Got a script in development?
Have you thought about your audience?
Join us at this Script to Screen Talk and find out what local distributors consider before they take on a project for distribution.
Having a strong script and a great filmmaking team is not enough. Most often, unlocking NZFC production funding depends on a commitment from a local distributor.
Come along to hear from Tony Bald at Paramount Pictures, Andrew Cozens at Madman, Nigel Forsyth at Studio Canal and Kelly Rogers at Rialto Distribution.
Moderator Emma Slade talks to the panelists about what they look for and why, including genre and story elements, team, and at what stage of development they like to get on board.
Be you a writer, director or a producer, if you are developing a feature film project this event is not to be missed!
Thursday 9 November at the Basement Theatre.
Doors open at 5pm. Talk starts at 6:15pm – 7:15pm.
$5 suggested koha. Stay afterwards for pizza on us!
“That seemingly casual connection between life an mythology, between flesh-and-blood reality and its parallel spiritual dimensions, informs this meditative drama about the redemption of a man whose healing hands have also inflicted scars on his family.”
– David Rooney, Hollywood Reporter
When Tusi Tamasese’s ONE THOUSAND ROPES premiered to critical acclaim in Berlinale’s prestigious Panorama section and at home, the co-existence of social realism and mysticism was consistently identified as striking, effective and unusual.
In this special session, Tamasese is joined by producer Catherine Fitzgerald, editor Annie Collins, colourist Clare Burlinson and VFX Supervisor Darwin Go to explore how post elements and music came together to tell the powerful story of ONE THOUSAND ROPES.
A section of the film is granularly analysed to demonstrate the composition of pictures, colour palette, sound design and music. Points of discussion include how a ‘purgatory’ feel for Maea’s world, and the threatening feel of character Seipua were achieved.
Join us to hear about how the creative power of post can enhance character and world, whilst serving story. If feedback from the BSS is anything to go by, this session is not to be missed!
Please RSVP at: https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/one-thousand-ropes-case-study-tickets-39063472899
Park Road Post, 141 Park Road, Mirimar, Wellington, Thurs 02 November. Drinks 5:30pm – 6:30pm, talk 6:30pm-7:30pm, $5 suggested koha.
Script to Screen, Ngā Aho Whakaari and PIFT present the 2017 South Auckland Short Film Workshop – a free two-day workshop that will give you everything you need to know to make a short film.
Over one weekend, four experienced filmmakers will guide you through each stage of the filmmaking process – from the initial concept, writing, directing, working with actors and finally to pitch your idea to collaborators and funders.
We are looking for new talent from South Auckland with a passion for storytelling, and an interest in learning how to make a short film. Up to six attendees/teams will also have the opportunity to participate in the 2018 South Shorts Mentoring Programme. This is a tailored programme that pairs writers and producers with experienced industry mentors.
When? Sat 18 and Sun 19 November, 9am-5pm both days
Where? Faculty of Creative Arts, Manukau Institute of Technology, 50 Lovegrove Cresent, Otara
How much? The workshop is free. We provide a picnic style lunch and suggest $15 cash to cover lunch on both days – if you are able to contribute please bring this cash along with you to the workshop.
Register: Places are limited. Please email sjionel@script-to-screen.co.nz or cal 09) 3605400 to register.
What do I need to bring to the workshop?
You are encouraged to come with a short film idea, and any team members you might wish to work with. It is not compulsory to have a short film idea ready, but will mean that you get the most out of the workshop.
You could write a synopsis which should be half a page, describing what your film is about, what happens in the film, and what you want people to feel when they are watching it. You could also include why this story is important to you or why this story needs to be told. Remember to include details like, how long you expect the film to be (usually 5 – 15 mins long), the genre of your film (comedy or drama etc), and the characters’ names.
On Day 2 of the workshop, participants will be invited to pitch their short film idea to the group and a panel of industry mentors. The pitch is to be kept to 3 minutes.
Image from short film WAITING. Written by Samuel Kamu and directed by Amberley Jo Aumua.
This workshop was made possible with the support of the Creative Communities Scheme.
