Filmmakers Briar Grace-Smith, Michael Goldenberg and Dana Rotberg will return to mentor at this year’s Writers’ Lab Aotearoa, bringing with them a wealth of experience in storytelling. They all joined us for the inaugural event last year, and are looking forward to working with the new crop of feature film writers.
Briar Grace-Smith (THE STRENGTH OF WATER) is a multi-award winning writer whose work spans film, television, theatre, poetry, and short story. Aside from writing, Briar has served a term as a development executive with the New Zealand Film Commission.
Michael Goldenberg is a US screenwriter of feature films including HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX, CONTACT, PETER PAN, and longstanding mentor at the Sundance Screenwriting Labs.
Dana Rotberg is a Mexican filmmaker based in Auckland. After a career writing, directing and producing films in Mexico and Sarajevo, including multiple selections at Cannes Directors’ Fortnight, Dana continued her successes on our shores.
They join Artistic Director of the Sundance Filmmakers’ Lab, Gyula Gazdag.
The Writers’ Lab Aotearoa is proudly supported by the New Zealand Writers Guild with financial support from the NZ Film Commission.
Mexican screenwriter Guillermo Arriaga returns to New Zealand shores to participate in Script to Screen’s programme.
His confirmation completes the line-up for our second Writers’ Lab Aotearoa, where the chosen writers will benefit directly from his unique insights into screenwriting. Guillermo Arriaga’s credits include the critically acclaimed AMORES PERROS, Oscar nominated 21 GRAMS, BAFTA nominated BABEL and Cannes-winning THE THREE BURIALS OF MELQUIADES ESTRADA.
He will also join us all for a special Writers’ Room discussion event on Sunday 12th of July in lieu of our usual June event. Full details of this event will follow.
Guillermo’s keynote address and writing masterclass at our Big Screen Symposium 2013 left a lasting impression on all who heard him speak. We are thrilled to welcome him back.
Read his bio, and those of the four other mentors here.
The Writers’ Lab Aotearoa is made possible with the support of the NZ Writers Guild and financial support from the New Zealand Film Commission.
Script to Screen, in collaboration with Te Puna Matarau, has developed this new initiative for screen creatives in Waitaha Canterbury wanting to advance their career.
We are seeking applications from originators of feature films, TV series, and narrative driven video games. The programme is suitable for emerging and mid-career practitioners. To be eligible, applicants must have a strong connection with the Waitaha Canterbury region.
Four projects will be selected, and their originators will attend three one-day workshops held July to September 2023. Creative teams will receive personalised advice to develop their project, and hear from experienced industry practitioners chosen to meet the needs of the teams.
The purpose of this programme is to support the development of IP in the region and support creators to get their work closer to funding and production. Participants will increase their contacts in the industry and connect with other creators.
For Feature Film:
For TV Series:
For narrative driven Video Games:
Applications opened: 15 March 2023
Applications closed: 1pm, 19 April 2023
Participant Announcement: week commencing 29 May
Workshop dates: