Film festivals are often celebrated for the films they premiere. Less visible, but equally important, are their industry markets, where the people behind projects in development connect with financiers, distributors, sales agents, broadcasters and streamers to explore new partnerships and opportunities for financing, co-production and international distribution.
One of the region’s leading examples is 37°South Market, the Melbourne International Film Festival’s industry marketplace, where producers and project teams participate in curated meetings with industry decision-makers from across Australasia and beyond.
Fresh from this year’s market, Rachel Fawcett, Amanda Jane Robinson and Letisha Tate-Dunning join veteran producer and moderator Tom Hern to reflect on their experience at 37°South. Together they’ll discuss what makes a project market-ready, how producers decide whether a market is the right fit for a project, what preparation goes into making those meetings count, how expectations compare with reality, the conversations and trends that emerged from this year’s market, and why international marketscan be a worthwhile investment for producers, writers and directors alike.
If you’re considering the long-term future of a project or a career, discover why sometimes you simply have to be in the room to work the room.
When: Tuesday 25th August, 6:00PM – 7:00 PM
Where: ONLINE via Zoom
Click below to register:
This Script to Screen KŌRERO is made possible thanks to New Zealand Film Commission, NZ On Air, and Images and Sound.
ABOUT:
Tom Hern is a filmmaker and producer drawn to human stories about outsiders, rebels and unlikely heroes. He broke onto the international scene producing hit chess drama The Dark Horse, starring Cliff Curtis, before producing films including Guns Akimbo and TIFF Midnight Madness winner Shadow in the Cloud. Hern co-created, produced and directed The Panthers, the record-breaking series about New Zealand’s Polynesian Panthers, and produced the award-winning comedy-drama Madam. He is currently in post-production on his feature directorial debut, Shearing The Love, starring Oscar-winner Geoffrey Rush and Backstreet Boy AJ McLean. Tom has been participating in international film markets since 2009.
Rachel Fawcett is a Chinese-Kiwi producer and founder of Lusty Productions, creating female-centred stories across film and digital media. She began her career co-producing Friday Night Bites Season 2 before producing acclaimed short films including Munkie, Wind, Song and Rain, Anu and Chrysanthemum, which screened internationally. Rachel co-created and produced the hit series n00b and its television adaptation, released on Three, Netflix Australia and CANAL+ France. She also co-created, storylined and produced the NZ On Air-funded YouTube series Literally Dead alongside K-Ci Williams. Rachel is currently associate producer on the NZFC feature Shearing the Love and producer of Roseanne Liang’s short action film Bodyworker. This year, she was nominated for the WIFT Award for Achievement in Television/Digital for her work on n00b.
Amanda Jane Robinson is a filmmaker and the founder of Vetiver Pictures. Most recently, she produced a short film In Conversation with Jack Maurer (dir. Hash) which premiered in Official Selection at Venice Film Festival 2025. In 2025 her short film Womb (dir. Ira Hetaraka) premiered at Tribeca Festival and has since played at BFI London Film Festival, Sydney Film Festival, Melbourne International Film Festival, ImagineNATIVE and Whānau Mārama: New Zealand International Film Festival where it won the Umbrella Entertainment Ngā Whanaunga New Zealand’s Best Short Film Award. Amanda is currently in post-production on two further shorts while developing a slate of feature films.
Letisha Tate-Dunning is a producer with over 11 years experience working across film and television. Most recently she produced Eleanor Bishop’s debut short film GIRL TIME (82nd Venice Film Festival), created through Jane Campion and Philippa Campbell’s A Wave in the Ocean intensive, as well as investigative documentary series What the Hell Happened at Woofington’s? for TVNZ+ (dir. Baz Macdonald). For the past several years she has worked for acclaimed producer Catherine Fitzgerald across her slate of films, including James Ashcroft’s The Rule of Jenny Pen and an upcoming film by Tusi Tamasese.
