COVID-19 Update as at 25/08/20.
Covid-19 Level 3 Restrictions in Auckland means Hamish Bennett will no longer be able to travel to Wellington to present this workshop. We are pleased to say that educator and script consultant Gavin McGibbon is stepping in to present a workshop on what it takes to build a screen story that connects with people.This means the Wellington Workshop will go ahead but with some safety precautions in place. There are only a few tickets left so if you no longer wish to attend, please request a refund through Eventbrite to make your place available for someone else. See below for more information and instructions.
Great stories create an umbilical cord between the screen and the audience, where we feel everything that the character does.
This one day workshop will look at the elements we need to consider as writers to build that level of engagement with our own stories, through writing exercises, viewing and discussing scenes. We will look at a wide range of aspects of story and character from how we hook an audience from the first moment they meet our protagonist to ensuring that our stories don’t run out of momentum.
To gain the most out of the workshop, please come with a film concept in mind.
Don’t miss this interactive and practical workshop that will help you navigate through the complexities of writing a feature film.
Sat 29 Aug 2020, 9am – 5pm
Where: Drama 3, Te Whaea National Dance & Drama Centre, 11 Hutchison Road, Newton, Wellington.
Who it is for: All levels of writing experience – emerging to established filmmakers. The workshop will largely refer to the feature film format, but will be valuable to those developing shorts, features and series.
Cost: General Admission $23 (incl. GST). Tickets via Eventbrite.
What to Bring: Pen and paper. Tea and Coffee will be provided. There are plenty of cafes in the area to buy lunch.
ABOUT GAVIN MCGIBBON
Gavin McGibbon until his recent return back to New Zealand, was the Programme Leader of the MA Screenwriting programme at Liverpool John Moores University. He has taught playwriting at Victoria University of Wellington for the International Institute of Modern Letters, where he also worked as an MA Supervisor on Ken Duncum’s MA Scriptwriting Course. Students that Gavin has taught have gone on to win numerous awards for their writing and are currently working on major television shows in the UK.
Gavin has also worked for the New Zealand Film Commission, the New Zealand Film School, Massey University, Victoria Continuing Education and he is a freelance script consultant.
Gavin has a very different take on scriptwriting and what it takes to build a story that connects with people. He doesn’t believe in formula – he believes in craft meeting art, and using that combination to create an engaging, emotional journey for an audience.
As Wellington is at Alert Level 2, there are some important things to note:
Do not attend the workshop if you are feeling unwell, are a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19, waiting for a COVID-19 test result or are self-isolating.
These workshops are made possible thanks to generous support from New Zealand Film Commission, Creative Communities Wellington and our venue sponsor Te Whaea National Dance and Drama Centre.
Here’s a fantastic opportunity for you to learn from Bellbird writer and director Hamish Bennett.
This filmmaking workshop focuses on building your screen story around interesting, original and compelling characters. Over the course of one day, Hamish will explore character and story and how the two are intertwined. He will use clips and examples to support the learning.
Hamish will talk about how to tap into your own knowledge and experiences to build a story that is authentic and memorable. He will give you methods for making time for writing when you’re not a full-time writer – and how you can use this to your advantage.
Don’t miss this interactive and practical workshop that will help you write a script that gets noticed.
Who it is for: All levels of writing experience – emerging to established filmmakers.
When: Saturday 8 August, 9:00am – 5:00pm.
Where: Ara Institute of Canterbury, NZ Broadcasting School (TV Building)
33 Southwark Street (Cnr Madras and Southwark), Christchurch.
Cost: General Admission $23 (incl. GST). Tickets via Eventbrite.
What to Bring: Pen and paper. Morning and afternoon tea will be provided. There are plenty of cafes in the area to buy lunch and there is space available to eat your lunch if you bring it with you
ABOUT HAMISH BENNETT
Hamish Bennett is a New Zealand writer/director (Ngāti Whakaue, Patuharakeke, Ngāti Waewae) and a full-time school teacher. His first short film, The Dump, won Best Short Script at 2012’s NZ Writers Guild Awards. His second short, Ross & Beth, won numerous awards, including the Jury and Audience prizes at the 2014 New Zealand International Film Festival. Bellbird is Hamish’s first feature film. It expands on the world established in the two shorts, and was filmed in the small rural Northland community where he grew up.
