Following the recent New Zealand release of The Moon is Upside Down, Loren Taylor (writer/director/actor) joins moderator and writer Duncan Sarkies (Scarfies, and Two Little Boys) to discuss her writing process, the challenges of creating stories and characters that come alive on screen, and how she and her team moved this unique and beautifully crafted feature from her initial idea to production and release.
With a production schedule of just 22 days and a budget of $1.5million The Moon is Upside Down is a significant achievement. This promises to be a fascinating discussion and a rare insight into processes that will appeal to filmmakers at all levels, especially those wanting to make their first feature film.
“With exceptional performances, a deft tone and universal themes, The Moon is Upside Down is destined to become a film festival favourite. Those looking for blockbuster razzle-dazzle won’t find it here. But those looking for something deeper and more meaningful, well, they’ll find a lot to connect with.” – NZ Herald
Wednesday 26th June 2024
6:30pm – 7:30pm – TALK
7:30pm – 8:30pm – Cash bar, socialising and pizza
$5.00 + GST + Booking Fee. Sales via Humanitix to secure your seat
Where:
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.
This Script to Screen TALKS is made possible thanks to New Zealand Film Commission, White Studios and Images and Sound.
ABOUT LOREN TAYLOR
Photograph by Rebecca McMillian
Loren Taylor is a director, actor and writer. Her debut feature as writer and director The Moon is Upside Down had its world premiere in competition at Estonia’s A-List festival POFF Tallinn Black Nights November 2023 where it played to sell-out houses and was awarded Best First Feature. Vendetta will release the film in Aotearoa New Zealand in May.
Hey Brainy Man, the NZFC-funded short Loren co-directed with Jo Randerson, won NZ’s Best at Te Whānau Marama NZIFF 2023. Evoke, a VR experience she wrote and co-directed was awarded the XR Award at DocEdge 2023.
Loren attended the Sundance Feature lab and worked with Taika Waititi on their award-winning screenplay for Eagle vs Shark. She won Best Actress at the Newport International and St Tropez Film Festivals for her role as Lily. As a casting director Loren has worked on, among others, What We Do in the Shadows, The Light Between Oceans and Top of The Lake. She is known for her work with children, which began with casting and on-set coaching for the Oscar nominated short Two Cars One Night. She is an advisor for and Board member of Story Camp Aotearoa and has been a guest mentor at A Wave in the Ocean.
ABOUT DUNCAN SARKIES
Duncan Sarkies is an award-winning screenwriter, playwright and novelist. His work, heralded by critics for its originality, is best known for its eccentric plots and darkly comic portrayals of ‘the outsider’ and the disturbed.
Duncan’s career has been prolific across a variety of mediums. He wrote one episode for What We Do In The Shadows and two episodes for Flight of the Conchords. He has written several plays, a short story collection and two novels. Linda Herrick of the Weekend Herald describes Sarkies’ 2008 novel, Two Little Boys, as: ‘Quick, clever, twisted, acutely funny…This is the most amazing book. It’s dark, wildly funny, vivid, and brilliantly original.’ Two Little Boys, adapted in 2012 for the screen (starring Hamish Blake and Bret McKenzie) was co-written by Duncan and his brother Robert, as was the massively popular Scarfies. Duncan also wrote and contributed to the writing of four episodes of ABC’s show Maximum Choppage that aired in 2015, and script edited for ABC’s Soul Mates. He was the director, writer and co-creator of The Mysterious Secrets of Uncle Bertie’s Botanarium, a fantasy podcast series, which Loren Taylor acted in. 2025 will see Duncan release a third novel, Star Gazers, an allegory about the collapse of democracy in a society of alpaca breeders, while he is also developing a television project with comedian Barnie Duncan and a film project with animator Ned Wenlock.
Duncan currently lives in Te Whanganui a Tara.
27 May, 2024
In March 2024 Script to Screen Trustees formed a recruitment committee to find the new Executive Director for Script to Screen Te Tari Tuhi Kupu a Whakaahua.
The committee conducted a thorough process to review applications and then interview well qualified candidates. Significant consideration was given to the skills, experiences and expertise needed to successfully lead Script to Screen.
We are now pleased to announce that Dale Corlett (Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa, Rangitāne, Ngāti Ira) has been engaged as Executive Director beginning 10 July 2024.