MIFF 37°South Market is a selective event for producers to pitch their script-stage screen projects to potential financiers. It also includes screenings for buyers, modules for publishers and IP owners pitching their manuscripts/creative assets to producers for potential screen adaptations, writers pitching their screenplays to producers, and panel discussions. MIFF 37ºSouth Market is the exclusive South Pacific partner of London’s Production Finance Market (PFM).
Following the Sundance Film Festival screenings of Mum, I’m Alien Pregnant, producer Alix Whittaker and directors THUNDERLIPS bring an insider’s perspective on navigating one of cinema’s most artistically influential festivals. Together, they unpack the realities of strategic preparation, selection, and on-the-ground participation at Sundance. Umbrella Entertainment joins the conversation from a distributor’s viewpoint, offering insight into how films are positioned, discovered, and sustained beyond their premiere. Collectively, the panel examines the evolving role of festivals in an era shaped by streaming platforms, fragmented audiences, algorithmic discovery, and emerging storytelling forms.
Garnering a 100% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes thus far, Mum, I’m Alien Pregnant marks an astonishing debut from a New Zealand team with clear global talent. This session offers a rare, candid look at how bold creative work cuts through internationally, making it essential for filmmakers, producers, and screen practitioners seeking to understand how festivals can still launch careers, shape conversations, and open doors in a rapidly changing screen landscape.
“On its surface, Mum, I’m Alien Pregnant plays like an outrageous midnight movie, rich in wild jokes, gross-out gags, and racy sci-fi spectacle. But beneath that, THUNDERLIPS has built a compelling mother-daughter tale that empathetically probes the choice to be child-free. So, if you see this for the unapologetically unhinged comedy, you won’t be disappointed. But you might walk away with some refreshing representation and weirdly prepared food for thought as well.”
– Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor, Mashable
Tuesday 24 February 2024
6:00 – Arrivals
6:30-7:30pm – Kōrero
7:30-8:30pm – Refreshments and socialising
$6.50 + GST + Booking Fee. Sales via Humanitix to secure your seat
Where: St Columba Centre, 40 Vermont Street, Ponsonby, Auckland
After the talk, stay and have pizza on Script to Screen. There will be socialising with fellow filmmakers.
This Script to Screen KŌRERO is made possible thanks to New Zealand Film Commission, NZ On Air, White Studios and Images and Sound.
ABOUT ALIX WHITTAKER
Alix Whittaker is an Auckland-based film producer and founder of Candlelit Pictures, with over a decade of experience across feature films, short films and music videos. She has produced award-winning music videos and supported emerging directors through a strong focus on story-driven, director-led work. Her feature credits include Mega Time Squad and Mum, I’m Alien Pregnant, which premiered at Sundance to positive reviews. Alix is an alumna of the NZ Film Commission’s A-Z Producing Course and is known for championing distinctive voices and ambitious independent filmmaking in Aotearoa.
ABOUT THUNDERLIPS
THUNDERLIPS is born of image-crazed uber-men Sean Wallace and Jordan Mark Windsor, a multi-award-winning image-making duo based in Auckland, New Zealand. Genre chameleons by nature, they’ve created work spanning 90s sitcom pastiche, GIF-only teen romance, queer cinéma vérité, 80s teen horror, and animated digital fever dreams, shooting across formats from 35mm to Hi-8 and favouring practical in-camera effects. Their commercial work for brands including Lotto, Samsung, Meridian Energy and 2Degrees showcases sharp narrative instincts and comic flair. Their films include acclaimed shorts Think We Might Have to Do Something (48HFP Grand Finals, 2013) and Lord Echo – Molten Lava. Mum, I’m Alien Pregnant is their feature film debut.
ABOUT UMBRELLA ENTERTAINMENT
Umbrella Entertainment is an independent Australian film distributor specialising in bold, distinctive, and culturally significant cinema. With a catalogue spanning contemporary features, cult classics, restorations, and genre-defying work, Umbrella has built a reputation for championing filmmaker-driven stories that resonate with passionate audiences. Operating across theatrical, home entertainment, and digital platforms, the company is known for its strong curatorial voice, creative marketing strategies, and commitment to giving films a long life beyond their initial release. Umbrella plays a key role in connecting ambitious local and international films with audiences in Australia, New Zealand, and beyond.
