Script to Screen and the NZ International Film Festival present a special discussion with the creative team behind highly anticipated NZ film THE REHEARSAL, which enjoys its world premiere at the festival.
THE REHEARSAL marks the return of avant-garde director Alison Maclean to New Zealand. Alison reunited with producers Bridget Ikin and Trevor Haysom, and co-wrote with novelist Emily Perkins, to adapt Eleanor Catton’s first novel for the screen.
“I want it to be an intimate, authentic experience of what it’s like to be a young person in New Zealand now.”- Alison Maclean.
Join us for a discussion with Alison Maclean, Bridget Ikin and Emily Perkins, as they talk to Philippa Campbell about adapting and making THE REHEARSAL. Hear them delve into the decisions made at each stage of the process to create the brave, modern film starring Kerry Fox and James Rolleston.
Tuesday 26th July, 3:15 – 4:15pm, The Wintergarden (basement level of The Civic), free entry
FILM SCREENINGS
Sat 23rd July, 8:30pm, The Civic
Tues 26th July, 1:15pm, The Civic
Presented in partnership with the New Zealand International Film Festival.
“Writing is like archaeology. Sometimes you find large pieces of bone, but sometimes the bones come out in fragments. The important thing is knowing how to dig.” – Duncan Sarkies
After delivering one of the most highly-rated sessions at 2015’s Big Screen Symposium, screenwriter Duncan Sarkies presents a session unearthing his learnings about the writing process. Join us as he explores the two phases of the writing process – finding a story, and building a project.
Duncan Sarkies is a screenwriter, novelist, performer and short story writer. In screen he is known for his screenplays SCARFIES and TWO LITTLE BOYS (adapted from his novel of the same name). He has also written two episodes of FLIGHT OF THE CONCHORDS, and has written for Australian comedy series MAXIMUM CHOPPAGE. His recent project is the podcast THE MYSTERIOUS SECRETS OF UNCLE BERTIE’S BOTANARIUM.
Come early for a drink and stay afterwards for a slice of pizza on us.
Thurs 16 June, The Classic, 321 Queen Street, 7pm drinks, 7:30-8:30pm talk. $5 koha appreciated.
Join us to hear dynamic writers Duncan Sarkies and Jo Randerson in a conversation exploring each other’s work and process. Both coming from cross-disciplinary backgrounds including theatre, fiction and film, the two come together to share ideas on collaborative techniques, writing and devising comedy, and how working across mediums refreshes the form.
Join us from 5:30pm for a glass of wine and stay afterwards for a slice of pizza on us!
Wed 1 June, Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision, 84 Taranaki Street. $5 koha appreciated (includes a glass of wine). Drinks 5:30pm, talk 6-7pm.
In the wake of the Comedy Festival, we are reminded that NZ comedy is alive and kicking, and we have a national (and possibly international) audience ready to embrace it.
Whether its 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 May we bring together a panel of screenwriters and comedians for serious discussion about comedy.
Join us to hear writer/director Gerard Johnstone (Terry Teo, Housebound, The Jaquie Brown Diaries), actor/writer/producer Millen Baird (Auckland Daze, The Millen Baird Show) and actor/writer/director Florence Noble (7DaysLater, Meanwhile on Earth) 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.
Tues 31st May, The Classic, 321 Queen Street, 7pm drinks, 7:30-8:30pm talk. $5 koha appreciated.
Script to Screen presents two filmmaking workshops aimed at rangatahi in the Far North region. These series of workshops offer a chance for young people to learn how to write and develop their own stories for the screen. Up to three of the ideas will be made into films in the July school holidays.
The aim of the workshops are to foster local talent and encourage aspiring filmmakers.
The workshops are 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. We also welcome those who work with rangatahi in the Far North region, who would like to learn more about how to inspire their youth to write and make a film project with local content.
Hear from esteemed writer/director Michael Bennett about the essential elements of storytelling and how to bring ideas to life. The writing workshop covers short drama and short documentary formats.
Each participant will have the opportunity to pitch their short film idea to the group for advice and feedback. We will choose a few ideas that will go on to be made in the July school holidays. We will need help with filming – so tell your friends!
Cost: The workshops are free. Koha to cover kai is welcomed.
