Script to Screen is a not-for-profit charity based in Tāmaki Makarau, and we wouldn’t be here without the support from the Auckland Council Albert Eden Accommodation Grant.
We want to take the time to acknowledge the extreme value that this grant provides to a small organisation like us, and share with you some of the things we get to do because of it!
Although following COVID Script to Screen took a flexible approach to our working arrangements, and our staff still have the option when needed to work remotely, the majority of the time we are together working as a team onsite at our offices in Morningside. We really value the collaboration, ideas and opportunities that arise from working together to provide talent development for the screen industry in Aotearoa. This physical space allows us to expand the possibilities for filmmakers throughout New Zealand, both in person and online.
At our office we also have a bookable board room that has the potential to be used for more than just Script to Screen meetings, we’re open to alumni to use the space after hours for readthroughs, project meetings or writers rooms.
We run all of our operations out of this space, so we’re a physical hub of information where you are more than welcome to come and visit us if you prefer to have a kōrero in person.
We have a legacy of alumni spanning 300+, with more if we include workshop and TALK attendees, so on behalf of everyone who has been impacted by the work that we do, we would like to mihi to Auckland Council Albert-Eden Local Board for enabling us to have this lasting legacy within the screen industry in Aotearoa.
Thank you to the Auckland Council Albert-Eden Local Board – Accommodation Grant.
Pictured: Audience attendees clapping during a presentation at the Big Screen Symposium 2024 run by Script to Screen.
For all those who missed out, we hear you! We couldn’t bring our speakers to every city, but the Script to Screen podcast channel gives you access to all recorded TALKS, no matter where you are. Here’s a link to all our TALKS recorded in 2023.
Listen on Podbean, Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
In Conversation with Lee Tamahori
Script to Screen was delighted to present this in-conversation with Lee Tamahori, one of New Zealand’s most successful and celebrated filmmakers. He is the director and co-writer of The Convert, starring Guy Pearce and Tioreore Ngatai-Melbourne and premiering at Toronto International Film Festival where it was described as ‘a stunning, sweeping & action-packed historical epic’. Paula Morris moderated the discussion exploring Lee’s approach to making the film, including story themes, ideology and past experiences that guided his decisions.
This talk was held in October 2023 at the Capitol Cinema in Auckland.
Kickstart Your Screenwriting Career
Explore the roots of accomplished New Zealand writers Briar Grace-Smith, Michael Bennett, and Pip Hall, and how they have each paved their way for a successful career in the screen industry. Jackie Dennis probes into their screenwriting process and seeks their advice for aspiring screenwriters including navigating writer’s block and special tips.
This talk was held in August 2023, at the Christchurch Screen Canterbury offices.
Development Essentials with Nicole Dade
Experienced screenwriter, script editor and development producer Nicole Dade breaks down the script development process and discusses how to develop your own idea so that it moves forward. Nicole talks about the main structural element of the story, the story world, and examines how the importance of finding the heart and primal theme of the story is fundamental to its success.
This talk was held in June 2023, at the Christchurch Screen Canterbury offices.
Crafting Powerful and Original Character Arc’s with Anthony Mullins
What story have you got to tell? Hear from Anthony Mullins about how to expand your possibilities as a storyteller and widen your storytelling landscape. This talk delves into the art of screenwriting and explores how writers can excel in crafting more complex intricate and authentic stories through character arcs that go beyond the hero’s journey.
This talk was recorded in Wellington, in May 2023.
Adapting Real Life For The Screen
Three outstanding writer-directors, Welby Ings, Matthew J. Saville, and Paula Whetu Jones discuss their observations with producer Karin Williams in crafting feature films Punch, Whina and Juniper. If you are telling a story from real life, learn from the experiences of these filmmakers as they recall the creative choices used to weave these screen stories of truth, memory, and social history.
This talk was recorded live in Auckland, in March 2023.
These Script to Screen TALKS have been turned into podcasts thanks to the generous support of Images and Sound.
Note: Other supporters are detailed in their relevant podcasts.
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
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:
A conversation with the creators of Netflix’s new hit crime thriller Clickbait. While set in the US, Clickbait was developed and made in Australia. It was filmed in and around Melbourne with both US and Australian actors and post-production was completed whilst the city was dealing with many restrictions caused by the pandemic. Co-creators Tony Ayres and Christian White talk with moderator Cass Avery across a wide range of subjects including writing and collaboration, building a team, adapting the series for the US and the audience metrics they received from Netflix.
This Script to Screen Talk was held on 19 October 2021 as an online webinar and made possible thanks to generous support from the New Zealand Film Commission, Foundation North and Images & Sound.
ABOUT THE PANEL
TONY AYRES
Tony Ayres is an award-winning Australian showrunner, writer and director. He is well known for creating some of Australia’s most revered film and television dramas including The Home Song Stories, Nowhere Boys, The Slap, Glitch, Stateless and most recently Clickbait, along with feature movies Cut Snake (2015), The Home Song Stories (2007) and Walking on Water (2002).
