Script to Screen in association with Foundation North presents a 1-day adult workshop covering scriptwriting for screen in Whangārei. We look forward to facilitating the opportunity for local Northland screen story tellers to work with renowned writer, director and author, Michael Bennett (The Gone, In Dark Places), after a successful Kerikeri workshop last year.
The morning will be spent delving into character, story structure, key moments and writing fundamentals and then in the afternoon you will develop your own original story idea and write a scene.
Not to be missed, this is a practical and interactive workshop that will help you find the momentum you need to initiate a screen story or move your project forward.
If you’re a new or emerging filmmaker or a local creative wanting to reinvigorate a screen idea or explore writing for film and television, this workshop is for you.
When and where:
Sunday 21st September
9am – 5pm
ONEONE SIX
116A Bank Street, Whangārei 0110
Venue is wheelchair accessible
Cost:
$25 including GST and booking fee. Tickets via humanitix
Morning tea and afternoon tea provided, BYO lunch
Workshop Prep:
Before Sunday if you get the chance it may be beneficial to watch a few episodes of Michael Bennett’s recent work, The Gone (here) Free on TVNZ+.
What to bring:
We do not advise participants to take notes on phones.
ABOUT PROGRAMME MENTORS
MICHAEL BENNET
Michael Bennett (Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Whakaue) is a screenwriter, filmmaker and author. Michael’s short films and feature films have screened and won awards internationally, including Cannes, Toronto, Berlin, Locarno, New York, London, ImagiNative and Dreamspeakers. He is the 2020 recipient of the Te Aupounamu Māori Screen Excellence Award, awarded by the NZ Film Commission for excellence in Māori filmmaking. Michael devoted many years of his recent career to the fight for justice for Teina Pora, a young Māori man wrongly imprisoned for 21 years. Michael made the documentary The Confessions of Prisoner T, which lead to the discovery of evidence pivotal to Teina’s exoneration. Michael directed and co-wrote the TV feature film In Dark Places about Teina’s case, which was finalist for a record 11 awards in the NZ Television Awards, winning Best Film and Best Director. Michael has been head writer or showrunner for many dozens of hours of prime-time television drama including The Gone (NZ / Ireland crime thriller), Vegas (crime thriller), Te Kohu (supernatural drama), and Mataku (the Māori Twilight Zone). Michael’s debut novel Better The Blood, a crime thriller, was published in 2022 in the UK, USA, Australia and NZ, with nine international translations. Better The Blood was a finalist for the fiction prize at the 2023 New Zealand literary awards (The Ockhams) and won Best First Novel at the Ngaio Marsh Awards. Michael is currently adapting his novel for television, and his second novel, Return To Blood, is in bookstores now.
This workshop is made possible thanks to generous support from Foundation North, Whangarei District Creative Communities Scheme and White Studios.
We are also running a Youth school holiday workshop. Check it out using the link below.
Script to Screen Script to Screen in association with Foundation North is presenting presents a free four-day filmmaking workshop in the September school holidays for 14 – 18 year olds.
This is an outstanding opportunity for the next generation of filmmakers to develop skills and learn about the fundamentals of crafting a story idea, writing a script, and acting for camera.
The aim of the workshop is to foster filmmaking talent in the Northland region and to provide an opportunity for young creatives to learn new skills and level up without having to travel outside of the region. No experience or prior knowledge of filmmaking is necessary. We encourage anyone who has an interest in telling stories for the screen, writing and acting to apply.
The programme will be taught by Michael Bennett (storytelling and screenwriting) and local Whangārei theatre practitioner Laurel Devine (storytelling and acting).
When and where:
Monday 22nd September – Thursday 25th September
9am – 3pm each day
ONEONE SIX
116A Bank Street, Whangārei 0110
The venue is wheelchair accessible
Programme Structure:
Cost: The workshop is free, please register via Humanitix as spaces are limited
Morning Tea, Lunch and Afternoon Tea are provided. However, if you have special dietary requirements (allergies, gluten free, dairy free, keto, paleo, etc) please bring food with you.
ABOUT PROGRAMME MENTORS
MICHAEL BENNET
Michael Bennett (Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Whakaue) is a screenwriter, filmmaker and author. Michael’s short films and feature films have screened and won awards internationally, including Cannes, Toronto, Berlin, Locarno, New York, London, ImagiNative and Dreamspeakers. He is the 2020 recipient of the Te Aupounamu Māori Screen Excellence Award, awarded by the NZ Film Commission for excellence in Māori filmmaking.
Michael devoted many years of his recent career to the fight for justice for Teina Pora, a young Māori man wrongly imprisoned for 21 years. Michael made the documentary The Confessions of Prisoner T, which lead to the discovery of evidence pivotal to Teina’s exoneration. Michael directed and co-wrote the TV feature film In Dark Places about Teina’s case, which was finalist for a record 11 awards in the NZ Television Awards, winning Best Film and Best Director.
Michael has been head writer or showrunner for many dozens of hours of prime-time television drama including The Gone (NZ / Ireland crime thriller), Vegas (crime thriller), Te Kohu (supernatural drama), and Mataku (the Māori Twilight Zone). Michael’s debut novel Better The Blood, a crime thriller, was published in 2022 in the UK, USA, Australia and NZ, with nine international translations. Better The Blood was a finalist for the fiction prize at the 2023 New Zealand literary awards (The Ockhams) and won Best First Novel at the Ngaio Marsh Awards. Michael is currently adapting his novel for television, and his second novel, Return To Blood, is in bookstores now.
LAUREL DEVENIE
Laurel Devenie is Whangārei based theatre practitioner who works as an actor, director, teacher, and producer. She is co-founder of ONEONESIX and The Whangārei Fringe Festival and works in a creative director role at ONEONESIX. She is a graduate of Toi Whakaari and The John Bolton Theatre School. She has been involved in both professional and community projects all over the country and has worked with South Pacific Pictures, ATC, Silo Theatre, Capital E, Unitec, Prayas, Downstage Theatre, Red Leap, Northland Youth Theatre and Script to Screen. Laurel is the Director of Whangārei based theatre collective, Company of Giants and has led many devised theatre projects including Odyssey, The Owl and the Pussycat and Rangitahua. She has facilitated arts-based programmes to work with different sectors of the community and is curious about spaces where arts practice can be used to invite new ways of engaging within communities and organisations.
This workshop is made possible thanks to generous support from Foundation North, Whangarei District Creative Communities Scheme and White Studios.
“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
Script to Screen welcomes eight new filmmakers to the South Shorts Mentorship Programme!
From July to November, the participants will embark on an incredible journey of development led by acclaimed screenwriter and director Briar Grace-Smith (Cousins, Rūrangi, Waru). Briar has led the mentorship for South Shorts since 2018, and in this time has had a hand in the professional development of almost 80 filmmakers.
South Shorts participants will take part in five group workshops that will include script read-throughs, group discussions, writing exercises, and insightful sessions with guest filmmakers. South Auckland Filmmakers who go through the programme leave better equipped to take the next steps towards production. The sense of community and support that comes from being a part of South Shorts is a big part of the programme and the Script to Screen team look forward to supporting them every step of the way. The success of South Shorts alumni demonstrates the power of mentorships and the boundless potential in the South Auckland community.
“We acknowledge the courage, dedication and time applicants put into their applications and we thank everyone who applied for this programme. “– Briar Grace Smith
Congratulations to these eight selected filmmakers:
(pictured left to right)
The South Shorts Mentorship Programme is made possible thanks to generous support from Foundation North.
It is with great pleasure that we announce the participants for the Waitaha Screen Development Incubator. We were thrilled with the quality of applications this year. The submitted projects were of a very high calibre, and we would like to thank all those who submitted their projects for consideration, and we’re sorry we couldn’t support more.
We look forward to supporting these talented screen storytellers and their projects through this development programme.
Participants will attend the Christchurch hub and online mentorship prior to the in-person pitch event to an invited industry audience at the Big Screen Symposium in Auckland on 4th and 5th of July 2025.
The purpose of this programme is to support the development of original IP in the region and to support creators to progress their projects to be equipped to seek other partnerships and funding.
This collaboration between Script to Screen and Te Puna Matarau helps continue to bring attention to the talent and potential within Waitaha, creating development opportunities to strengthen and support screen storytellers, their projects and the future of screen in the region.
Congratulations to the following participants and their projects:
(pictured left to right)
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.
Kotahi kapua ki te rangi he marangai ki te whenua **
One cloud from the heavens brings rain and nourishment to the parched land
nā tauira o Te Ataarangi
Script to Screen and Compton School are delighted to share the exciting news that Vista Foundation have come on board providing additional for support our Rainmakers Aotearoa programme. Thanks to this generous support, we have been able to provide mentorship for a further 6 practitioners!
“The Vista Foundation is delighted to support the Rainmakers program with the backing of Script to Screen and Compton School. The mix of attendees, mentorships and an excellent presenter lineup met our goal of building the skillset of participants which will help to support a sustainable NZ film industry.”
These six participants were chosen from our original application and selection process.