Registration: If you would like to attend either or both workshops, please rsvp to Eloise on eloise@script-to-screen.co.nz or ring the office on 09 360 5400 to sign up.
Workshop 2.0 – WRITING
The screenwriting workshop will take place over three days. Learn how to develop a story that can come to life on screen. (Meals provided).
When: Thurs 7th and Fri 8th July 6-9pm, Sat 9th July 9am-3pm
Where: Matai Aranui Marae, 49 Wikaira Rd, Whirinaki.
Workshop 3.0 – FILMMAKING
Let’s make the films! Come back together (and bring your friends) to make some of the films that were pitched in the writing workshop. Help your friend bring their film idea to life. Adults welcome. (Meals provided).
When: Mon 18th – Fri 22nd July 9am-5pm each day (Last week of the July school holidays.)
Where: Meet at Matai Aranui Marae, 49 Wikaira Rd, Whirinaki. Filming will be in the Whirinaki area.
Is there a story you would like to tell through film but don’t know where to start?
Do you want the chance to have one-on-one mentoring with an experienced filmmaker?
Script to Screen presents the 2016 Auckland Central 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 the initial concept, writing, producing, directing, and finally to pitch your idea to collaborators and funders. We are looking for new talent with a passion for storytelling, and an interest in learning how to make a short film. One attendee will be chosen for one-on-one mentoring with an experienced filmmaker on their short film script.
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 (e.g. co-writer, director). It is not compulsory to have a short film idea ready, but will mean that you get the most out of the workshop.
To prepare for the workshop, you may want to work on a synopsis or short outline for your film (this is not compulsory). It should be about 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, the title, 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. This outline can be used as the pitch for your film.
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. One winner will be chosen to go on for mentoring with an experienced filmmaker. The pitch is to be kept to 5 minutes.
Date: Sat 28 / Sun 29 May, 2016
Time: Saturday 9am – 5pm, Sunday 9am – 5pm
Venue: St Columba Centre, 40 Vermont Street, Ponsonby
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 Eloise on eloise @ script-to-screen.co.nz or ring the office on 09 360 5400. This workshop is aimed at ages 17+ (and is suitable for adults of all ages).
SCHEDULE
Day One – Saturday 28 May
9am – 9:30am: Tea/Coffee and Introduction
9:30am – 12:30pm: Screenwriting with writer/director Michael Bennett (Matariki, The Factory)
Learn about the key points of storytelling and forming a structure that will grab the audience
12:30-1:30pm: Lunch
1:30-3:30pm: Producing with Orlando Stewart (The Dump, Ross and Beth)
Learn about the role of the producer in driving the project from conception to completion
3:30-4pm: Afternoon tea
4 – 5pm: The life of a short film with Gina Dellabarca (Festival Director – Show Me Shorts Film Festival)
Day Two – Sunday 29 May
9am – 11am: Directing with Roseanne Liang (My Wedding and Other Secrets, Flat 3)
Learn about the director’s role in the film and forming a strong vision for your story
11am – 4:30pm: Pitching Session (with a lunch break)
Participants are invited to pitch their short film idea to the group and a panel of industry mentors. One winner will be chosen to work with an experienced industry mentor on their short film script. The pitch is to be kept to 3 minutes.
This workshop was made possible with the support of the Creative Communities Scheme.
For so many in the filmmaking team, work is done when the picture is locked. But the producer’s race to get the film an audience has only just begun.
Producers Leanne Saunders and Carthew Neal return from Sundance, where their film HUNT FOR THE WILDERPEOPLE (Taika Waititi) and Carthew’s doco TICKLED (David Farrier) both pushed through obstacles to achieve coveted outcomes: successful premieres, great reviews and strong sales. HUNT FOR THE WILDERPEOPLE sold North American distribution rights to The Orchard for just under $2million, while TICKLED sold North American and world theatrical rights (ex. Aus/NZ) to Magnolia, and US TV rights to HBO. Similarly Leanne Saunders’ 2015 hit dance film BORN TO DANCE sold to 9 territories including to US distributor FilmBuff after a Toronto premiere and an appearance at Berlinale.
Join us to hear Carthew and Leanne talk about positioning their films from conception through to release. From taking the project to market, getting the right sales agents on board at the right time, to selling the film, come and hear what they’ve learnt along the way.
