Spend a day with Hamish Bennett (Bellbird, Uproar) as he guides participants through the fundamentals of screenplay writing for short film.
The focus of the day will be building stories around character and bringing specificity to your work. This workshop will be craft based, combining practical exercises with discussion and reflection. After covering writing fundamentals, participants will then explore bringing the written element from the page to the screen.
Promising to be both interactive and engaging, this is a terrific opportunity to spend a day focusing on your craft as a writer.
When and where:
Saturday 12 October 2024
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Screen CanterburyNZ Office
BNZ Centre, Level 3, 101 Cashel Street
Wheelchair access is available.
Ages 16 +
$25.00 (incl. GST & Fees) book via Humanitix
Morning tea and afternoon tea provided, BYO lunch
ABOUT
HAMISH BENNET
Hamish Bennett (Te Arawa, Patuharakeke, Kāi Tahu) is an accomplished director and award-winning screenwriter based in Aotearoa New Zealand. In 2023, he co-wrote and co-directed his second feature film, Uproar (Firefly Films), which celebrated its world premiere at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival, earning widespread acclaim from both audiences and critics.
In 2019, Hamish wrote and directed his debut feature film, Bellbird (Herringbone Productions), garnering recognition on the international festival circuit and securing several awards, including Best Screenplay at the Macao International Film Festival.
In addition to his success in feature films, Hamish has lent his writing expertise to various television series, including Hui Hoppers (NZTV, 2023) and the teen drama Mystic (Libertine Pictures, NZTV, 2022).
During the early stages of his career, Hamish directed multiple award-winning short films. In 2011, his short film The Dump earned him the Best Short Script award at the New Zealand Writers Guild Awards. Subsequently, in 2014, Ross & Beth claimed both the jury and audience prizes at the New Zealand International Film Festival.
Beyond his creative work, Hamish has over twenty years of experience as a school teacher, and has recently returned to Aotearoa with his whānau after two years living in Rarotonga.
This Script to Screen workshop is made possible thanks to generous support from Christchurch Creative Communities and Screen CanterburyNZ.
Presented by Script to Screen in collaboration with Ngā Aho Whakaari and PISA (Pacific Islands Screen Artists)
Join Producers Halaifonua Finau (Red, White and Brass), Karin Williams (We Live by the River), and Angela Cudd (Uproar) as they delve into how to create great funding applications for film and television projects in Aotearoa.
In conversation with Script to Screen’s Executive Director Dale Corlett, these industry leaders will give their unique insights into what makes a strong application, including:
From the big picture of your idea to the nitty gritty of the application requirements, you don’t want to miss this fantastic lineup of speakers. We encourage producers, writers, and directors to take advantage of this opportunity.
Funding pools are small, this inspiring session will give you access to tools that help take your application to the next level.
After the presentation, time will be allocated to meet the representatives from the New Zealand Film Commission, New Zealand On Air, and Te Māngai Pāho and ask your questions.
Tuesday 24th September 2024
4:00pm – 5:00pm
ONLINE
ABOUT
Angela Cudd is an award-winning screen producer with a passion for stories told through an indigenous or fresh lens and a vision for showcasing NZ screen excellence to the world. Coming from a background in fashion and beauty event and business management, Angela began working in the screen industry in the early 2010s. Angela initially worked across a range of fields including narrative film, documentary, reality-challenge TV, OB live events & studio shows before settling in the narrative and documentary space. She went on to produce the sitcoms ‘Sextortion’ and ‘Good Grief’, fluent reo Māori kids show ‘Pōtae Pai’ and co-produced the anthology feature film ‘We Are Still Here’, which interweaves eight stories of indigenous struggle and triumph and premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2022. In 2019, Angela founded Caravan Carpark Films (CCF), a production house focusing on screen and indigenous excellence as well as capacity building of emerging screen innovators. Most recently, under the umbrella of CCF, Angela produced the feature film ‘Uproar’ and the documentary series ‘When Bob Came’. ‘Uproar’ starred Julian Dennison, Minnie Driver and Rhys Darby, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2023 and was released globally in early 2024 to critical acclaim. ‘When Bob Came’ explored the impact of Bob Marley’s only concert in NZ and was awarded Best Factual Series at the NZ TV Awards 2023.