2017 SOUTH AUCKLAND WORKSHOP SCHEDULE
Saturday 18 November
9am-9:15am – Tea/coffee/introduction
9:15am-10:45am – Kaupapa of Story with Renae Maihi (WARU, MANAHATTA)
10:45am-12:15pm – Producing with Orlando Stewart (FIRE IN CARDBOARD CITY, THE DUMP)
Learn about the role of the producer in driving the project from conception to completion
12:15-1:15pm – Lunch break
1:15pm – 5pm – Screenwriting with Shuchi Kothari (COFFEE & ALLAH, APRON STRINGS)
Learn about the key points of storytelling and forming a structure that will grab the audience
Sunday 19 November
9.15am-10:45am – Directing with Sima Urale (APRON STRINGS, O TAMAITI)
Learn about the director’s role in the film and forming a strong vision for your story.
10:45am – 11am – Morning Tea
11am – Work on Pitch
11:30am – 5pm – Pitching Session
Participants are invited to pitch their short film idea to the group and a panel of industry mentors. The pitch is to be kept to 3 minutes.
Script to Screen is thrilled to partner with the NZ International Film Festival to present a series of TALKS with the filmmakers behind: MY YEAR WITH HELEN, MOUNTAIN, WARU and GOD’S OWN COUNTRY.
Join us after each screening to hear firsthand from both international and local filmmakers about the challenges and intrigues of bringing these much anticipated films to the screen.
Entry to the TALKS is free but to see the film beforehand, please book your tickets through the NZIFF website.
MY YEAR WITH HELEN
Director, Gaylene Preston.
Fresh from the World Premiere in Sydney, join legendary filmmaker, Gaylene Preston as she reveals what she discovered about Helen Clark, and the challenges she faced when making a documentary across multiple continents with a high profile subject.
“Preston’s cameras explore the cracks between the diplomats, the embedded press and feminist activists as they push for change, (at the U.N.), while caught up in a power process as secretive and patriarchal as the selection of the Pope.” Kip Brook (makelemonade.nz)
23 July with Paula Morris after 1.00pm screening
25 July with Helene Wong after 11.00am screening
VENUE: Wintergarden at the Civic Theatre
WARU
Directors: Casey Kaa, Ainsley Gardiner, Katie Wolfe, Renae Maihi, Paula Whetu Jones, Awanui Simich-Pene and writer Josephine Stewart-Tewhiu in conversation with Mihingarangi Forbes
This is the World Premiere of a powerful NZ film. WARU brings eight talented Māori women to the director’s chair to address one of the most important issues facing NZ society right now. If the exceptional feedback from the moving conversation at last year’s Big Screen Symposium is anything to go by, this is a film and a discussion not to be missed.
These sessions were made possible thanks to additional support from the New Zealand Film Commission.
2 Aug after 6.15pm screening
6 Aug after 4.00pm screening
VENUE: ASB Waterfront Theatre
Please note: As this TALK is in the cinema, you must purchase a ticket to the film to attend.
MOUNTAIN
Director, Jennifer Peedom
MOUNTAIN is described by The Guardian as“a 70-minute rush of adrenaline; a safari into the sublime; a vertiginous voyage to the top of the world”. Director, Jennifer Peedom (SHERPA) visits Auckland to share stories about her experience working for the second time with high altitude cinematographer Renan Ozturk; her collaborations with writer Robert Macfarlane and narrator Willem Defoe; creating an atmospheric score with the Australian Chamber Orchestra and wrangling more than 2,000 hours of footage shot in 15 countries to make her spectacular new movie.
1 Aug with Leanne Pooley after 6.30pm screening.
VENUE: Wintergarden at the Civic Theatre
GOD’S OWN COUNTRY
Writer/Director Francis Lee
Francis Lee joins us from the UK to share stories about the making of his first feature, GOD’S OWN COUNTRY, winner of Best British Feature Film at this year’s Edinburgh International Film Festival, Best Director prize in Sundance’s World Cinema Dramatic Competition and the Männer Jury Award for Best Film at Berlin Film Festival. BFI describes the film as “one of the most assured, fully-formed British debuts of recent years”. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear from Francis who started his directing career at 40 when he quit acting to make three self-financed short films.
2 Aug with Max Currie after 6.30pm screening
3 Aug with Shuchi Kothari after 1.00pm screening
VENUE: Wintergarden at the Civic Theatre
“Don’t be fooled. Story Camp takes place in a beautifully simple, stripped-back setting by the sea – but man it’s tough. My script was expertly interrogated with care and without mercy – but unlike notes and feedback delivered via email, this was a living process. Story Camp’s no holiday, it was often uncomfortable, but I am undoubtedly a better writer for the experience.”
