“Storm the gates, grab hands with each other, run like red rovers at the lifeguard chairs, snarl at the bases like wild starving beast dogs, boost each other up those watchtowers and pull those motherf***ers down.” – Jill Soloway
“…painting is not made to decorate apartments. It’s an offensive and defensive weapon against the enemy.” – Pablo Picasso
Amidst the struggle to get work made and seen, is our filmmaking becoming too polite? Is it enough to take the role of pleaser rather than disruptor?
Dramaturg and coach Brita McVeigh leads a conversation with a panel of NZ storytellers about the role of art and artist in the tumultuous times we find ourselves in.
Writer/director Tearepa Kahi (POI E, MT ZION), writer/director Daniel Borgman (LOVING PIA, THE WEIGHT OF ELEPHANTS) novelist Emily Perkins (THE REHEARSAL, NOT HER REAL NAME) and theatre/performance artist Julia Croft talk to Brita McVeigh about how the changing political world around us is impacting the way they approach their work.
Join us and our friends at The Basement, Thursday March 23, 5pm drink, 5:30-6:30 talk, $5 koha appreciated.
Stay afterwards to keep talking and for a slice of pizza on us!
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Script to Screen and WIFTNZ in association with UniFrance and the Alliance Française French Film Festival are proud to present a masterclass delivered by renowned and visionary French film director and screenwriter, Rebecca Zlotowski.
Rebecca began her career writing several short films, before making her directorial debut with feature film BELLE EPINE (2010) starring Léa Seydoux. The film screened at Critics’ Week, was nominated for the Camera d’Or and won the Louis Delluc Prize for Best First Film. Her next film GRAND CENTRAL also starred Seydoux, and premiered in Un Certain Regard at Cannes in 2013. She also co-wrote feature films JIMMY RIVIERE (2011) and DESPITE THE NIGHT (2013), and in 2015 she was on the short film jury for the Cannes Film Festival.
Zlotowski is in New Zealand to promote her latest film PLANETARIUM, a supernatural drama set in 1930s Paris starring Natalie Portman and Lily-Rose Depp, which premiered at Venice Film Festival. The film will now screen at the 2017 Alliance Française French Film Festival.
Join us for an in-depth 3 hour masterclass with Rebecca delving into her process of bringing PLANETARIUM to life. Participants will be provided with a copy of the script of the film, and are invited to watch the film at one of the four Auckland screenings before the masterclass. For any participants coming from out of town, PLANETARIUM is also screening around the country.
See the screening schedule for PLANETARIUM HERE.
When: Monday 13th March, 1-4pm
Where: Auckland Art Gallery Auditorium
Registration: The workshop is free, but places are limited so please register your attendance.
Rebecca Zlotowski was born in 1980 in Paris. After graduating from the prestigious Ecole Normale Supérieure and being a French Language and Literature agrégée, Rebecca Zlotowski joined the famous Paris film school La Fémis where she encountered other distinctive filmmakers such as Teddy Lussi Modeste, Jean-Claude Brisseau, Philippe Grandrieux, Antoine d’Agata (with whom she will collaborate on a future project), and Lodge Kerrigan. Selected at the 2010 Cannes Critics’ Week, her first directorial effort Belle Epine won the Prix Louis Delluc as well as the Critics’ Award for Best First Feature Film. Three years later, Grand Central was selected at the Un Certain Regard in Cannes. Planetarium is Zlotowski’s third feature film.
“The advantage for us and other streamers is that we don’t have to make money on theatrical. Online is the growth engine. I can lose significantly on theatrical but the buzz surrounding the release will increase our subscriber base” – Efe Cakarel, CEO and founder of MUBI
Script to Screen and WIFT NZ present an international panel with German broadcaster Susanne Müller (Executive Director, Feature Films and International Co-productions, ZDF German Television), Head of Sales at the Match Factory Thania Dimitrakopoulou, and producer, EP and entertainment lawyer Bryce Menzies (Marshalls & Dent) as they discuss the transition from the traditional market structure to an SVoD-led environment. The panel will be moderated by Managing Director of Match Factory, Viola Fügen.
As the emphasis on foreign sales as a way to reach your audience wanes, and online global reach gains relevance for niche projects, Netflix and Amazon are aggressively reshaping the traditional sales models. (As outlined by the Hollywood Reporter from Berlin “Netflix and Amazon Evolve From Industry Disrupters to Market Darlings.”) The rising importance of SVoD platforms is a simultaneously exciting and frightening prospect for television and indie filmmakers alike.
The panel join us in New Zealand as speakers at WIFT NZ’s third annual Co-production Summit – Up with the Play, a market-focussed programme for experienced producers working in film, television and digital media. This year the summit focuses on German/New Zealand co-productions.
Tuesday 28 February, 6:30pm drinks. 7-8pm talk. Studio One – Toi Tū, 1 Ponsonby Road. $10 koha suggested. Includes a glass of wine before the talk and a slice of pizza afterwards.