Described by The Listener as ‘a perfectly tuned piece of work and a classic in the making’, Bellbird had its world premiere in competition at the 2019 Sydney International Film Festival. It has just completed a successful theatrical and festival run, most recently picking up the Best Screenplay award at the Macao International Film Festival.
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COVID-19 Alert Level 2 Update
as at 18/08/20
At this stage, The Dunedin Screenwriting Workshop will go ahead as planned.
However, as Dunedin is at Alert Level 2, there are some important things to note:
Do not attend the workshop if you are feeling unwell, are a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19, waiting for a COVID-19 test result or are self-isolating.
“Ken Duncum is an exceptional teacher. The structure and underlying philosophy of his approach to scriptwriting in just a day provides me with the perspective and courage to write more and write better”
– 2018 Auckland Workshop Participant
Here’s a fantastic opportunity to learn from IIML screenwriting teacher Ken Duncum.
This one day course on writing a feature film looks at strategies for Coming up with a Cinematic Concept, growing Captivating Characters, locating the Core of your story and establishing your personal Connection to it.
Over the course of the day, Ken Duncum will coach and cajole you through a process of developing your own film idea, giving you tips for finding and building a story that resonates.
Don’t miss this interactive and practical workshop that will help you navigate through the complexities of writing a feature film.
Who it is for: Emerging to established filmmakers, however, if you are at the beginning stages of writing a feature film or are interested in writing a film this workshop will be very beneficial.
When: Saturday 22 August 2020, 9:00 am – 4:30 pm. Arrive 8:50 am for 9 am start.
Where: Dunedin Public Art Gallery – Auditorium. First floor, 30 The Octagon, Dunedin.
Cost: General Admission $23 (incl. GST) via EventBrite
What to Bring: Pen and paper. Tea and Coffee will be provided. Please bring your own lunch or there are plenty of cafes in the area if you wish to buy lunch.
This workshop is made possible thanks to generous support from New Zealand Film Commission, Creative Communities Dunedin and The Southern Trust.
Due to popular demand, we’re bringing this TALK to Auckland. Join us for our first Script to Screen TALK, kanohi ki te kanohi since lockdown!
Have you ever found yourself confused by music rights, or grappling with decisions about soundtrack or score for your film, TV or online project? Wondering what the difference is between publishing rights and master rights?
Music can enhance visual expression when used well, setting a mood or atmosphere. But licensing agreements need to be negotiated and it can become complicated and expensive if you don’t plan well. This TALK will help you get your dream soundtrack by demystifying the jargon and giving some helpful tips to guide you about music choices, music rights, and how to effectively communicate with your composer.
Music supervisor Karyn Rachtman (Pulp Fiction, Boogie Nights, Moulin Rogue) and screen composer and music editor Samuel Flynn Scott (Phoenix Foundation, Boy, Hunt for the Wilderpeople, The Gulf) will chat to our Executive Director, Jackie Dennis about what they think filmmakers should consider when thinking about soundtrack and score.
When you book your ticket via Eventbrite, there’ll be an opportunity for you to guide the discussion by telling us what you would like to understand better.
Thurs 16 July 2020
6:30pm – 7:30pm – TALK
7:30 – 8:30pm – Cash Bar, Networking and Pizza
TAPAC Theatre, 100 Motions Road, Western Springs, Auckland
After the TALK, stay and have pizza on Script to Screen, there will be a cash bar and socialising with fellow filmmakers.
$5.75 (incl. GST) for sales via EventBrite to secure your seat.
$5 cash at the door.
ABOUT THE PANEL
Samuel Flynn Scott has composed music for two Netflix series Skylander Academy and Moving Art, both music supervised by Karyn Rachtman.
