@script-to-screen.co.nz to seek more nuanced advice.
Q: Does living in central Otago count?
A: You must have your current permanent residence in either Otago or Southland to take part in Southern Pilots.
Q: Do you have to have a director attached? Can it be Writer / Producer duo?
A: The team does not have to have a director attached, it can be a Writer and Producer duo.
Q: Do you have to have a producer attached? Can it be Writer / Director duo?
A: The team must have a producer attached.
Q: Does the cultural consultant need to be based in the area?
A: Only the key team members Producer, Writer and Director need to be based in the Otago Southland Region. The cultural consultant does not need to be based in the area, but if there is a suitable consultant in the region it would be good to use them.
Q: We are working on a series that must be shot in Dunedin but only 1 of the team is Otago based, the others Wellington / Auckland but no longer live in the city. Does that mean we are not eligible for this initiative?
A: Correct, the Wellington / Auckland team members are not living in Otago or Southland right now, so this teams project would not be eligible. A priority of the programme is to foster and develop local talent living in Otago or Southland.
Q: Does the project need to be set / shot in Otago and/or Southland?
A: No, but preference will be given to projects either set in Otago and/or Southland or will be shot in Otago and/or Southland.
Project Content/Duration
Q: Is a one-hour drama suitable?
A: There is no minimum or maximum duration for the Southern Pilots projects, but duration should suit the experience level of the team and meet the requirements of the intended platform.
Q: The application called for 5-10 pages of sample script. Can a full episode be given?
A: The selectors will only be reading 5 pages for a series 30mins or less, and 10 pages for series greater than 30mins.
Q: Are there any genres that are a focus for this initiative, e.g. comedy, horror, etc.
A: All genres will be considered.
Q: Are selectors looking for any specific content? E.g. highlighting rural NZ issues, as an example. Or is it anything goes?
A: The selectors have no preconceived ideas about what they want. They will be looking for the best ideas. Preference will be given to projects that are set in Otago and/or Southland or will be shot in Otago and/or Southland.
Q: Are there any objections to target audience type with content containing drug use/nudity/expletives
A: No, as long as it is suitable for, and can be found by the proposed audience.
Q: Will animated series be considered?
A: Yes, animated series will be considered. Information about where the animation would take place will be an important part of an application for animated series.
Other Questions
Q: If a story isn’t ready for this year, is Southern Pilots likely to be a regular event?
A: Southern Pilots is reliant on funding. We cannot know, at this time, if we will successfully achieve funding in the future, but we would like to run the programme again. Please join our mailing list to receive notifications of future announcements.
Q: Does the team of Writer, Director, need to contracted to the Producer?
A: We highly recommend the IP holder has a Letter of Understanding or a Development Agreement in place with each member of the team if the team do not hold the IP jointly. Please read the NZWG’s Best Practice Guide, in particular the Tools For A Strong Start.
Linked below:
https://www.nzwg.org.nz/bestpracticeguide
https://www.nzwg.org.nz/_files/ugd/1b9b4a_0f56f12d50a24898b2a492bd68beeef1.pdf
Q: Submitting your documents. What to Submit?
A: You must attach one document (no more than 10 pages) as a PDF answering all questions 1-9. Your script sample of 5-10 pages must be uploaded and attached as a separate PDF.
Three Canadian guests with diverse backgrounds and experiences will discuss international co-productions and industry trends in Canada. The shared concerns, values, and history of New Zealand and Canada make them an ideal country to partner with and partnering is a great way to fully finance your projects.
Fraser Ash has worked with renowned creatives on complex film and TV productions, Alain Strati has industry knowledge from his policy and government relations work at the Canadian Media Producers Association, and Paula Devonshire, a member of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte First Nation, brings unique values from her work in the Canadian screen industry.
Come along to this special occasion to get valuable insights about working with Canadians.
Entertainment Lawyer Sarah Cull will moderate the discussion.
The talk is a collaboration with WIFT and the speakers are in New Zealand thanks to support from Ontario Creates, Telefilm Canada, Canadian Heritage, the Canadian Media Producers Association, the Indigenous Screen Office, the New Zealand Film Commission, NZ On Air, Te Māngai Pāho and Screen Wellington. They are attending the WIFT New Zealand / Canada Co-Production Summit.
SPEAKERS PICTURED LEFT TO RIGHT ARE PAULA DEVONSHIRE, FRASER ASH AND ALAIN STRATI
Monday 18th March 2024
6:30 – 7:30pm – TALK
7:30 – 8:30pm – optional socializing
After the TALK Script to Screen will provide pizza, and it’s buy your own drinks.
Te Auaha NZ Institute of Creativity, 65 Dixon St, Te Aro, Wellington
After the TALK, stay and have pizza on Script to Screen. There will be a cash bar and socialising with fellow filmmakers.
$5.75 + GST and Booking Fee for sales via Humanitix to secure your seat
This Script to Screen TALKS is made possible thanks to the New Zealand Film Commission, White Studios and WIFT.