A beginner’s guide to mobile filmmaking is an action packed one-day workshop for Eastern Bay community youth ages 14-18. Learn about the fundamentals of filmmaking and work in teams to create short films on mobile phones.
You don’t have to have a phone to attend – this a free workshop where all equipment is provided. If you have an interest in telling stories, screenwriting, acting, filmmaking or if you want to investigate if filmmaking is right for you, this workshop will provide you with the first steps to making your own work.
At the conclusion of the workshops, we invite friends and whānau for a screening of the day’s work. This is an exciting moment for everyone involved to celebrate the possibilities of what can be created in a day.
The Workshop is presented by Script to Screen, Aotearoa’s leading screen training and professional development organisation. A not-for-profit charity, Script to Screen has been at the forefront of screen industry training since 2007. Since that time, we have run successful workshops in centres across the motu, including Hokianga, Kerikeri, Kaikohe, Whangārei, Auckland, South Auckland, Rotorua, Invercargill, Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and Queenstown.
We are excited to bring this kaupapa to Kawerau and support the aspiring storytellers in the region.
When and where:
Saturday 29th November 2025
9am – 5pm
4:30pm – Screening: Friends, whanāu and locals are welcome to view the films made
Concert Chamber, Ranfurly Court, Kawerau
The venue is wheelchair accessible
Cost: The workshop is free, please register via Humanitix as spaces are limited
What’s provided:
What to bring:
ABOUT PROGRAMME MENTOR
JAMIE IRVINE
Jamie Irvine has worked in film, television and theatre since 1998. After leaving New Zealand to study in 2003, Jamie spent several years in both Sydney and Los Angeles, where he worked as an actor and voice artist as well as teaching at NIDA, Actors Centre Australia, Theatre of Arts Hollywood and various other organisations.
Since returning to New Zealand in 2017, Jamie has performed in various productions including Tinā, The Brokenwood Mysteries, Black Hands, Sweet Tooth, Centrepoint, Power Rangers, Duckrockers, Mystic, N00b, Literally Dead, My Life is Murder, M3gan 2.0 and Shortland Street. On stage, he in the PopUp Globes productions of Richard III and Taming of the Shrew. He directed the NZ on Air Funded webseries Here if you Need. He has also taught acting at South Seas Film and Television School and worked as programme manager at Script to Screen.
Whether in front of or behind the camera, Jamie is passionate about storytelling and helping others reach their potential.
This workshop is made possible thanks to Script to Screen’s partnership with Film Bay of Plenty and the generous support from Kawerau Council Creative Communities Scheme.
Join Script to Screen for a one-day short film workshop in South Auckland. Thanks to the support of Foundation North, anyone – no matter their filmmaking experience, can learn to develop their short film ideas.
Feel empowered with the tools to make your story come to life. This workshop will cover the key fundamentals of creating short films including crafting story ideas, pitching to collaborators and what it takes to be able to go on to make a short film.
This workshop is led by award-winning actor, writer, director Nikki Si’ulepa, who tells bold, heartfelt stories that champion underrepresented voices and communities —stories with grit, soul, and the occasional cheeky wink. The mana of you and your story ideas will be safely held throughout the duration of the day.
The South Auckland Short Film Workshop provides a stepping stone to applying for the Script to Screen South Shorts Mentorship programme as well as other short film initiatives like Day One Shorts. It is also a fantastic opportunity to meet other creatives within the community and be inspired by filmmaking’s possibilities.
We welcome anyone who wants to tell their stories through film. If you’re a new or emerging filmmaker or a local South Auckland creative this workshop is for you.
When and where:
Saturday 1st November 2025
9am – 5pm
Friendship House, 20 Putney Way, Manukau, South Auckland
The venue is wheelchair accessible
Cost: $12.50 (INC BF & GST) Book via Humanitix
Morning tea and afternoon tea provided, BYO lunch
What to bring:
ABOUT PROGRAMME MENTOR
NIKKI SI’ULEPA
Nikki Si’ulepa (she/her) is an award-winning actor, writer, and director whose work spans film, television, and digital platforms. She’s lit up screens in Bookworm, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Tangata Pai, Creamerie, Housebound, Same But Different, and Pot Luck—and her films have screened (and won stuff!) at Berlinale, Tribeca, Sydney, Melbourne, FIFO, and NZIFF.
A proud Sāmoan, queer creative, Nikki tells bold, heartfelt stories that champion underrepresented voices and communities—stories with grit, soul, and the occasional cheeky wink. She is a co-founder of PISA – PACIFIC ISLANDS SCREEN ARTISTS – a global Pasifika screen collective. She also runs ACTING UP! FOR SCREEN and SCREENFIT—fast-paced, no-fluff workshops where actors, writers, and directors flex their creative muscles and get real-time feedback (with less sweat, more script).
Whether she’s behind the camera or holding space as a kaihautū for emerging storytellers, Nikki’s all about inclusive, collaborative, fun spaces—with purpose, passion, and a healthy amount of laughs along the way.
This workshop is made possible thanks to generous support from Foundation North and Auckland Council Creative Communities Scheme.
Script to Screen in association with Foundation North presents a 1-day adult workshop covering scriptwriting for screen in Whangārei. We look forward to facilitating the opportunity for local Northland screen story tellers to work with renowned writer, director and author, Michael Bennett (The Gone, In Dark Places), after a successful Kerikeri workshop last year.
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 21st September
9am – 5pm
ONEONE SIX
116A Bank Street, Whangārei 0110
Venue is wheelchair accessible
Cost:
$25 including GST and booking fee. Tickets via humanitix
Morning tea and afternoon tea provided, BYO lunch
Workshop Prep:
Before Sunday if you get the chance it may be beneficial to watch a few episodes of Michael Bennett’s recent work, The Gone (here) Free on TVNZ+.
What to bring:
We do not advise participants to take notes on phones.
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, Whangarei District Creative Communities Scheme and White Studios.
We are also running a Youth school holiday workshop. Check it out using the link below.
Script to Screen Script to Screen in association with Foundation North is presenting presents a free four-day filmmaking workshop in the September 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 Northland 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, writing and acting to apply.
The programme will be taught by Michael Bennett (storytelling and screenwriting) and local Whangārei theatre practitioner Laurel Devine (storytelling and acting).
When and where:
Monday 22nd September – Thursday 25th September
9am – 3pm each day
ONEONE SIX
116A Bank Street, Whangārei 0110
The venue is wheelchair accessible
Programme Structure:
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.
LAUREL DEVENIE
Laurel Devenie is Whangārei based theatre practitioner who works as an actor, director, teacher, and producer. She is co-founder of ONEONESIX and The Whangārei Fringe Festival and works in a creative director role at ONEONESIX. She is a graduate of Toi Whakaari and The John Bolton Theatre School. She has been involved in both professional and community projects all over the country and has worked with South Pacific Pictures, ATC, Silo Theatre, Capital E, Unitec, Prayas, Downstage Theatre, Red Leap, Northland Youth Theatre and Script to Screen. Laurel is the Director of Whangārei based theatre collective, Company of Giants and has led many devised theatre projects including Odyssey, The Owl and the Pussycat and Rangitahua. She has facilitated arts-based programmes to work with different sectors of the community and is curious about spaces where arts practice can be used to invite new ways of engaging within communities and organisations.
This workshop is made possible thanks to generous support from Foundation North, Whangarei District Creative Communities Scheme and White Studios.
“The best family film since Babe”
David Stratton Australian Film Critic
Join Script to Screen for a special screening of the Australian box office hit film Runt, followed by a conversation with Director John Sheedy and STS Executive Director Dale Corlett.
This is a family friendly movie and for less than the cost of a coffee each, we encourage you to bring your family to the screening and Q&A.
Hear about John’s journey from theatre into feature film directing including the unique journey this film took from book to screen, and see if it’s true why they say “never to work with children or Animals” or in this case Dogs.