– Max Currie
Applications open soon for Script to Screen’s Story Camp, an immersive feature film development workshop that fosters craft, imagination and voice. Over five days exceptional local and international practitioners engage in a robust exchange with talented NZ screenwriters and filmmakers to help their feature film projects be the best they can be.
Kathryn Burnett prompts 2016 participants Armagan Ballantyne, Florian Habicht, Jesse Griffin and Josephine Stewart Te-Whiu to share their Story Camp learnings.
Join us to hear direct how the experience changed these filmmakers approach to story, writing process and development. Find out how the selection process works and how your application can stand out from the crowd.
International advisors have included Artistic Director of the Sundance Directors’ Lab Gyula Gazdag, longstanding Sundance mentor screenwriter Joan Tewkesbury (NASHVILLE), and screenwriters Guillermo Arriaga (21 GRAMS), David Seidler (THE KINGS SPEECH, Michael Goldernburg (HARRY POTTER: THE GOBLET OF FIRE).
The Basement, Thurs 22 June, bar opens 5pm, talk 6-7, $5 koha appreciated.
Story Camp Aotearoa is made possible with financial assistance from the New Zealand Film Commission.
Last year Script to Screen worked closely with the Whirinaki community to design a storytelling workshop where the outcome would be making a short film together.
The workshop was aimed at rangatahi aged 16-25, along with their teachers, community leaders and whanau. It took place in July 2016 over three days at Matai Aranui Marae in Whirinaki, and provided rangatahi from the Far North region a safe and creative space to write and develop their short ideas into compelling outlines. With access to talented screenwriting mentor Michael Bennett, the workshop fostered and encouraged a huge step forward for these Northland storytellers. On the second day participants had the chance to share their stories, and receive feedback. A judging panel chose one idea for the group to make together as a community short film.
The idea chosen was called NATALIE, by 16-year-old Northland College student Qianna Titore. Mentor Michael Bennett spent 6 hours guiding Qianna as she wrote a 9 page script for the film. The workshop ended with a read through of the script, performed by participants of the workshop Jo and Julina Wikaira – who were later cast as Natalie and Natalie’s mum.
The workshop participants came back together at Matai Aranui Marae ten days after the writing workshop, to shoot Qianna’s short film NATALIE in three days. Script to Screen brought heads of department from Auckland and Northland to mentor the novice filmmakers in the crew roles like camera, clapper loader, continuity, art department, lighting, grip, sound recording, acting, and catering. Mentors included esteemed writer/director Michael Bennnett, one of NZ’s most reputed cinematographers Leon Narbey and grip Annie Frear.
All the participants worked incredibly hard over the three days, with the rushes being assembled in the evenings, allowing a rough cut to be screened at the wrap party. The process of making a short film from start to finish in only two weeks was a massive learning curve for the whole team, and the community were very proud to have made their first film. The mentors were thrilled to be part of a community-minded project, fuelled on generosity and heart.
See NATALIE at Wairoa Maori Film Festival as part of the Kiriata Māori: Māori Shorts 2017
and part of the Ngā Whanaunga Māori Pasifika Shorts 2017 at the New Zealand International Film Festival.
He wānanga mō nga rangatahi ki te mahi kiriata ō Te Tai Tokerau. Nau mai, haere mai
Are you a passionate storyteller who would love to learn about filmmaking?
Script to Screen presents a filmmaking workshop aimed at rangatahi in the Far North region. The workshop includes story-writing, hands-on learning about shooting and acting in scenes.
Join us in the July school holidays for a free five-day workshop that will give you the tools you need to take stories from your community and tell them on screen.
The aim of the workshop is to foster local talent and encourage aspiring filmmakers. The workshop is suitable for ages 15+, and adults of all ages are welcome.
No experience or prior knowledge of filmmaking is necessary – but those with experience are more than welcome and will also benefit from the workshop.
Come along and learn how to make your story come to life through film.
When: 10 -14 July 2017
Where: Kohewhata Marae, 6869 Mangakahia Road, KAIKOHE
Cost: This workshop is free. Koha to cover kai is welcome
Registration: If you would like to attend please RSVP to Sjionel on sjionel@script-to-screen.co.nz or phone 09) 360 5400 to sign up.
*Film still taken from Qianne Titore’s short film NATALIE made as part of the 2016 Hokianga Filmmaking Workshop. NATALIE is screening at Wairoa Film Festival and New Zealand International Film Festival .