Karin Williams is a descendant of British settlers in Aotearoa New Zealand and ancestors from the South Pacific island of Aitutaki. She began her career as a reporter at the Cook Islands News in Rarotonga, going on to work as a writer, director and producer for broadcast networks in New Zealand and the USA. She founded Multinesia Productions to support global indigenous storytelling and has worked with first nations communities in Canada, Alaska and the Pacific on grassroots community projects. Her independent film projects have screened at festivals around the world. Karin served as a Development Executive at the NZ Film Commission (NZFC) and works with Pasifika storytellers to bring authentic projects to stage and screen. Recent credits include Teine Sā, a Pacific horror/anthology series for Sky NZ Originals, and the Polynesian sketch comedy series, SIS, screening on Comedy Central, Prime and Neon. Karin is a funding assessor for a range of agencies including NZFC, Creative NZ, Script to Screen, Pan Asian Screen Collective (PASC) and Pacific Islanders in Communications (PIC). She is a member of Women in Film and Television (WIFT), Pacific Island Screen Artists (PISA) and serves on the Executive Boards of Script to Screen and SPADA, the Screen Production and Development Association. She is a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion in the screen industry.
A proud Tongan, born and raised in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Halaifonua Finau, or Nua as he’s more commonly known, is at the forefront of bringing Polynesian stories to our screens. He studied at Whitireia Performing Arts as a dancer but made his name in the industry as an actor and presenter, before shifting his love of performance and storytelling behind the camera. Nua brings storytelling with Tongan swag to the kava bowl of creativity. He is a writer and producer, with a mission to take his little corner of the Pacific to the world. He cut his teeth in children’s television as a producer on Small Blacks TV and honed his skills and vibe in series two of the much-loved Polynesian series Baby Mama’s Club. In 2019, Nua was co-writer and associate producer on Jonah, the tele-feature drama series on Tongan and All Blacks rugby legend, Jonah Lomu. In 2021, Nua teamed up with Four Knights’ maestro, Tom Hern and the pair founded their production company Tavake. Tavake’s first drama series The Panthers, which Nua wrote, created and executive produced alongside Hern, was the first New Zealand TV series to premiere at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival. 2023 was a landmark year for Nua. He released his first feature film ‘Red, White & Brass, a crowd-pleasing family film (based on Nua’s own life experiences in a family/church brass band) – which he wrote and produced alongside Executive Producers Taika Waititi and Carthew Neal. The film opened at number 1 at the local box office and went on to become the top local film of the year and, in doing so, a certified Polynesian classic. Nua was the 2023 recipient of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Pacific Enterprise Award. He currently serves on the Content Advisory Board for the Banff World Media Festival. Finau is represented by Kaplan Perrone Entertainment.
This Script to Screen TALKS is made possible thanks to
New Zealand Film Commission.
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📸 Photo by Evie Mackay
Q. What are some of the topics that Strength in Numbers will cover?
Curriculum: How to build a business
Q. Is there funding to support travel for the in-person hubs?
There is funding available to support travel to the hubs in Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland.
Accommodation will also be provided for those travelling from outside regions.
Q. Can more than one person from your business attend?
(We have 3x producers in our screen business and think this would be a fabulous opportunity for us all to be involved in.)
In fairness to all applicants we encourage the business to send in an application for one person. That person can then take the message home and work offline with their partners to develop the answers to the questions that are posed in the workshops.
** Please see the question below for more information
Q. What if your business is a partnership with 2 equal directors? (For a director to make strategic decisions in the moment would be against the value system of a business with 2 equal directors.)
You won’t be making decisions in the moment. We’re really framing questions and helping you work towards your own solutions. You will take these questions back to consult with people; stakeholders not just partners, but maybe life partners or, sometimes even employees or an investor if you have one, you know, there’ll be lots of people who need to be brought into the discussion.
**Additional information that was not part of the webinar:
Applications for businesses with multiple partners to attend will be considered on a case-by-case basis. With limited places available, we would like to benefit as many businesses as possible.
Q. What are you are looking for in an applicant?
Q. A lot of film and TV business seem to get off the ground from either a commercial or critical success – for producers with funded projects and future ambitions but without a current regular cashflow is the course appropriate?
If you’ve had success with your business – this is a great stage to be in as it creates momentum to pick up more projects.
The course is appropriate if you are ready to engage with the business questions, they matter to you enough and you see them as a serious set of questions to engage with.
You have the ambition to build something.
Q. Will there be any focus on obtaining funding for films, getting sponsorship for films and/or marketing films?
No. Strength in Numbers is about the business that sits beneath the projects.
We are interested in the choices you’re making about what to make and how you’re making choices. Fundamentally, we’re interested in the day-to-day platform, the place where you conduct the making of the films.
Q. In the overview it says “Ideal applicants will have a screen industry business (at least three years old) with a slate of projects” Is it possible for people who have had experience running previous screen businesses to apply with a new venture in mind, something that is just forming / brand new?
There is a little bit of ambiguity in that three year specification. We are looking for people with some experience in business, this can’t be your first (brand new) business venture. We’re looking for people who’ve got at least some experience under their belt.
If your purpose is to come here and think about a new business altogether, then that’s absolutely in frame.
Q. Will you be going over things like chain of title and contracts?
The focus of Strength in Numbers is on the underlying business, not on the projects. Chain of title, production contracts and similar contracts will not be covered. Contracts relating to the underlying business may be addressed during the programme, depending on the needs of the group as a whole.
Q. Is there a possibility that you would suggest someone apply for Rainmakers or Strength in Numbers based on their application if they applied for one and weren’t suitable but was suitable for the other?
Apply for both. Please be mindful both programmes have the same deadline. The applications will be going through separate selection processes with different selectors.
Q. As someone who is interested in both Strength In Numbers and Rainmakers Aotearoa is it possible to be chosen for both programmes?
It is it is possible to be chosen for both. If we genuinely think there’s a compelling reason being accepted for both programmes would be considered.
Q. Can you give some examples of who mentors might be?
Lined up for the podcast we currently have Rainmakers such as Helen Bowden (Producer), Chloe Rickard (Jungle Entertainment), Sue Maslin (Producer).
We’re aiming big! Looking for Rainmakers as far up the tree we can get.
Q. Reading the brief it sounds pretty open ended.
Yes. Deliberately so. We’re not wanting to be too determinative about who is an appropriate mentee; this goes for your goals and ambitions and what you would want from your mentorship as well. I think anyone who kind of finds themselves needing answers to questions. We don’t really mind where you come from. It’s about your needs. And you know, whether you fit this and whether we can answer questions for you.
The same with the mentors: we’re interested in the people who are highly productive, highly successful practitioners as mentors. They can be in any role whatsoever. They might be an entertainment lawyer. They might be working at a funding agency, they might be a casting agent. Anyone who is contributing to the productivity of the industry is from our perspective, eligible to be a mentor, and the same in terms of mentees and same in terms of you as applicants.
Q. What does a co-designed approach look like?
Each mentoring program will be co-designed between us and you, and you (the mentee) and the mentor, depending on your needs and goals. The outcomes and milestone of the mentorship will not be specified in advance by us, we will negotiate these between all parties prior to commencement.
Q. Is the mentee able to choose their mentor?
You may suggest someone you think would be the right mentor, whether that person is available or interested is another question. We may take your suggestion into account when choosing your mentor.
Mentors are given the option of accepting or not accepting a proposed mentee. We can’t guarantee that even if a person were one of the one of the mentors, that they would be available to you.
You need to be open to the possibility that we might have a different idea of who would be the right mentor for you and obviously would discuss that with you too.
Q. What do you most want to hear in the one paragraph biography about us as screen practitioners, considering it’s only up to 150 words, you’re asking about goals, work history separately.
We understand 150 words is short, but you may attach supplementary information to support your application.
We want to get a sense of who you are.
The application is broken into 4 parts.