Proudly brought to you in collaboration with WIFT NZ, with support from Screen Auckland and the Goethe Institute.
While a global television renaissance provides an ever-evolving range of content for audiences, there is discontent within our own screen community around a lack of fresh and diverse local stories making it to air.
NZ on Air are responding to the rapidly changing environment by proposing changes the funding model for scripted projects, to take effect in July 2017. They are currently seeking feedback.
So what is the future of NZ television storytelling, or what could it be?
This month we bring together a panel who have made waves on and off the air in 2016, to talk about what they’ve learnt developing stories for television, their journeys getting content on air, and their visions for the future of NZ TV.
Come and join writer/director Gerard Johnstone (TERRY TEO), director Kiel McNaughton and producer Kerry Warkia (THIS IS PIKI), and writer Shoshana McCallum (ANIMALS) in a discussion chaired by Spinoff journalist and critic Duncan Grieve.
Tues 8 November 2016, The Classic, 321 Queen Street, 7pm drinks, 7:30-8:30pm talk. $5 koha appreciated.
Join us for a drink beforehand and stay afterwards for a slice of pizza on us!
TERRY TEO – Written and directed by Gerard Johnstone, Terry Teo follows the young crook turned detective on a mission to avenge his father’s murder. The 80s comic book hero is back! Watch it on TVNZ On Demand.
THIS IS PIKI – Brown Sugar Apple Grunt’s latest production This is Piki is a drama series about a talented young woman’s journey to find her identity within her whānau, the Māori world and Aotearoa. Directed by Kiel McNaughton and produced by Kerry Warkia. Watch it on Māori Television.
ANIMALS – Created by Shoshana McCallum and developed with Peter Salmon and Aidee Walker, ANIMALS is a TV pilot about three women who are holding on too tightly to their personal idea of happiness rather than following their hearts. Just when the decisions they make start to really matter. Watch the pilot here.
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Script to Screen, Ngā Aho Whakaari and PIFT present the 2016 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 South Shorts Mentoring Programme. This is a tailored programme that pairs writers and producers with experienced industry mentors, and returns after a successful inaugural year.
When? Sat 19 and Sun 20 November, 9am-5pm both days
Where? MIT School of Visual Arts, 50 Lovegrove Cresent, Otara
How much? The workshop is free. Coffee, tea and biscuits will be provided in the breaks. We will also provide a picnic style lunch. We suggest a $15 cash koha to cover lunch on both days – so if you are able to contribute please bring this cash along with you to the workshop.
Register: Places are limited. Please email eloise@script-to-screen.co.nz or call 09 360 5400 to reserve a spot.
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.
The synopsis 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 (short films are usually 5 – 15 mins long), whether it is a 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 in a pitching competition, to a panel of industry mentors.You are welcome to pitch the short film idea you submitted, or another idea. The pitch is to be kept to 3 minutes.
SCHEDULE
Saturday 19 November
9am-9:15am – Tea/coffee/introduction
9:15am-10:45am – ‘Why I Make Films’ with Niki Si’ulepa (Ma, Snow in Paradise)
10:45am-12:15pm – Producing with Lara Northcroft (This is Piki, Tits on a Bull)
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 Michael Bennett (Matariki, The Factory)
Learn about the key points of storytelling and forming a structure that will grab the audience
Sunday 20 November
9am-11am – Directing with Hamish Bennett (The Dump, Ross and Beth)
Learn about the director’s role in the film and forming a strong vision for your story
11:15am – 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.
Following the workshop, those who wish to apply for the mentorship programme will be asked to submit a short statement to Script to Screen outlining why the mentorship programme is for them. The programme focuses on emerging writers and producers. Participating in the pitching session is not only a great way to practice communicating your film idea to others, but provides a great opportunity to introduce yourself and your film idea to the panel who will be selecting the participants for the 2017 South Shorts Mentorship Programme. Producers applying for the mentoring programme may either pitch their own idea at the pitching session, or pitch as a team with a writer. More info about South Shorts here.
Image: From short film MARIA, written by Toafia Pelesasa, and directed by Jeremiah Tauamiti.
This workshop was made possible with the support of the Creative Communities Scheme.
NZ’s biggest film industry event of the year, the Big Screen Symposium, takes place on 24/25 September. Join us as an impressive group of international and local speakers address this year’s theme – Playing with Risk.
For the full list of exciting speakers and events, check out the program on our website here.
You don’t want to miss out on this amazing networking and learning opportunity. Be there to be informed, inspired, and be part of the community.
Follow us on facebook and twitter and be part of the Big Screen Symposium community.
Whether it’s odd-ball characters, slapstick or dark humour, in sketch or narrative content, are we making the most of our potential to write great comedic work for the screen? This September we bring together a panel of screenwriters and comedians for serious discussion about comedy.