Monday 3rd March 2024
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm FILM
8:00 pm – 8:30 pm – Q&A
The Capitol Cinema, 610 Dominion Road, Balmoral, Auckland 1041
Following the screening and conversation, there will be time for networking.
$5.75 (incl. GST) for sales via Humanitix to secure your seat.
ABOUT OUR PANEL
SPEAKER: John Sheedy – Director
John Sheedy is a multi-award winning Australian film, television, theatre director and writer.
His first feature film, H is for Happiness for Cyan Films, Universal Pictures Australia and Level K, premiered at the 2019 Melbourne International Film Festival, and won the prestigious Film Prize at Cinefest Oz. The film’s international premiere was at the Berlin International Film Festival in 2020 and it went on to receive a Special Mention by the Children’s Jury in the Generation Kplus section. John’s first short film Mrs McCutcheon won best Australian Short Film at the Melbourne International Film Festival 2017 and was invited to over 130 Festivals globally, winning 47 festival awards on the way through. He also received the award for Best Director at the 2018 Australian Directors Guild Awards.Most recently, John was set up director on the ABC drama series In Our Blood and Paramount Plus’s new teen drama series More Than This. He also directed a short film called Tarneit which is currently screening all over the world and has so far picked up 15 wins, including the prestigious IRIS Award in Wales and has received several nominations. John is currently attached as writer and director for the Screen Australia Funded feature 10 Moments, produced by Big and Little Pictures. John directed the new feature film Runt based on the Craig Silvey novel of the same name for See Pictures. Since it’s release Runt has become the third biggest local film of the year.
MODERATOR: Dale Corlett – Script to Screen Executive Director pictured with Akiko
Prior to joining Script to Screen in 2024, for 9 1/2 years he was the Head of Talent Development at the NZFC. During this time over 80% of the filmmakers supported through the various NZFC short films programmes have progressed into development or production on their feature films and tv shows. Dale was the CEO/Creative Director of GMAC Film in Scotland, responsible for identifying and developing high quality emerging talent and supporting their progression from shorts to features and developing careers. He was also proactive in the creation of innovative, diversity-led and gender focused talent development programmes across Scotland and the UK. He is a graduate of Toi Whakaari New Zealand Drama School who has worked as a director, actor, producer and writer. He was nominated for a Scottish BAFTA Best Director Award in 2009 for his debut feature film, Running Traffic.
This screening is made possible through the generous support from the film’s distributor Studio Canal, The Capitol Cinema and through Script to Screen’s ongoing core funding from Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga NZ Film Commission
Script to Screen in collaboration with Film Dunedin, DCC Creative Partnerships, and the Otago Community Trust presents Screenwriting: What Producers Need to Know a two day workshop delivered by renowned Australian script editor/EP/creative producer Claire Dobbin.
Getting to work with Claire Dobbin is a rare opportunity for those committed to investing in themselves, their creativity, and their future as screen story tellers. Designed for producers, writers, HOD’s and other key creatives, Claire has developed and delivered workshops worldwide.
Effective collaboration is one of the key pillars of a screen storytellers toolkit, and is essential for all crew, whether they be above or below the line. The workshop will cover:
Advanced preparation of approximately 16-24 hrs is required. Participants will have a curated watch list and script reading to complete. These case studies will form an integral foundation for the analysis and discussion undertaken over the weekend.
This workshop was initiated by Film Dunedin and made possible thanks to generous support from Film Dunedin, Film Otago Southland, University of Otago, and Ara Toi Creative Capabilities to help build creative capability in the Otago and Southland regions.
When and where:
Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd March 2025
9:00am – 5:00pm
Centre for Innovation, Seminar Room
87 Saint David Street, Dunedin North, Dunedin 9016
Cost:
Was: $85 Now: $20 Total *
On both days morning tea and afternoon tea provided, BYO lunch.
* The unique value of this workshop is recognised by Ara Toi, with subsidised places available thanks to the Ara Toi Arts Capability Fund.
Note: Places are limited. In order to complete the online registration you will be asked a series of short answer questions. You will be notified at least 2 weeks prior, if you have gained a place within the workshop.