With the addition of the six new participants, the first Auckland hub was held on Friday 14th of March, and it was a huge success. Guest speakers included Rachel Anthony, Matthew Liebmann, Sue Maslin, and Tom Hern, and along with the expanded cohort everyone involved brought rigor, depth, and thoughtful interrogation throughout.
Mentorships for many participants are now underway, and we look forward to continuing this mahi as the year progresses.
Script to Screen is committed to continuing to develop and deliver development programmes that meet the needs of the screen sector of Aotearoa. This collaboration with Compton School has once again delivered an exceptional workshop and we look forward to continuing this kaupapa in the coming months.
Please congratulate the new additions selected for Rainmakers Aotearoa:
(pictured left to right)
Once mentors have been selected and matched, Script to Screen will publish them alongside the mentees.
Rainmakers Aotearoa will harness the knowledge of a generation of exceptional individuals, and through a co-designed approach, support the transfer of knowledge.
Script to Screen is committed to continuing to develop and deliver development programmes that meet the needs of the screen sector of Aotearoa.
* This whakataukī is from a waiata composed by early members of Te Ataarangi in honour of Dame Kāterina Mataira and the kaupapa of Te Ataarangi in Te Reo language revitalisation – which continues today. It describes how a single person or kaupapa (kotahi kapua) can have great impact, just like one lifegiving rain shower on the parched land.
Rainmakers Aotearoa is a Script to Screen initiative run in partnership with Compton School.
Rainmakers Aotearoa is possible thanks to generous support from Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga New Zealand Film Commission, and Vista Foundation.
“The best family film since Babe”
David Stratton Australian Film Critic
Join Script to Screen for a special screening of the Australian box office hit film Runt, followed by a conversation with Director John Sheedy and STS Executive Director Dale Corlett.
This is a family friendly movie and for less than the cost of a coffee each, we encourage you to bring your family to the screening and Q&A.
Hear about John’s journey from theatre into feature film directing including the unique journey this film took from book to screen, and see if it’s true why they say “never to work with children or Animals” or in this case Dogs.
Monday 3rd March 2024
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm FILM
8:00 pm – 8:30 pm – Q&A
The Capitol Cinema, 610 Dominion Road, Balmoral, Auckland 1041
Following the screening and conversation, there will be time for networking.
$5.75 (incl. GST) for sales via Humanitix to secure your seat.
ABOUT OUR PANEL
SPEAKER: John Sheedy – Director
John Sheedy is a multi-award winning Australian film, television, theatre director and writer.
His first feature film, H is for Happiness for Cyan Films, Universal Pictures Australia and Level K, premiered at the 2019 Melbourne International Film Festival, and won the prestigious Film Prize at Cinefest Oz. The film’s international premiere was at the Berlin International Film Festival in 2020 and it went on to receive a Special Mention by the Children’s Jury in the Generation Kplus section. John’s first short film Mrs McCutcheon won best Australian Short Film at the Melbourne International Film Festival 2017 and was invited to over 130 Festivals globally, winning 47 festival awards on the way through. He also received the award for Best Director at the 2018 Australian Directors Guild Awards.Most recently, John was set up director on the ABC drama series In Our Blood and Paramount Plus’s new teen drama series More Than This. He also directed a short film called Tarneit which is currently screening all over the world and has so far picked up 15 wins, including the prestigious IRIS Award in Wales and has received several nominations. John is currently attached as writer and director for the Screen Australia Funded feature 10 Moments, produced by Big and Little Pictures. John directed the new feature film Runt based on the Craig Silvey novel of the same name for See Pictures. Since it’s release Runt has become the third biggest local film of the year.
MODERATOR: Dale Corlett – Script to Screen Executive Director pictured with Akiko
Prior to joining Script to Screen in 2024, for 9 1/2 years he was the Head of Talent Development at the NZFC. During this time over 80% of the filmmakers supported through the various NZFC short films programmes have progressed into development or production on their feature films and tv shows. Dale was the CEO/Creative Director of GMAC Film in Scotland, responsible for identifying and developing high quality emerging talent and supporting their progression from shorts to features and developing careers. He was also proactive in the creation of innovative, diversity-led and gender focused talent development programmes across Scotland and the UK. He is a graduate of Toi Whakaari New Zealand Drama School who has worked as a director, actor, producer and writer. He was nominated for a Scottish BAFTA Best Director Award in 2009 for his debut feature film, Running Traffic.
This screening is made possible through the generous support from the film’s distributor Studio Canal, The Capitol Cinema and through Script to Screen’s ongoing core funding from Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga NZ Film Commission
A Script to Screen Programme presented in partnership with Te Puna Matarau.