MODERATOR SARAH CULL
Entertainment Lawyer
Sarah is an entertainment lawyer with over 20 years experience in the film and television industry. Clients include producers, government funders, private financiers, post-production facilities, directors, writers, distributors, animation studios.
Based in Wellington, New Zealand, Sarah provides a wide range of legal services in relation to the development, production, distribution and exploitation of film, TV and online productions. She also gives advice on New Zealand’s screen incentives and co-productions.
Prior to setting up her legal practice, Sarah was Head of Business Affairs at the New Zealand Film Commission for five years. During her time at the New Zealand Film Commission Sarah managed New Zealand’s screen incentive programs for film and television. She was instrumental in setting up the first set of criteria for New Zealand’s domestic incentive program. Sarah has also worked as an in-house production lawyer for film and television companies and has served on the board of Film New Zealand.
Sarah is a member of WIFT and is passionate about great films and TV, dogs and yoga.
ABOUT PAULA DEVONSHIRE
Producer/CEO, Devonshire Productions Inc.
www.devonshireinc.com
A graduate of U of T, Paula has attended the prestigious Canadian Film Centre, Trans-Atlantic Partners and was the first Canadian to participate in the Inside Pictures Producer Program in London, UK. Paula is a member of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte First Nation.
As a feature producer she has worked with acclaimed filmmakers such as Neil Jordan, Atom Egoyan, George Romero, Robert Lantos and Alex Kurtzman.
Paula’s feature film credits include: GEORGE ROMERO’S DIARY OF THE DEAD and SURVIVAL OF THE DEAD, the GINGER SNAPS sequel and prequel, REAL TIME, THE RIGHT KIND OF WRONG, WET BUM, REMEMBER starring the legendary Christopher Plummer, INDIAN HORSE, GRETA, starring Isabel Huppert, RUN WOMAN RUN, and STELLAR and will be in production on BLOOD LINES in fall 2024.
Paula has produced on TV series such as CLARICE, VIKINGS, PEOPLE OF EARTH JOHN GRISHAM’S THE FIRM.
Paula is currently co-writing with Oscar nominated Greelandic director Pipaluk Jorgensen on THIS ROAD OF MINE. Devonshire has also created several TV pilots in development with various broadcasters and partners.
Most recent films – 2023 STELLAR – producer (feature), 2021 CLARICE – producer (TV Series), 2020 RUN WOMAN RUN – producer (Feature), 2019 SHORT TREKS (STAR TREK) – Producer (TV series), 2018 INDIAN HORSE – producer (feature)
ABOUT FRASER ASH
Producer, Rhombus Media
www.rhombusmedia.com
Fraser Ash is a producer of feature films, television series, and documentaries. In September 2019, he was a joint recipient of the Canadian Media Producers’ Association (CMPA) Kevin Tierney Award for Emerging Producers. Feature film credits include BLACKBERRY (2023), directed by Matt Johnson; SEVEN VEILS (2023), directed by Atom Egoyan; POSSESSOR (2020), directed by Brandon Cronenberg; DISAPPEARANCE AT CLIFTON HILL (2019), directed by Albert Shin; INTO THE FOREST (2015) directed by Patricia Rozema; and ENEMY (2013), directed by Denis Villeneuve. Fraser was supervising producer for the documentary feature films THE DEVIL’S HORN (2016) and OUR MAN IN TEHRAN (2013), both directed by Larry Weinstein. For television, Fraser is co-executive producer of the upcoming HBO series THE SYMPATHIZER (Spring 2024), starring Robert Downey Jr. and Sandra Oh. The series is directed by Park Chan-wook, Fernando Meirelles and Marc Munden. Fraser was co-executive producer of the BBC/CBC dramatic series THE NORTH WATER (2021), directed by Andrew Haigh; co-producer of the CBC comedy series MICHAEL: EVERY DAY (2017); and co-producer of the series SENSITIVE SKIN (2014-2016). Fraser is a graduate of Queen’s University where he studied philosophy and film studies, spending his third year at the University of Edinburgh. In 2013, Fraser obtained the Osgoode Certificate in Entertainment Law.
Most recent films – The Sympathizer – Co-Executive Producer (post-production, 2024) // BlackBerry (2023) – Producer // Seven Veils (2023) – Producer // The North Water (2021) – Co-Executive Producer // Possessor (2020) – Producer
ABOUT ALAIN STRATI
Senior Vice President, Industry, Policy and General Counsel at the Canadian Media Producers Association
https://cmpa.ca/
Representing the interests of independent producers working in Canada’s vibrant media industry, Alain oversees all day-to-day legal, industry, legislative, regulatory and public policy files at the CMPA.
A member of the CMPA’s executive leadership team, Alain provides strategic and legal advice to the President and CEO and CMPA leadership on all policy matters relating to the independent production industry, including business affairs, copyright, Terms of Trade and more. Alain leads and manages the Policy and Government Relations departments, and advocates on behalf of the CMPA and its members before federal and provincial governments on policies that affect the industry.