CHRISTIAN WHITE
Christian White is an Australian author, screenwriter and producer. He has written award-winning novels The Nowhere Child and The Wife and the Widow. Christian co-created the television series Clickbait, with Tony Ayres. He also co-wrote the feature film Relic, a horror/drama starring Emily Mortimer, Bella Heathcote and Robyn Nevin.
CASS AVERY
Cass Avery is a producer, executive producer and writer, Cass has helmed and scripted more than 50 documentaries and television series commissioned in NZ and Australia. She is currently Head of Development and the Executive Producer at Augusto.
Tues 19 October
5:30pm – 6:30pm NZDT – TALK
This Script to Screen TALK is made possible thanks to generous support from the
New Zealand Film Commission, Foundation North and Images & Sound.
We’ve been busy zooming, emailing and texting as a team every day, creating a future for Script to Screen that can respond to and embrace change; and exploring new ways to connect our community and support our alumni’s wellbeing during these extraordinary times and we’re pleased to be launching our initiative, Awhi: Peer to Peer Conversations.
Script to Screen is establishing Awhi for alumni to draw on each other when a situation calls for an impartial phone conversation. It can give them a sounding board for an issue to be talked through, an idea tested, a problem solved or to simply have someone to call on that might have been in the same position as you.
Awhi is a safe space available to our whānau of filmmakers where they can be open and honest, get guidance in their careers, suggestions to progress their work and encouragement from someone who understands what it’s like in our film industry. Everyone who signs up to Awhi can be the maker and/or receiver of a call. This is the beginning of a community that supports each other through conversation – even if they have never met.
If you are an Alumni of one of our programmes we invite you to register here.
If you feel like your mental health is in crisis or are worried about the mental health of someone you know, please visit the Mental Health Foundation website for a list of some of the services available in New Zealand that offer support, information and help. All services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week unless otherwise specified.
Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor
Lifeline – 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP)
Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
Healthline – 0800 611 116
Samaritans – 0800 726 666
In April 2020, Script to Screen established Awhi for alumni to draw on each other when a situation calls for an impartial phone conversation. It can give them a sounding board for an issue to be talked through, an idea tested, a problem solved or to simply have someone to call on that might have been in the same position as you.
Awhi is a safe space available to our whānau of filmmakers where they can be open and honest, get guidance in their careers, suggestions to progress their work and encouragement from someone who understands what it’s like in our film industry. Everyone who signs up to Awhi can be the maker and/or receiver of a call. This is the beginning of a community that supports each other through conversation – even if they have never met.
If you are an Alumni of one of our programmes we invite you to register.
How Awhi works:
Script to Screen will connect alumni for one-on-one video or phone conversations. Each person can use Awhi to be connected to a peer up to twice a year, and we suggest keeping the conversation to no longer than 60 mins.
When you want to make an Awhi call, fill out our Awhi Conversation Request Form so we can match you with the best person from the Awhi community.
Once we receive your submitted form, we will work to find a match and then connect you both via email. If you requested the call, then it is up to you to email the filmmaker we have connected you with to schedule a time for your conversation.
We will process all requests as they come in, however we will need to wait on a response from the peer we want to connect you with before we can come back to you, so allow for that in your planning.
If you feel like your mental health is in crisis or are worried about the mental health of someone you know, please visit the Mental Health Foundation website for a list of some of the services available in New Zealand that offer support, information and help. All services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week unless otherwise specified.
Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor
Lifeline – 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP)
Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
Healthline – 0800 611 116
Samaritans – 0800 726 666
Head to our Script to Screen podcast channel where you will find newly released Script to Screen Podcasts. Find out what local distributors consider before they take on a project for distribution and learn about the hard task of navigating the balance between staying true to your story while satisfying the audience’s expectations for your character. Especially if those characters are the first of their kind on screen.
Plus, delve into 14 newly released 2018 Big Screen Symposium Sessions. Revisit Wanuri Kahui’s uplifting keynote address on the Zeitgeist of Joy; get practical tips on engaging your audience with Anna Dean; or take a deep dive into David Lowery’s filmmaking process with The Old Man & the Gun.
Available on Podbean, Apple and Spotify.
We have an extensive range of Programmes, events and opportunities for filmmakers, ranging from grassroots development programmes for new and emerging filmmakers through to our high-end professional development initiatives. We support New Zealand screen practitioners to tell exceptional stories for feature films and series.
Script to Screen helps to connect and build the filmmaking community through our regional storytelling workshops, evening TALKS and our annual two-day conference the Big Screen Symposium.
The Big Screen Symposium is an annual two-day conference that brings the filmmakers of Aotearoa (New Zealand) together. It presents a big picture of the world of film and television, is a great networking opportunity, and offers a wealth of insights and information on craft and the pertinent issues facing filmmakers today. Delegates are immersed in two intensive days of conversations, masterclasses, workshops, panel discussions and case studies with a stellar line-up of local and international filmmaker speakers.
This event has become a highlight on the industry calendar. For more information visit www.bigscreensymposium.com.
We celebrate, value and share Aotearoa’s screen stories.
Script to Screen is dedicated to developing the craft and culture of storytelling for the screen in Aotearoa.
The values that guide our work are:
