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.
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, in partnership with Compton School, is proud to be once again delivering Strength in Numbers. Through this programme, practitioners will develop the tools they need to build a sustainable and profitable business in the screen industry.
Led by Australian screen business expert David Court the programme is delivered through a series of workshops held in Auckland, and online over 7 months. During this time, participants will delve into key aspects of their business, which include decision processes, finance, strategy, and business structures.
Ideal applicants will have a screen industry business (at least three years old) with a slate of projects, be emerging to mid-career, and possess a proven track record demonstrating considerable talent and tenacity in their field. This opportunity is equivalent to a $10,000 investment in your business, and we anticipate up to 8 businesses will be supported.
Past participants of Strength in Numbers have helped shape the screen industry and have become a part of New Zealand’s most loved and successful screen projects, from commercials to feature films.
2024 Application Dates:
Overview
The programme will be delivered in two, two-day intensive workshops and three half-day online sessions from November 2024 to May 2025. The programme comprises of a mix of instruction, interactive discussion, case studies, guest speakers, peer feedback and a personal one-on-one session with David Court.
Curriculum
Dates of delivery:
Applicants need to be available for all dates of the programme.
Travel and accommodation costs for participants who live outside Auckland will be covered as part of the programme.
Please read the application requirements before you apply.
Strength in Numbers is run by Script to Screen in partnership with Compton School.
Strength in Numbers is possible thanks to generous support from Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga the New Zealand Film Commission.
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.
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.
Script to Screen, in partnership with Film Otago Southland, launches an exciting new development opportunity called Southern Pilots, for Otago and Southland based screen creators.
Script to Screen and Film Otago Southland are looking for new and emerging filmmakers with compelling, bold series story ideas suitable for development and viable for future production. Southern Pilots offers both talent and project development for three teams. The teams will have one-on-one advisor sessions and hear from industry speakers over a three-day development workshop, which aims to create outstanding pitch documents to present to potential 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.
Key Dates:
12 February: Applications open now
19 February: 5:30 pm application information webinar. Read FAQ’S Here
18 March: 1 pm applications close
21-23 June: 3-day workshop for selected teams
Eligibility:
Selection:
Script to Screen will manage the application and selection process and design and deliver the development workshop. We have a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion strategy that informs our work. Southern Pilots uses the NZFC definition for new and emerging filmmakers.
Please contact the team at Script to Screen, for any further questions. info@script-to-screen.co.nz
This development programme is possible thanks to funding from the New Zealand Film Commission.
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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