Q. Is Rainmakers similar to the FilmUp programme?
Both programmes have mentorship at their heart. Rainmakers runs for a longer period, and may be career based, personal creative development, or project based, this programme is led by David Court, and the seminars will cover different topics, you may also be from any part of the industry. Please refer to the eligibility criteria.
FilmUp is project based and only open to writers, directors and producers.
Q. Given that Rainmakers is open to screen-affiliated applicants (e.g. entertainment lawyers, regional film officers, etc.), how does this affect the main focus around building innovative and new content systems? These people might want to create a different sort of screen-related business or system…
We are all a part of the screen industry, yes we may use different systems but all parts of the wheel can work together and learn from each other. We’re interested in the question what does the screen content business of the future look like? The answers may come from anyone, not necessarily from producers or from writers. That’s why we’re throwing the thing open to reflect and recognise that, the sort of thinking we require to find innovative, workable new solutions to the changing environment we live in – might come from anyone.
If you look at any knowledge industry, but this is particularly true for the film industry, what you’ll see is there’s a relatively small number of people who are highly productive, who produce and generate much of the work. We’re interested in those people, and we don’t really care what role they’re in.
E.g. an entertainment lawyer, someone who’s, you know, advised on 100 projects. What’s relevant to you is that all of those people contribute to the success of the business, contribute to its output, continue to contribute to its productivity. So there’s no reason in my mind to distinguish between them.
At the heart of this is a matching process. Sometimes those matches might be with someone within your normal worldview and your normal way of doing things. But actually, there might be a suggestion that someone outside of that might really unlock something for you.
Q. How many people will you take into the Rainmakers Aotearoa program?
6
Q. Aside from the mentoring, it seems one of the key benefits of the programme will be the network that is built across the cohort here and in Australia. Is there any collaborative element within the programme (between the mentees) to further foster this network building?
Yes, this will happen during the seminars, in person and online. When you come together with the other mentees and with some of the mentors from time to time in the program, there will be the opportunity to really connect with those people.
Script to Screen also have a number of different programs, anyone that’s involved in our programs become part of the alumni community where there are other opportunities for support and connection with others.
Q. I have a number of different roles in the film industry – actor, writer, director, producer. Do I have to focus on one of these areas for my application or can I reference all of them?
Mention them all
Q. What do you mean by Connection in reference the characteristics of an ideal applicant?
A part of the programme is centred around building your connections in the industry with likeminded individuals, with the small number of people generating volumes of work. We want to see that you are either already connected or willing to make connections with others. **** Expanded From Webinar
Q. Can you apply as a creative partnership?
You are welcome to apply as a creative partnership. If you can write a compelling case your application will still be considered for this programme. We cannot guarantee a mentor will accept as it could change the dynamic of the mentorship.
Q. What’s an example of a goal an applicant wants to work towards?
The more specific you are, the easier it is for us to identify a mentor who can help you and for the mentor to engage with you. We understand that these goals might change and develop over time.
Goals might be:
Q. Is there a possibility that you would suggest someone apply for Rainmakers or Strength in Numbers based on their application if they applied for one and weren’t suitable but was suitable for the other?
Apply for both. Please be mindful both programmes have the same deadline. The applications will be going through separate selection processes with different selectors.
Q. Can you be matched with a mentor in either New Zealand or Australia?
Yes
Q. As someone who is interested in both Strength In Numbers and Rainmakers Aotearoa is it possible to be chosen for both programmes?
It is it is possible to be chosen for both. If we genuinely think there’s a compelling reason being accepted for both programmes would be considered.
Q. Is the focus on changing the way screen content is made? Or is it about developing the careers of the mentees? Or both?
The focus fundamentally is about developing the careers of the mentees. Alongside that the podcast series will focus on the current climate and question “if you were starting again now what would you do?” **** Answer clarified from webinar.
Q. Is there funding to support travel for the in-person seminars?
There is funding available to support travel to the seminars in Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland and Australia.
“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
It’s time for our annual update! Jamie, Olivia and Monique have now been a part of the Script to Screen team for over a year, a huge mihi to them all for their amazing work and support for the filmmakers and teams they have worked with.