Samuel Flynn Scott is a celebrated musician. He has composed music for many films including Eagle v Shark, Separation City, Boy and Hunt For The Wilderpeople as well as numerous television (The Gulf), dance and theatre projects. Samuel has produced radio shows for RNZ National, sung his songs with the NZSO and written articles for The Guardian and The Spin Off. He formed and is lead singer of The Phoenix Foundation and has also performed and recorded with Fly My Pretties, Flash Harry, and The Boomshack.
Karyn Rachtman is an acclaimed music supervisor who has collaborated with filmmakers such as Baz Luhrmann, Quentin Tarantino, Paul Thomas Anderson, and Warren Beatty. She has worked on some of the most beloved soundtracks of all time including Pulp Fiction, Moulin Rouge, Romeo & Juliet, Clueless, and Boogie Nights. She is an award-winning film producer, the founder of music supervision and consulting company Mind Your Music, and has extensive experience in the corporate environments, having served as Vice President of Soundtracks and A&R at Capitol Records and Head of Soundtracks at Interscope. Currently, Karyn is working on video games, films and multiple projects in Los Angeles and New Zealand.
This TALK is co-presented by the Screen Composer’s Guild of New Zealand
Script to Screen TALKS are made possible thanks to generous support from New Zealand Film Commission, Foundation North and White Studios. A special thanks to our venue sponsor, TAPAC.
Script to Screen, in partnership with Northland Youth Theatre, presents a free four-day film workshop in the July school holidays for 15 – 23 year olds.
The workshop helps young participants to develop skills in crafting a story idea, writing a script, and acting. The aim of the workshop is to foster writing talent and encourage aspiring filmmakers. No experience or prior knowledge of filmmaking is necessary.
On Days 1 and 2, participants will hear from writer/director Michael Bennett (In Dark Places, Matariki) about finding a story, crafting the story so that it is compelling on screen, and writing a scene.
On Days 3 and 4, actor Laurel Devenie (Shortland Street), will lead an acting workshop, using the scenes that were written earlier in the week. Each participant will get a chance to act in a scene. On the last day, we will tape the scenes, watch them as a group and discuss what was learned.
Tuesday 14th – Friday 17th July
9am – 2pm each day
Northland Youth Theatre, 86 Bank St, Whangarei 0110
Morning Tea, Lunch and Afternoon Tea provided. However, if you have special dietary requirements (gluten free, dairy free, keto, paleo, etc) please bring food with you.
The workshop is free but please register via EventBrite as spaces are limited.
This workshop is presented in partnership with Northland Youth Theatre and is made possible thanks to generous support from New Zealand Film Commission and Foundation North.
Script to Screen brings you our next TALK online. We have taken the opportunity to invite Australian powerhouse creatives – showrunner/screenwriter/director/producer Tony Ayres (Stateless, The Slap, The Home Song Stories) and producer Kristina Ceyton (The Nightingale, The Babadook) to discuss Building a Slate You Believe In with moderator Karin Williams.
Despite the pandemic impacting screen production, distribution and exhibition, the development process for screen projects is able to continue and in some cases thrive. In this TALK, the panel will delve into curating the talent you work with and how to decide which projects to work on.
Now more than ever a captive audience demands engaging content. Tony Ayres and Kristina Ceyton’s feature films and television series demonstrate each of their abilities to produce projects that please both audiences and critics.
Tony is well known for creating some of Australia’s most revered film and television drama including The Home Song Stories, Nowhere Boys, The Slap, Glitch and most recently Stateless – created and executive produced with Cate Blanchett and Elise McCredie. Stateless is a series about the people caught up in Australia’s immigration system, it premiered at Berlinale this year and Netflix acquired global rights (release date soon to be announced).
Kristina’s most recent films, allegorical thriller The Babadook, historical thriller The Nightingale (both directed by Jennifer Kent) and Buoyancy (dir. Rodd Rathjen) about 14-year-old Chakra who is sold as slave labour to the captain of a Thai fishing vessel, all deal with challenging subject matter and have gone on to be award-winning films.