Dale is a BAFTA Scotland nominated feature film director who has worked in talent development for the past 30 years including 11 years as CEO/Creative Director of GMAC Film, a not-for-profit charity in Scotland recognised as one of the leading talent development and independent filmmaker centre’s there, and more recently 9 years as the Head of Talent Development at the New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC).
During his time at the NZFC Dale led in the planning, development and implementation of the NZFC’s Te Rautaki Māori and more recently the Diversity and Inclusion Strategy. He also led in the development and implementation of the NZFC Talent Development strategy and worked closely with Script to Screen and all the guilds and industry organisations across the sector.
When he was interviewed for the Script to Screen role, Dale declared a conflict of interest as per the NZFC Conflict of Interest Policy. Since then, a process has been in place at the NZFC to manage the conflict, including delegation of Dale’s decision-making powers to another member of the NZFC leadership team. This means Dale is not a decision maker across any industry funding rounds that have been open or being assessed since Dale’s Script to Screen interview. Dale is due to finish at the NZFC in early July.
Dale says “I have always been inspired by the work Script to Screen delivers and the impact its programmes make for our screen storytellers. So, it is a huge honour and privilege to have been chosen by the board of Script to Screen to be the next Executive Director”.
Dale is passionate about untapping the potential of Aotearoa’s screen talent and he knows the local screen industry well. This will contribute to a smooth and seamless hand over as Jackie Dennis departs.
Please join us in welcoming our new Executive Director.
Dale Corlett
Script to Screen welcomes eight new filmmakers who have been selected for the tenth South Shorts Mentorship Programme!
Over the next six months, the participants will embark on an incredible journey of development once again led by acclaimed screenwriter and director Briar Grace-Smith (Rūrangi, Cousins, Waru).
During this time, the participants will take part in five group workshops that will include script read-throughs, group discussions, writing exercises, and insightful sessions with guest filmmakers. By the end of the Programme, the filmmakers will have produced a polished script.
Filmmakers who go through South Shorts 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 mentorship and the boundless potential in the South Auckland community.
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.
Script to Screen, in partnership with Film Otago Southland, are thrilled to announce the participants for this newly created development opportunity, Southern Pilots.
The 3 selected teams exemplify the high calibre of applications we received from new and emerging filmmakers in the region. This Southern Pilots development programme offers both talent and project development. The teams will have one-on-one advisor sessions and hear from industry speakers over a three-day workshop held in Ōamaru in June. The intent is to bring these series projects to a point where they will be compelling for producer partners and funders.
Southern Pilots kaupapa is to help creatives from Otago and Southland generate IP for local and international audiences. This will, in turn, increase activity in both regions and foster a strong creative network of screen practitioners.
We thank all the filmmakers who applied and congratulate the participants who have been selected.
The 3 teams selected for Southern Pilots:
The Southern Pilots development programme is made possible thanks to funding from the New Zealand Film Commission.
Kōpere Hou Fresh Shorts is an New Zealand Film Commission initiative run in partnership with Script to Screen.
Today we are thrilled to announce the talented filmmaking teams selected for this year’s Kōpere Hou Fresh Shorts. Three outstanding teams are poised to bring their creative visions to life with the support of development resources and a grant from the NZFC of $30,000 per team.
Kōpere Hou Fresh Shorts garnered significant attention this year, with a staggering 119 applications received. After careful consideration, twelve exceptional projects made it to the shortlist and advanced to Whiringa Tuarua – Stage Two. Despite facing tough decisions, we are proud to announce our final three selections.
“We extend our sincere appreciation to all the teams for their dedication and creativity throughout the application process,” says Jackie Dennis, Executive Director of Script to Screen. “The exceptional quality of submissions made the selection process both inspiring and challenging. For those whose projects weren’t selected, we encourage you not to be discouraged. Your passion and talent shine through, and we genuinely hope to see many of these captivating projects brought to life in the future.”
The writers, producers, and directors of the chosen teams will receive support to refine their stories, visions, and production plans. Through tailored workshops and guidance from experienced advisors, they will embark on a transformative six-week journey to enhance their projects’ potential for success.
This year’s selected projects promise a rich tapestry of storytelling, spanning across horror, animation, and drama genres. We congratulate the talented team members hailing from Auckland, Wellington, and Canterbury, whose distinct voices will enrich the already amazing collection of New Zealand’s short films.
The three selected teams and their projects are:
Kōpere Hou Fresh Shorts is a New Zealand Film Commission initiative run in partnership with Script to Screen.
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.