Join us to hear from writer/actor Loren Taylor (EXISTENCE, EAGLE VS SHARK, KOMBI NATION), actor/writer Charlie Bleakley (CHILD PROOF, COCONUT), and writer/actor/director/producer Paul Yates (GIRL VS BOY, WHAT NOW?) as they talk to actor/writer/playwright Tom Sainsbury (SUPER CITY, DYNAMOTION) about the challenge of creating comedic stories and characters that come alive on screen.
Come early for a drink and stay afterwards for a slice of pizza on us.
Monday 12 September, 5.30pm drinks, 6-7pm talk. Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision, 84 Taranaki Street. $5 koha appreciated.
With the sheer number of films in the global market, what does it take to get your projects recognised on the international stage?
Fresh from Sundance, SXSW, Cannes’ Marché du Film and Berlin’s EFM, producers Robin Scholes, Ant Timpson and Alexander Behse come to together for a special market debrief chaired by producer Christina Milligan.
Don’t miss this chance to hear from those with years of market experience as they shed light on what distributors, sales agents, and other potential partners are looking for, what is capturing their attention right now, and why.
Tuesday 23rd August, 7pm drinks, 7:30-8:30 talk, The Classic, 321 Queen Street, $5 koha appreciated.
Make sure to stick around afterwards for a slice of pizza on us!
Script to Screen presents the 2016 Wellington Short Film Workshop – a two-day workshop that will give you everything you need to know to make a short film. Over one weekend, four experienced industry practitioners will guide you through each stage of the filmmaking process – from writing, directing, producing to pitching your idea to collaborators or funders. If you have a passion for storytelling, and in interest in learning how to make a short film, then this workshop is for you.
This workshop is aimed at ages 17+, and no prior filmmaking knowledge is necessary.
Date: Sat 6 & Sun 7 August
Time: 9am – 5pm both days
Venue: Drama 1, Te Whaea: National Dance and Drama Centre, 11 Hutchison Rd, Newtown
Cost: The workshop cost is $20 for the weekend – 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.
Registration: Spaces are limited so you must register your interest. Please rsvp to Sjionel on sjionel@script-to-screen.co.nz or ring the office on 09 360 5400.
SCHEDULE
Day One – Saturday 6 August
9am-9:30am – Coffee/tea/intro
9:30am-11am – Why I Make Films with Nikki Si’ulepa
11am-12:30pm – Producing with Ruth Korver
Learn about the role of the producer in driving the project from conception to completion
12:30-1:30pm – Lunch
1:30 – 4:30pm – Screenwriting with Brita McVeigh
Learn about the key points of storytelling and forming a structure that will grab the audience
Day Two – Sunday 7 August
9am – 12pm – Directing with Rob Sarkies
Learn about the director’s role in the film and forming a strong vision for your story
12pm – 1pm – Lunch
1pm – 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 5 minutes.
Photo credit: A still from Wellington-made short film QUEENIE.
This workshop is made possible with the support of the Creative Communities Scheme.
“Arguably the most important British filmmaker of his generation, Terence Davies is a poet of the cinema, at once austere and passionate … His films’ combination of art-film style and reverence for working-class popular culture is unique in British cinema.” – Film Critic and writer Tom Charity
Script to Screen and the New Zealand International Film Festival present a discussion with one of cinema’s most beloved auteurs, British writer/director Terence Davies.
Davies is here to present two films at this year’s festival. A QUIET PASSION, Davies’ portrait of 19th century poet Emily Dickinson, stars Cynthia Nixon and was described as ‘an absolute drop-dead masterwork’ by the New Yorker; and SUNSET SONG, his ‘ beautiful and brutal’ adaptation of Lewis Grassic Gibbon’s novel of the same name, stars Peter Mullan and Agyness Deyn.
Join us to hear director Terence Davies in conversation with writer Fiona Samuel, as they discuss his approach to cinema and his life’s work. The discussion takes place in the Wintergarden, following the Sunday screening of A QUIET PASSION.
Sunday 24th July, 4-5pm, The Wintergarden (The Civic’s basement), free entry
SCREENINGS
A Quiet Passion
Wed 27 July 10:30am, The Civic
Sunset Song
Mon 25 July 10.30am, The Civic
Born in Liverpool, Terence Davies is one of the most distinctive talents to have emerged from British cinema in the last thirty years. He shows a passionate concern with film craft, and his approach to filmmaking has been called “the cinematic equivalent of literature’s magic realism.” His feature film titles include DISTANT VOICES, STILL LIVES (1988), THE LONG DAY CLOSES (1992), THE NEON BIBLE (1995), THE HOUSE OF MIRTH (2000) and THE DEEP BLUE SEA (2011). All of his films have been critically acclaimed and received numerous nominations and awards in Britain and internationally.
Presented in partnership with the New Zealand International Film Festival.