Thursday 21st April, 141 Park Rd, Miramar, Wellington. Doors open at 5.45pm. Please be on time for a 6pm start. Talk 6-7pm. $10 koha appreciated – includes a drink at the Roxy Cinema afterwards.
Whether it’s via co-production, selling content, or promoting our talent, are we making the most of being neighbours with Australia? After all, at our doorstep lies a thriving industry, and a much larger audience.
In 2015, over 1.4 million Australians tuned in each week across five capital cities to watch drama series 800 WORDS. It is the first show of its kind – a TV series created and shot in NZ for an Australia network. A co-production between NZ’s South Pacific Pictures and Australia’s Seven Productions, the show was commissioned for prime time on Seven Network where it shot to number one viewing for Australian households. The first season has just picked up four Logie nominations (incl Most Outstanding Drama Series) and the second season is currently in production.
Join us to hear the show’s co-creators James Griffin and Maxine Fleming, and producer Kelly Martin (CEO, South Pacific Pictures) talk to Irene Gardener about the conception of the show, what was learnt through the writing process and the experience of making a show for one of Australia’s biggest networks.
Come early for a drink and stay afterwards for a slice of pizza on us.
Tues 19th April, The Classic, 321 Queen Street, 7pm drinks, 7:30-8:30pm talk. $5 koha appreciated.
We’re also delighted to welcome NZ on Air on board as a supporter of the Writers’ Room. Thanks NZ on Air!
Script to Screen presents a two-day filmmaking workshop aimed at rangatahi in the Far North region.
Join us in the April school holidays for a free two-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. The workshop covers short drama and short documentary formats.
We also welcome those who work with rangatahi in the Far North region, who would like to learn more about how to inspire their youth to write and make a film project with local content. Whānau are also welcome to attend.
On Day 1, participants will hear from esteemed filmmakers – writer/director Michael Bennett and producer Quinton Hita, about the essential elements of storytelling and how to bring ideas to life.
On Day 2 participants will have the opportunity to pitch their short film idea to the group for advice and feedback. A noho marae after Day 1 includes screenings of Māori and other NZ short films and short documentaries. Whānau and friends are welcome to join us for dinner and movies. There will also be the opportunity to discuss your film ideas with the group after dinner.
Up to four of the writers who pitch on Friday will be chosen to go on to develop their ideas into finished scripts alongside a mentor. The aim is to finish the scripts in July, and to make the films in October at a five-day workshop. To be considered for mentoring, projects should be based in or strongly connected to Northland, and the mentoring is aimed at youth (recommended age 15-25 years old). Projects can be pitched in teams, and to be eligible for mentoring the teams should include at least one filmmaker under 25 years old. School projects are welcome. Anyone is welcome to attend the workshop and pitch their idea for feedback, but only those aged 15-25 years old will be eligible for script mentoring.
When: Thursday 28th April 9am – Friday 29th April 5pm. Noho marae on Thursday night. (These are the last two days of the school holidays.)
Where: Matai Aranui Marae, 49 Wikaira Rd, Whirinaki.
Cost: A $10 contribution towards food and accommodation would be greatly appreciated. Lunch, afternoon tea and dinner will be provided. Contributions of food also welcome.
Registration: If you would like to attend, please rsvp to Eloise on eloise@script-to-screen.co.nz or ring the office on 09 360 5400. This workshop is aimed at ages 15+.
This workshop is the first in a series of three film workshops in 2016.
SCHEDULE – Workshop 1.0
Day One – Thurs 28 April
9:00am – Meet at Matai Aranui Marae
10:30am – Storytelling for the screen with writer/director Michael Bennett (Matariki, The Confessions of Prisoner T) Learn about the key points of what makes a great story for the screen and how to stay true to the heart of your idea.
12:30pm – Lunch
1:30pm – Michael Bennett leads a group session on writing
2:30pm – Bringing projects to life with producer Quinton Hita (Taua, Mt Zion) Learn about the role of the producer, and the obstacles and joys of bringing a film to life
5:30pm – Break/help prepare kai
6:30pm – Dinner
7:30pm – Film screenings in the whare – prepare for overnight stay
Day Two – Friday 29th April
8:00am – Breakfast
9:00am – Writing
9:30am – Teams pitch their film project ideas one by one and receive feedback on their idea
12:30 – Lunch
1:30pm – Pitching resumes
4:00pm – Judging panel convene – group helps clean the space
4:30pm – Judging panel announce projects to go on for mentoring
5:00pm – Workshop ends
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING TO THE WORKSHOP?