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.
Image: Lincoln Mechanics cnr West Belt and Gerald Street – Image from The Lincoln Project by Kelly Shakespeare
Script to Screen in collaboration with Film Dunedin, DCC Creative Partnerships, and the Otago Community Trust presents Screenwriting: What Producers Need to Know a two day workshop delivered by renowned Australian script editor/EP/creative producer Claire Dobbin.
Getting to work with Claire Dobbin is a rare opportunity for those committed to investing in themselves, their creativity, and their future as screen story tellers. Designed for producers, writers, HOD’s and other key creatives, Claire has developed and delivered workshops worldwide.
Effective collaboration is one of the key pillars of a screen storytellers toolkit, and is essential for all crew, whether they be above or below the line. The workshop will cover:
Advanced preparation of approximately 16-24 hrs is required. Participants will have a curated watch list and script reading to complete. These case studies will form an integral foundation for the analysis and discussion undertaken over the weekend.
This workshop was initiated by Film Dunedin and made possible thanks to generous support from Film Dunedin, Film Otago Southland, University of Otago, and Ara Toi Creative Capabilities to help build creative capability in the Otago and Southland regions.
When and where:
Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd March 2025
9:00am – 5:00pm
Centre for Innovation, Seminar Room
87 Saint David Street, Dunedin North, Dunedin 9016
Cost:
Was: $85 Now: $20 Total *
On both days morning tea and afternoon tea provided, BYO lunch.
* The unique value of this workshop is recognised by Ara Toi, with subsidised places available thanks to the Ara Toi Arts Capability Fund.
Note: Places are limited. In order to complete the online registration you will be asked a series of short answer questions. You will be notified at least 2 weeks prior, if you have gained a place within the workshop.
ABOUT PROGRAMME MENTOR
CLAIRE DOBBIN
Claire Dobbin is a script editor/EP/creative producer who works globally with development agencies, screenwriters, producers and directors. Claire is also –
Claire devised, and secured the funds for:
In 2017 Claire was awarded an AM for Services to the Australian Film Industry and in 2019 Claire received the Jill Robb award for outstanding leadership in the Victorian Screen Industry.
Claire is currently the Executive Producer of a number of films including Shit – a film based on the acclaimed play of the same name. She is also script editing a number of international feature films and TV series in Europe, India and the US.
Script to Screen also receives core funding from Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga New Zealand Film Commission.
Script to Screen in collaboration with Film Queenstown Lakes presents Screenwriting: What Producers Need to Know a two day workshop delivered by renowned Australian script editor/EP/creative producer Claire Dobbin.
Getting to work with Claire Dobbin is a rare opportunity for those committed to investing in themselves, their creativity, and their future as screen story tellers. Designed for producers, writers, HOD’s and other key creatives, Claire has developed and delivered workshops worldwide.
Effective collaboration is one of the key pillars of a screen storytellers toolkit, and is essential for all crew, whether they be above or below the line. The workshop will cover:
Advanced preparation of approximately 16-24 hrs is required. Participants will have a curated watch list and script reading to complete. These case studies will form an integral foundation for the analysis and discussion undertaken over the weekend.
This workshop was initiated by Film Otago Southland and also made possible thanks to generous support from Film Otago Southland, Film Queenstown Lakes, and Central Lakes Arts Support Scheme (CLASS) to help build creative capability in the Otago and Southland regions.
When and where:
Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 February 2025
9:00am – 5:00pm
Building 11, Dart House, Remarkables Park Town Centre
12 Hawthorne Drive, Frankton, Queenstown 9300
Wheelchair Access is available. If you require special assistance, please let us know.
Cost:
Was $85 Now $20 Total * Tickets have been generously subsidised by Film Queenstown Lakes
On both days morning tea and afternoon tea provided, BYO lunch.
Note: Places are limited. In order to complete the online registration you will be asked a series of short answer questions. You will be notified at least 2 weeks prior, if you have gained a place within the workshop.
ABOUT PROGRAMME MENTOR
CLAIRE DOBBIN
Claire Dobbin is a script editor/EP/creative producer who works globally with development agencies, screenwriters, producers and directors. Claire is also –
Claire devised, and secured the funds for:
In 2017 Claire was awarded an AM for Services to the Australian Film Industry and in 2019 Claire received the Jill Robb award for outstanding leadership in the Victorian Screen Industry.
Claire is currently the Executive Producer of a number of films including Shit – a film based on the acclaimed play of the same name. She is also script editing a number of international feature films and TV series in Europe, India and the US.
Script to Screen also receives core funding from Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga New Zealand Film Commission.