Is there a trick to staying on an even keel in this business, or is it inevitable you’ll be a little off kilter most of the time?
Gaylene Preston, Jackie van Beek, Madeleine Sami, Roseanne Liang, Tim van Dammen and Tom Sainsbury ponder the subject of wellness in consideration of the long hours and relentless stress endured to birth a project.
Join us and our friends at The Basement for Wellness Week and hear six mini-addresses about the struggle to stay strong and sane while still making projects that are exceptional.
The Basement, Thursday May 25, bar opens 5pm, talk 6-7pm, $5 koha appreciated
NB: Be seated by 5:55pm as we’re starting 6 sharp! Stay for pizza afterwards, on us!
Our speakers all come direct from the trenches having recently made documentary MY YEAR WITH HELEN, feature films THE BREAKER UPPERERS, THE INLAND ROAD and MEGA TIME SQUAD, short film DO NO HARM and web series FRIDAY NIGHT BITES and WAIHEKE REPUBLIQUE.
Due to high demand registrations for this workshop are closed. If you would like to be added to the waiting list you can do so here.
We know how important it is to create character driven stories, but how to get there can feel like a mystery.
Script to Screen presents a two-day feature film workshop for emerging filmmakers with story consultant and dramaturg Brita McVeigh.
Brita will guide participants through individual exercises, group work, and conversation that provide tools for writing from inside your characters.
Don’t miss this interactive and practical workshop that will help you bring your stories to life so they can ultimately connect with an audience.
What to bring: All participants need to be working on a feature film project that they can use for the workshop exercises. The project can be at any stage of development, be it synopsis, first draft or beyond. Directors and producers are encouraged to attend, but must be working on a feature film and be prepared to participate in the exercises.
Date: Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 May, 2017
Time: Saturday 9.30am – 4:30pm, Sunday 9am – 2:30pm
Venue: Samoa House, 283 Karangahape Rd, Auckland CBD (entry off Beresford Square, down the lane)
Cost: $20. Please bring cash on the day. Morning and afternoon tea will be provided. Please bring lunch with you or there are many cafes in the area.
Brita McVeigh is based in Sydney and works with actors, directors, writers and producers, as a dramaturg, acting coach, directing coach and story consultant. In just over a decade, Brita’s working methodology has contributed to the development of more than 126 feature film, short film, television and theatre projects. She currently works between New Zealand and Australia, both in person and via skype, during development, rehearsal or production, depending on what each project requires.
Brita is a regular guest teacher at AFTRS, the Australian Film, Television and Radio School, and at Toi Whakaari New Zealand Drama School. She has mentored for the Script to Screen FilmUp programme, where she works one on one with directors on how to strengthen their technique when directing actors. Brita is an advisory board member and Story Advisor at Story Camp Aotearoa, a five-day residential screenwriting retreat for film-makers. Since 2011, over 700 creative professionals, have attended Brita’s Acting for Humans workshop series.
This workshop was made possible with the support of the New Zealand Film Commission, Foundation North and the Creative Communities Scheme.
There’s big difference between writing a screenplay and writing a screenplay that people will read till the last page.
Join us for a one-day screenwriting workshop with experienced NZ screenwriter Nick Ward (Stickmen, Second-Hand Wedding, Outrageous Fortune, The Almighty Johnsons), who has an extensive career in screenwriting, from feature films to television.
In an entertaining in-depth workshop, Nick shares his secrets to writing a screenplay that engages the reader and reads professionally. Come and hear how to inspire producers, avoid the common pitfalls and deal with the tough realities of getting your story to the big screen.
This workshop is suitable for screenwriters of all levels, from beginners to those with experience, and directors and producers are also welcome.
If you attended the Christchurch workshop with Nick Ward in 2015 please feel welcome to come again. The workshop is organic in form and responsive to questions from the audience, so will naturally take a different shape to last time.
When: Saturday 8 April 2017, 9am – 5pm.
Where: CPIT Broadcasting School, Television Studio – 171 Madras Street, accessible through the car park on the corner of Madras Street and Southwark Street, Christchurch. MAP.
Cost: The workshop is free.
Coffee, tea, biscuits and fruit provided. Please bring your own lunch or buy from one of the cafes nearby.
Registration: Please RSVP to Sjionel sjionel@script-to-screen.co.nz or 09 360 5400.
This workshop is made possible with support from the Creative Communities Scheme.