Come and join us for our first event of 2016 – an evening with Benjamin Illos, selector for the coveted Directors’ Fortnight section at Cannes Film Festival.
NZ short films have enjoyed considerable attention at Cannes, with nearly 30 being screened over the last few decades. However Directors’ Fortnight, a section dedicated to innovative and independent work, remains elusive to our filmmakers – the most recent film to screen being Christine Jeff’s RAIN (2001).
Hear Benjamin Illos talk to NZ writer/director Max Currie as they go behind the scenes at Cannes, exploring what goes into shaping the one of the world’s most prestigious festival sections.
Directors’ Fortnight (Quinzaine des Réalisateurs) aims to identify and celebrate unique and powerful directorial voices from across the globe, and screens a mix of short film, feature film and documentary. The section can claim the first Cannes screenings of many universally acclaimed auteurs including Herzog, Scorsese and eventual Palme d’Or winner Ken Loach.
Join us for a drink beforehand and stay afterwards for a slice of pizza on us.
Tues 23rd February, The Classic, 321 Queen Street, 7pm drinks, 7:30-8:30pm talk. $5 koha appreciated.
Script to Screen returns to Christchurch to present a free one-day workshop for filmmakers with actor, writer, director and producer Jackie van Beek.
This is a highly participatory workshop where participants will be challenged to think about their stories in fresh and exciting ways. We welcome filmmakers of all levels, from beginners to those with experience.
What to bring? Participants must bring two ideas for a short film, with enough knowledge about the story to pitch it very briefly (one minute max). The day will be spent exploring these ideas through writing, acting and directing techniques.
When: Sat 27th February 2016, 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 Eloise eloise@script-to-screen.co.nz or 09 360 5400.
This workshop is made possible with support from the Creative Communities Scheme.
You can now relive (or experience for the first time) some of this year’s Big Screen Symposium with this selection of summer viewing.
We’d like to thank filmmaker and 2014 FilmUp participant Michelle Savill, who has curated a series of short excerpts around this year’s theme, “Strengthening our Collaborative Spirit”, including Rachel Griffiths, Alison Maclean, Anthony McCarten – not to mention the brilliant Jane Campion.
Also a big thank you to the students of SAE Institute and Images and Sound for making these videos possible.
Watch the highlights here or on VIMEO.
From everyone at Script to Screen, all the best for the festive season and we’ll see you in 2016 for another exciting year!
Is there a story from your community that you would like to tell through film but don’t know where to start?
Do you want the chance to have 6 months one-on-one mentoring with an experienced filmmaker?
Script to Screen and Ngā Aho Whakaari present the 2015 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.
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.
2016 South Shorts Mentorship Programme
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 2016 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.
Details for the 2015 South Auckland Short Film Workshop
Date: Sat 28 / Sun 29 November, 2015
Time: Saturday 9:15am – 4:00pm, Sunday 10am – 5:00pm
Venue: Manukau School of Visual Arts, 50 Lovegrove Crescent, Otara 2023
Cost: The workshop is free. Morning and afternoon tea will be provided. Please bring a $15 koha to cover lunch for the weekend.
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+. Participants should be from the South Auckland community or have strong connections there.
SCHEDULE:
Day One – Saturday 28 November
9:15am – 9:30am: Tea/Coffee and Welcome
9:30am – 12:30pm: Screenwriting with writer/director Michael Bennett (Matariki, The Factory)
Learn about the key points of what makes a great story for the screen and then how to go about writing it in a way that will grab the audience.
12:30pm – 1:30pm: Lunch
1:30pm – 3:00pm: Producing with Julia Parnell (Friday Tigers, Dive, Hitch Hike)
Learn about bringing a film to life, from conception to completion – the obstacles and joys you’ll face
3:00-4:30pm: Working with Actors – Rene Naufahu (The Last Saint)
Learn about the relationship between the actor, the director, and the character, and what leads to great performances
Day Two – Sunday 29 November
10am – 12:00pm: Directing with Zia Mandviwalla (Nightshift)
Learn about the director’s role in the film and forming a strong vision for your story
12pm-1pm: Lunch
1pm – 4:30pm: Pitching Session
Participants are invited to pitch their short film idea to the group and a panel of industry mentors. You are welcome to pitch the short film idea you submitted before the workshop, or another idea. The pitch is to be kept to 3 minutes.
Following the workshop, up to six writers and producers will be chosen to participate in our 2016 South Shorts Mentoring Programme. They will be chosen based on their pitch, and a statement about why the mentoring programme is for them. Producers applying for the mentoring programme may either pitch their own idea, or pitch in a team with a writer.