This July has also been a busy time of change for us all with Jackie handing over the baton to Dale Corlett as the new Executive Director. Check out Dale’s message later in this post.
We thank Jackie for her huge amount of mahi and leadership over the past 7 years. We also acknowledge Esther Cahill-Chiaroni, Script to Screen’s Story Camp Aotearoa programme director who is moving on to take up her new role as development lead at NZFC. These two amazing women have given so much to Script to Screen over many years and we sincerely thank them on behalf of the thousands of filmmakers who have benefitted from their work and commitment.
We know you’ve all been eager to hear about the opportunities happening here at Script to Screen this year, with all these big changes we’re working hard to lock in our calendar. This year we are introducing a new programme and bringing back a selection of our most popular programmes. Here’s an idea of when and what to expect:
WORKSHOPS/TALKS *
Online TALK
Date to be announced soon!
Supported by: NZ Film Commission
South Auckland Workshop
Date to be announced soon!
Supported by: Foundation North
2025 *
* Dates and Programmes are subject to changes
Although we are busy trying to rustle up some more funding for our programmes, at this time we acknowledge that due to funding decisions, we are not able to confirm our Talks and Kōpere Hou Fresh Shorts programmes as yet. Watch this space.
In 2023 we were able to provide career and project development for 20 participants over the Waitaha Canterbury Incubator and Southern Pilots development programmes. If you’re interested in working with Script to Screen and see an opportunity for a programme, talk, workshop, or development programme in a specific region we’d love to hear from you.
We want to remind you all that Script to Screen is a not for profit reliant on funding to provide you with these opportunities. Thank you to everyone who attended workshops or talks and had applied for our programmes last year!
We look forward to continuing to support you in your endeavours this coming year.
Message from the incoming Executive Director:
“Tēnei te mihi nui ki te Poari o Te Tari Tuhi Kupu a Whakaahua ki te whakatau i te mahi nei – Huge thanks to the Script to Screen board for this invitation to take up this role.
Having returned to Aotearoa 9 years ago to take up the role of Head of Talent Development at the NZ Film Commission, I have been fortunate to work closely with Script to Screen and the previous Executive Directors on various programmes and initiatives. I have always been inspired by the work that this leading NZ screen sector organisation delivers and the impact its programmes make for our screen storytellers.
I want to send a big mihi to Dave Gibson, the then CEO of the NZFC, for providing me with an amazing opportunity to return to Aotearoa to take up the role at the NZFC. It has been a truly unique experience. I continue to be in awe of our filmmakers and their passion and commitment to tell their stories, our stories. It was a huge privilege to be able to fund and support you on your journey. I thank you for trusting me and our Talent Development team with your stories, your creativity and your unique world views.
I loved my time with the NZFC, but I am very excited about this opportunity to return into the industry and to work more closely alongside our screen storytellers and filmmakers to support their journey.
It is an honour to have been chosen by the board of Script to Screen to be the next Executive Director. I send a huge mihi to Jackie for her amazing work over the past 7 years, and to Esther Cahill-Chiaroni previously, I look forward to continuing and elevating this important mahi for our screen sector.
When I think about the significant transformational work and impact that Script to Screen makes in our screen sector, I am reminded of the Māori whakataukī:
Mā te huruhuru, ka rere te manu
Adorn the bird in feathers, so it will fly
I look forward to working with you all, and to continue to adorn feathers to our flying screen storytellers, enabling them to soar higher, for longer, and in their own unique styles and ways.
Tēna koutou, tēna koutou, tēna koutou katoa”.
Picture of the STS Team at NZIFF Opening Night in Tāmaki Makaurau.
L-R: Monique Gilmour, Jamie Irvine, Olivia Mahood, Dale Corlett
Script to Screen is presenting a 1-day adult scriptwriting workshop in Kerikeri. This is a rare opportunity for local story tellers to work with renowned writer, director and author, Michael Bennett (The Gone, In Dark Places). 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 14 July
9am – 5pm
Turner Centre, 43 Cobham Road, Kerikeri 0230
Venue is wheelchair accessible
Cost:
$25 including GST and booking fee. Tickets via humanitix
Morning tea and afternoon tea provided, BYO lunch
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.
We are also running a Youth school holiday workshop. Check it out using the link below.
Script to Screen presents a free four-day filmmaking workshop in the July 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 Far North 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 and acting to apply.
The programme will be taught by Michael Bennett (storytelling and screenwriting) and Jamie Irvine (storytelling and acting).
When and where:
Monday 15th July – Thursday 18th July
9am – 3pm each day
Turner Centre, 43 Cobham Road, Kerikeri 0230
Programme Structure:
Day 1 – Developing a story idea and screenwriting principles
Day 2 – Writing a scene
Day 3 – Storytelling and acting
Day 4 – Taping the scenes, debrief and discussion.
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.
JAMIE IRVINE
As an Actor, Director and Acting Coach Jamie Irvine has worked in Australia, Los Angeles, New York and New Zealand. Jamie is a NIDA acting graduate and continued his study with Susan Batson and at the Stella Adler Studio in NYC. Over twenty years, he has taught acting at NIDA, Actors Centre Australia, Theatre of Arts in Hollywood, South Seas Film School and various other institutions. Acting Credits include Sweet Tooth, Tinā, Power Rangers: Dino Fury, Shortland St, Underbelly:Land of the Long Green Cloud, Black Hands, Westside, Home and Away, Anzac Girls and The Brokenwood Mysteries. Jamie has also directed across several mediums and in 2022 he directed NZ on Air funded webseries Here if you Need. Jamie joined Script to Screen in January 2023, where he currently works as Programme Manager.
This workshop is made possible thanks to generous support from Foundation North and White Studios.
We are also running an adult workshop. Check it out using the link below.
Calling all Far North filmmakers and creatives!!!
In July 2024, we are excited to bring two outstanding workshops to Kerikeri led by writer and director Michael Bennett (The Gone, In Dark Places). A four-day school holiday workshop for youth aged 14-18, and a one-day adult scriptwriting workshop.
Joining Michael for the Youth Workshop will be actor (Shortland Street, The Brokenwood Mysteries), director and acting coach, Jamie Irvine.
This is a great opportunity for you to learn new skills and share your stories. So, book your place and tell your friends and whanau. These workshops are not to be missed.
“The projects that Script to Screen does and the reason I’m so gung-ho enthusiastic about them is; it’s about accessing people whose stories just don’t make it on screen. It’s giving people skills to tell stories for the screen. Giving new voices and new stories the potential to become films” – Michael Bennett
Free Youth Workshop – 4 days
Monday 15 – Thursday 18 July
Turner Centre, 43 Cobham Road, Kerikeri 0230
Develop skills and learn about the fundamentals of crafting a story idea, writing a script and acting for camera. No experience or prior knowledge of filmmaking is necessary. We encourage anyone who has an interest in writing, filmmaking, and acting to apply. For ages 14 – 18.
Adult Workshop – 1 day
Sunday 14 July
Turner Centre, 43 Cobham Road, Kerikeri 0230
The morning will be spent delving into character, story structure, key moments and writing fundamentals. In the afternoon, you will develop your own original story idea and write a scene. This workshop is suitable for new and emerging filmmakers, local creatives wanting to reinvigorate a screen idea or anyone wanting to explore writing for film and television.
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.
JAMIE IRVINE
As an Actor, Director and Acting Coach Jamie Irvine has worked in Australia, Los Angeles, New York and New Zealand. Jamie is a NIDA acting graduate and continued his study with Susan Batson and at the Stella Adler Studio in NYC. Over twenty years, he has taught acting at NIDA, Actors Centre Australia, Theatre of Arts in Hollywood, South Seas Film School and various other institutions. Acting Credits include Sweet Tooth, Tinā, Power Rangers: Dino Fury, Shortland St, Underbelly:Land of the Long Green Cloud, Black Hands, Westside, Home and Away, Anzac Girls and The Brokenwood Mysteries. Jamie has also directed across several mediums and in 2022 he directed NZ on Air funded webseries Here if you Need. Jamie joined Script to Screen in January 2023, where he currently works as Programme Manager.
These workshops are made possible thanks to generous support from Foundation North.