ABOUT PROGRAMME MENTOR
CLAIRE DOBBIN
Claire Dobbin is a script editor/EP/creative producer who works globally with development agencies, screenwriters, producers and directors. Claire is also –
Claire devised, and secured the funds for:
In 2017 Claire was awarded an AM for Services to the Australian Film Industry and in 2019 Claire received the Jill Robb award for outstanding leadership in the Victorian Screen Industry.
Claire is currently the Executive Producer of a number of films including Shit – a film based on the acclaimed play of the same name. She is also script editing a number of international feature films and TV series in Europe, India and the US.
Script to Screen also receives core funding from Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga New Zealand Film Commission.
We have decided to reschedule the South Shorts Webinar due to the Auckland premiere of Tinā being held at the Civic Theatre on Tuesday 11th February 2025.
Script to Screen is committed to supporting the craft and culture of screen storytelling and we encourage you to support New Zealand cinema and attend if you are available. It’s going to be great!!!
The South Shorts Script Mentorship programme continues to support new and emerging screenwriters from South Auckland and aims to enhance the screenwriting capabilities of these filmmakers.
We understand that applying for opportunities, talking about yourself, and sharing your ideas can be difficult. This may even be your first time applying for a programme like South Shorts and that, in itself, can present obstacles. To reduce application anxiety and encourage more submissions, we are holding an online webinar. This webinar will walk through each question in the application, allow time for questions, as well as give insight into the opportunities and content that the mentorship programme will provide. This year we will also be accepting video applications to help expand the accessibility of our application process.
Don’t know where to begin? Here are a few ideas that might help to get you started:
Remember you can submit a video instead of this written approach.
Script to Screen recognises the enormous creative potential in South Auckland, and we encourage you to get in touch if you have any questions or need help with the application process.
The South Shorts Mentorship Programme is made possible thanks to generous support from Foundation North.
Script to Screen in collaboration with Film Queenstown Lakes presents Screenwriting: What Producers Need to Know a two day workshop delivered by renowned Australian script editor/EP/creative producer Claire Dobbin.
Getting to work with Claire Dobbin is a rare opportunity for those committed to investing in themselves, their creativity, and their future as screen story tellers. Designed for producers, writers, HOD’s and other key creatives, Claire has developed and delivered workshops worldwide.
Effective collaboration is one of the key pillars of a screen storytellers toolkit, and is essential for all crew, whether they be above or below the line. The workshop will cover:
Advanced preparation of approximately 16-24 hrs is required. Participants will have a curated watch list and script reading to complete. These case studies will form an integral foundation for the analysis and discussion undertaken over the weekend.
This workshop was initiated by Film Otago Southland and also made possible thanks to generous support from Film Otago Southland, Film Queenstown Lakes, and Central Lakes Arts Support Scheme (CLASS) to help build creative capability in the Otago and Southland regions.
When and where:
Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 February 2025
9:00am – 5:00pm
Building 11, Dart House, Remarkables Park Town Centre
12 Hawthorne Drive, Frankton, Queenstown 9300
Wheelchair Access is available. If you require special assistance, please let us know.
Cost:
Was $85 Now $20 Total * Tickets have been generously subsidised by Film Queenstown Lakes
On both days morning tea and afternoon tea provided, BYO lunch.
Note: Places are limited. In order to complete the online registration you will be asked a series of short answer questions. You will be notified at least 2 weeks prior, if you have gained a place within the workshop.
ABOUT PROGRAMME MENTOR
CLAIRE DOBBIN
Claire Dobbin is a script editor/EP/creative producer who works globally with development agencies, screenwriters, producers and directors. Claire is also –
Claire devised, and secured the funds for:
In 2017 Claire was awarded an AM for Services to the Australian Film Industry and in 2019 Claire received the Jill Robb award for outstanding leadership in the Victorian Screen Industry.
Claire is currently the Executive Producer of a number of films including Shit – a film based on the acclaimed play of the same name. She is also script editing a number of international feature films and TV series in Europe, India and the US.
Script to Screen also receives core funding from Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga New Zealand Film Commission.