Project Idea – optional
To get the most out of the workshop, we encourage you come with a project idea. It’s best if you can write an outline of the idea and bring it along to the workshop. You are welcome to work in teams. The workshop is aimed at those working on short-form film projects, that is short films, short documentaries or web projects.
Participants are welcome to bring along and pitch full length projects i.e. a feature film or a feature documentary, but these projects won’t be eligible for mentoring.
If you don’t have an idea, come along and listen. You might develop an idea during the workshop based on what you are learning.
Writing an outline
The outline 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 to be (short films are usually 5-15 mins long), whether it is a comedy or drama etc, and the characters’ names.
If your project is a series – like a web series, then it is helpful to include a description of how the story develops over the episodes. You may also want to include a short summary of what happens in each episode.
There will also be time to work on writing these outlines during the workshop, so don’t worry if you don’t have one when you arrive.
Pitching
You will have a chance to pitch your idea to the group on the Friday. Your idea might change throughout the weekend, or you might end up pitching a new idea based on something you have learnt throughout the weekend.
Pitching the idea will give you a chance to get feedback on the idea itself and how to best communicate it. 2-4 ideas will be chosen to be part of a mentoring programme offering the chance to work one-on-one with an industry professional on writing the script and getting the film/project made. To be considered for mentoring, the project should be strongly connected to Northland – so either the team members live in Northland, or the story is set in Northland (or both). The mentoring is aimed at youth (recommended age 15-25 years old), so teams should include at least one filmmaker under 25 years old. School projects are welcome. Those over 25 are welcome to attend, pitch their idea and get feedback, but will not be eligible for the mentoring programme.
Mentoring
2-4 ideas will be chosen to be part of the Hokianga Film Project. Each writer will receive mentoring, including one-on-one script mentoring, with a focus on getting their projects made. The mentoring will take place in the July school holidays, so those chosen to participate will need to be available then. The aim is to finish the scripts in the July school holidays, ready to be made in a 5 day workshop in the October school holidays. See below for more details.
2016 HOKIANGA FILM PROJECT – OVERVIEW
April – Workshop 1.0 – Storytelling for the Screen – A two-day workshop open to anyone in the Far North who wants to learn about crafting stories to be told on screen. Participants have the opportunity to pitch their project to the group for advice and feedback. Up to four writers will be chosen to go on for script mentoring, with the aim of the films being made in October.
July – Workshop 2.0 – Script Writing – A three day screenwriting workshop aimed at rangatahi in the Far North. Learn how to take stories you have written, or stories from your community, and make them come alive on screen.
July – Workshop 3.0 – Let’s Make the Films – Everyone who attended the first workshop and more! are welcome to come back to this 5 day workshop to help up to four writers make their films. Volunteer filmmakers will be present at the workshop to help get the films made.
Registrations for the April workshop are now open. Email Eloise to sign up.
For so many in the filmmaking team, work is done when the picture is locked. But the producer’s race to get the film an audience has only just begun.
Producers Leanne Saunders and Carthew Neal return from Sundance, where their film HUNT FOR THE WILDERPEOPLE (Taika Waititi) and Carthew’s doco TICKLED (David Farrier) both pushed through obstacles to achieve coveted outcomes: successful premieres, great reviews and strong sales. HUNT FOR THE WILDERPEOPLE sold North American distribution rights to The Orchard for just under $2million, while TICKLED sold North American and world theatrical rights (ex. Aus/NZ) to Magnolia, and US TV rights to HBO. Similarly Leanne Saunders’ 2015 hit dance film BORN TO DANCE sold to 9 territories including to US distributor FilmBuff after a Toronto premiere and an appearance at Berlinale.
Join us to hear Carthew and Leanne talk to producer Julia Parnell about positioning their films from conception through to release. From taking the project to market, getting the right sales agents on board at the right time, to selling the film, come and hear what they’ve learnt along the way.
Join us before the talk for a drink and stay afterwards for a slice of pizza on us.
Tues 5 April, The Classic, 321 Queen Street, 7pm drinks, 7:30-8:30pm talk. $5 koha appreciated.