If you have any questions please contact Eloise Veber on 09 360 5400 or at eloise @ script-to-screen.co.nz.
The South Auckland Short Film Workshop returns thanks to the continued support of Auckland Council Creative Communities, Foundation North and the New Zealand Film Commission.
For our last Wellington Writers’ Room of 2015, we bring you the most popular discussion from our Auckland Writers’ Room series. Writers Briar Grace-Smith, Max Currie and Emily Perkins get together with Ken Duncum to discuss the experience of writing a first feature film.
Writing of any sort can be a lonely process. From that initial FADE IN, to hashing out that final, closest-to-perfect draft, writing a film is often a long and arduous journey.
How do you keep the passion that drives you to create, while giving so much attention to structure and precision? And how can you ensure that your work stands out despite the pitfalls of inexperience?
Three NZ screenwriters with a feature film under their belt discuss taking that leap of faith. Briar Grace-Smith (THE STRENGTH OF WATER), Max Currie (EVERYTHING WE LOVED), and Emily Perkins (THE REHEARSAL) talk to screenwriter and playwright Ken Duncum (DUGGAN, BLUE SKY BOYS) about their experiences, what they wish they knew then, and how the writing process changes while you develop as a writer.
Join us from 5:30pm for a glass of wine and stay afterwards for a slice of pizza on us!
Wed 18 November, Nga Taonga Sound & Vision, 84 Taranaki Street. $5 koha appreciated (includes a glass of wine). Drinks 5:30pm, talk 6-7pm.
Script to Screen and WIFT NZ are proud to present a discussion with prolific Danish producer and broadcaster Piv Bernth (THE KILLING/Danish Broadcasting Corporation).
With a background in directing for theatre and screen, Bernth moved to producing in 1998 at Denmark’s broadcaster DR. Here she produced Emmy-winning NIKOLAJ AND JULIE and internationally lauded THE KILLING, as well as executive producing THE BRIDGE. In 2012 she moved into broadcasting as DR’s Head of Drama, green-lighting titles including BORGEN and THE LEGACY.
Join us to hear Piv Bernth talk to NZ producer and distributor Jill Macnab (BORN TO DANCE/Vendetta Films) about her approach to developing drama. As they pick apart the Danish model, learn how a small nation continues to produce compelling TV drama that finds a global audience. What can we learn from a model that champions writer and story, and is dedicated to giving audiences challenging work?
Tuesday 27th October, upstairs at Studio One Toi Tū, 1 Ponsonby Road (The old ‘Art Station’). 6:30pm drinks, 7-8pm discussion.
$10 koha suggested. Includes a glass of wine before the talk and a slice of pizza afterwards.
DVDs of some of Bernth’s titles such as BORGEN, THE KILLLING and THE BRIDGE, as well as other lauded TV drama such as FORCE MAJEURE and THE RETURNED, will be available for purchase at reasonable prices courtesy of distributor Madman Entertainment. Eftpos available.
Jill Macnab has an impressive and varied career in producing, distribution and marketing. After a stint in theatre management at Edinburgh Fringe, Macnab headed the sales and marketing department at Vendetta Films before aiding their international acquisitions launch. Most recently she has produced her debut feature film, BORN TO DANCE (2015) directed by Tammy Davis.
Proudly brought to you in collaboration with WIFT NZ.
To find out more about the Big Screen Symposium, please go to our website: bigscreensymposium.com.
The Big Screen Symposium 2015 is nearing and it’s all go! This year’s symposium takes place on 10/11 October 2015, at the University of Auckland Business School.
The Big Screen Symposium is New Zealand’s premiere film event of the year, where over 400 delegates come together for two days of conversations, workshops, panel discussions and case studies with a stellar line-up of local and international speakers. This year’s programme will be shaped around the theme ‘Strengthening Our Collaborative Spirit.’
Early bird tickets are on sale now until midnight, Thurs 10 September. So get in quick for the best rates, and secure your spot at the biggest industry weekend of the year.
The Big Screen Symposium captures the hearts of the film community.
“It was a wonderful experience for me in every possible way. I was touched by the warmth in which I was received across the board and it was an honour to be there.” – US producer Alix Madigan (WINTER’S BONE)
“I was struck by the positive energy of both the speakers and the participants. It reminded me of one of the core reasons why we make films – to share (and experience) a unique point of view.” – 2014 Speaker, AUS director Jennifer Kent (THE BABADOOK)
Come and join your filmmaking peers, and feel a sense of camaraderie as you learn more about your craft and get that injection of inspiration needed to carry your projects through.
BUY YOUR EARLY BIRD TICKET HERE
Is there a story you would like to tell through film but don’t know where to start?
Script to Screen presents the 2015 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 the initial concept, writing, directing, casting, producing and finally to pitch your idea to collaborators and funders.
The workshop is suitable for those preparing to make their first short film. No experience necessary.
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.
Bring along a half-page synopsis 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. The pitch is to be kept to 5 minutes.
Date: Sat 29 / Sun 30 August, 2015
Time: Saturday 9am – 5pm, Sunday 9am – 5pm
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 Eloise on eloise @ script-to-screen.co.nz or ring the office on 09 360 5400. This workshop is aimed at ages 17+.
SCHEDULE:
Day One – Saturday 29 August
9am – 9:30am: Tea/Coffee and Introduction
9:30am – 12:30am: Screenwriting
Learn about the key points of storytelling and forming a structure that will grab the audience
12:30pm – 1:30pm: Lunch
1:30pm – 3:00pm: Casting
Learn about the importance casting plays in bringing your film to life
3:00 – 3:30pm: Afternoon tea
3:30 – 5pm: Producing
Learn about the role of the producer in driving the project from conception to completion
Day Two – Sunday 30 August
9am – 12pm: Directing
Learn about the director’s role in the film and forming a strong vision for your story
12pm – 1pm: Lunch
1pm – 4:30pm: 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.
If you have any questions please contact Eloise Veber on 09 360 5400 or at rsvp @ script-to-screen.co.nz.
This workshop was made possible with the support of the Creative Communities Scheme.
“INDIA’S DAUGHTER is one of the most important video documents of the 21st Century.” – writer/actor Emma Thompson
Join Script to Screen and the Directors and Editors Guild of New Zealand as they speak to English filmmaker Leslee Udwin about the journey of INDIA’S DAUGHTER as an unforgiving foray into documentary direction, within the context of her much broader creative career as an actor, and producer of critically and commercially viable EAST IS EAST and its sequel WEST IS WEST.
INDIA’S DAUGHTER* documents the 2012 violent gang rape and murder of a college student in Delhi and the subsequent social and cultural reaction concerning biases against women. More controversial is the film’s banning in India and the ongoing attempts from the Indian government to censor its voice, including their successful move to have it banned from YouTube.
Auckland – Tuesday 18th August, The Classic Comedy Club, 321 Queen Street. 7.00-8.30pm (note – different start time from usual) session followed by a slice of pizza on us. $10 koha suggested. Chaired by screenwriter and academic, Shuchi Kothari.
Wellington – Wednesday 19th August, The Film and Television School, 66 Vivian Street. 6.00-7.30pm session followed by a slice of pizza on us. RSVP essential due to limited seats. Send us an email on rsvp@script-to-screen.co.nz. Chaired by editor Annie Collins.
We recommend that attendees see the film before attending the discussions (see below).
* INDIA’S DAUGHTER has its Auckland premiere on Sunday 16th of August, 3pm at the Raye Freedman Arts Theatre. Buy tickets here with proceeds going equally towards the INDIA’S DAUGHTER campaign and Waitakere Women’s Centre. The film is alternatively available on Vimeo for rental.
Leslee comes to New Zealand thanks also to the generous support of The University of Auckland and the New Zealand India Research Institute.
Script to Screen, and the New Zealand Writers Guild present a special discussion with award-winning Mexican screenwriter Guillermo Arriaga. Arriaga travels to the capital to talk about his writing philosophy, craft, and process.
Arriaga is responsible for the stories of some of the most momentous films of recent decades. These include Oscar nominated 21 GRAMS, BAFTA and Oscar nominated BABEL, Cannes award-winning THE THREE BURIALS OF MELQUIADES ESTRADA and BAFTA winning and AMORES PERROS.
Saturday 18th July, 2pm-3pm, Park Road Post Cinema, 141 Park Road, Miramar. $10 koha appreciated
To confirm numbers, please send us an email at rsvp@script-to-screen.co.nz to let us know you’re coming!
Guillermo is in the country mentoring at our Writers’ Lab Aotearoa. His full biography is available on our Big Screen Symposium page, where our 2013 attendees were gifted with his unique insights into storytelling.
This special Writers’ Room is made possible with the support of Miramar Events Trust.