Alain is fluently bilingual, and has built extensive knowledge and experience in the media industry while working at the country’s largest media companies. Prior to joining the CMPA, Alain held the position of Assistant General Counsel, Regulatory Affairs at Bell, where he worked on a variety of files related to the Canadian broadcasting system. He also previously held positions as Vice President, Business & Regulatory Affairs, and Vice President, OMNI, Specialty TV & Development at Rogers Media.
Having volunteered as a coach and club administrator, Alain is now Vice-President of the board of the Toronto Soccer Association. He is also a board member at Accessible Media Inc., a not-for-profit media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians who are blind or partially sighted.
Alain holds a Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Civil Law and Bachelor of Arts in Economics from McGill University. He is a member of the Law Society of Ontario, called to the bar in 1996.
If you are a new or emerging filmmaker with a connection to South Auckland, don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to advance your screenwriting abilities in 2024.
During this six-month mentorship programme, successful applicants attend a series of one-day hubs and are led through focused script development under the guidance of Briar Grace-Smith. Briar brings considerable experience and knowledge to the room for group mentorship, and each participant also gets one-on-one feedback. The hub days involve script read-throughs, writing exercises, and hearing from guest speakers about their experiences making films. On completion of the programme, you will leave with new skills and tools to develop your work, a great new network of like-minded practitioners, and a completed short film script.
This initiative is intended for people who live in South Auckland or are connected to the South Auckland community – maybe you grew up there, have whānau there, or feel connected to the community in some other way. This opportunity will help you to develop your story, share your unique perspective, and develop your career as a screenwriter within a supportive framework.
Opens: Wednesday 7th February 2024
Closes: 1:00 PM Monday 25th March 2024
Notification of outcome: Early May 2024
“South Shorts has helped me with overcoming writers block and given me the confidence to present my ideas in a safe creative space. The connections I have made throughout the hubs are life changing and extremely valuable for my career moving forward. I would highly recommend these workshops to any filmmaker out there looking to develop their ideas and build connections with fellow likeminded creatives.”
– Kaitiaki Rodger, South Shorts 2023 Participant
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12 teams and their projects have been shortlisted for Kōpere Hou Fresh Shorts and they have all accepted their invitation to apply for Whiringa Tuarua – Stage Two. Script to Screen and Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga New Zealand Film Commission thank all the filmmakers who applied for Whiringa Tuatahi – Stage One.
As part of overall budget cuts, NZFC funding for short films has been reduced. You can read more about this in the NZFC December newsletter.
Subsequently, Kōpere Hou Fresh Shorts 2023/24, has shortlisted 12 projects and 3 films will go on to be funded. The development process for the funded teams will remain the same, with a two-day workshop in June and follow-up mentorship as they work towards production.
The shortlisting was a rigorous and scrutable process. “Each application was read by 3 assessors, and they considered the story, the director’s vision and the team’s ability to complete the film. The assessors took it very seriously and long discussions were had to arrive at these 12 projects. Sadly, many excellent and worthy projects did not get through” says Jackie Dennis Executive Director of Script to Screen.
The genres of the shortlisted projects range across comedy, drama, thriller, horror, historical and neo-noir and include live action and animation. The teams hail from Canterbury, Wellington, Bay of Plenty and Auckland. Three of the projects are re-submissions from previous years.
We now have great pleasure in announcing the projects and teams shortlisted for Whiringa Tuarua – Stage Two of Kōpere Hou – Fresh Shorts 2023/24.
Congratulations to:
Image: Lea Tupu’anga/Mother Tongue Photo by Ralph Brown – © Run Charlie Films
Script to Screen and Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga New Zealand Film Commission
work in partnership to deliver the Kōpere Hou – Fresh Shorts programme.
Film Otago Southland and Script to Screen are excited to announce a new regional scripted TV series development programme for Otago and Southland-based filmmakers which will be taking place in 2024.
SOUTHERN PILOTS will take three teams through a development and mentoring programme to create a series bible and pitch deck for digital platforms. The selected teams will receive structured tuition and individual mentoring. At the completion of the programme, these projects will be pitched to industry stakeholders to attract series production funding.
Through Southern Pilots we aim to help creatives from Otago and Southland to generate IP aimed at local and international audiences. This will, in turn, increase activity in both regions, foster a strong creative network of film practitioners and provide a platform for our talented and dedicated local filmmakers to thrive.
This mahi has been made possible thanks to funding from the New Zealand Film Commission.
More details to come in early 2024.
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This year marks the eleventh year of the FilmUp mentorship programme, and we are delighted to announce the 2023/24 participants who will join this growing community.
Script to Screen engaged three external selectors to read all of the applications. They selected 8 exceptional participants with a project in development. The selected participants listed below will be matched with a mentor to help develop their project. During the six-month programme the group will also participate in a series of three FilmUp Hubs that include round tables, group workshops, and guest speakers.
There was an outstanding range of applications for the 2024 programme, and the final selection was a challenging process for our selectors. We congratulate this year’s participants and would like to thank all the filmmakers who applied.
The 8 filmmakers selected for FilmUp 2024:
(Pictured left to right above)
FilmUp is made possible thanks to funding from The New Zealand Film Commission