The projects you choose to put your time into can and should be well-considered, as is the work of these two admired and tenacious filmmakers. They will share what they have learned so you too can build a slate you believe in.
Wed 27 May
2:00pm – 3:00pm NZST – TALK + Live Q&A
Script to Screen Livestream
There are two ways to join this Script to Screen Livestream:
ZOOM – You pre-register via Zoom and can ask questions, spaces are limited to 100.
FACEBOOK – You can watch the talk live on our facebook page, you don’t need to register and you can ask questions.
For Non-Facebook Users, if you miss out on a pre-registration on Zoom you can still tune into the TALK via this link to Facebook. You do not need to create a Facebook account to watch. Ignore any Facebook prompts to Log In/Create New Account, or click ‘Not Now’ if the option appears. Click play once the live broadcast has started. You will not be able to ask questions during the live stream when you do not have a Facebook account.
Ever found yourself confused by music rights, or grappling with decisions about soundtrack or score for your film, TV or online project? Wondering what the difference is between publishing rights and master rights?
Music can enhance visual expression when used well, setting a mood or atmosphere. But licensing agreements need to be negotiated and it can become complicated and expensive if you don’t plan well. This TALK will help you get your dream soundtrack by demystify the jargon and giving some helpful tips to guide you about music choices, music rights, and how to effectively communicate with your composer.
Join us at our first Script to Screen TALK of the year as our Executive Director, Jackie Dennis chats to music supervisor Karyn Rachtman (Pulp Fiction, Boogie Nights, Moulin Rogue) and screen composer and music editor Samuel Flynn Scott (Phoenix Foundation, Boy, Hunt for the Wilderpeople, The Gulf) about what they think filmmakers should consider when thinking about soundtrack and score.
When you book your presale ticket via Eventbrite, there’ll be an opportunity for you to guide the discussion by telling us what you would like to understand better. Tuesday 10 March
6:15pm – 7:15pm – TALK
Te Auaha, 65 Dixon St, Te Aro, Wellington
After the TALK, stay and have pizza on Script to Screen, there will be a cash bar and socialising with fellow filmmakers.
$5.75 (incl. GST) for pre-sales available via EventBrite.
$5 cash at the door if the theatre is not already fully booked from pre-sales.
ABOUT THE PANEL
Samuel Flynn Scott has composed music for two Netflix series Skylander Academy and Moving Art, both music supervised by Karyn Rachtman.
Samuel Flynn Scott is a celebrated musician. He has composed music for many films including Eagle v Shark, Separation City, Boy and Hunt For The Wilderpeople as well as numerous television (The Gulf), dance and theatre projects. Samuel has produced radio shows for Radio NZ National, sung his songs with the NZSO and written articles for The Guardian and The Spin Off. He formed and is lead singer of The Phoenix Foundation and has also performed and recorded with Fly My Pretties, Flash Harry, and The Boomshack.
Karyn Rachtman is an acclaimed music supervisor who has collaborated with filmmakers such as Baz Luhrmann, Quentin Tarantino, Paul Thomas Anderson, and Warren Beatty. She has worked on some of the most beloved soundtracks of all time including Pulp Fiction, Moulin Rouge, Romeo & Juliet, Clueless, and Boogie Nights. She is an award-winning film producer, the founder of music supervision and consulting company Mind Your Music, and has extensive experience in the corporate environments, having served as Vice President of Soundtracks and A&R at Capitol Records and Head of Soundtracks at Interscope. Currently, Karyn is working on video games, films and multiple projects in Los Angeles and New Zealand.
“This workshop honestly transformed my thinking about storytelling structures and opened up new possibilities in exciting and practical ways. It incorporated both big ideas thinking and also specific craft tools, which I will begin to use immediately in my writing. The workshop was rich in content and spoke well to many levels, including experienced, working screenwriters. ” – 2019 Melbourne Workshop Participant
We are excited to be bringing script guru Stephen Cleary to New Zealand to present this brilliant 2-day workshop in Auckland and Wellington.
Split into single-gender groups, people tell stories differently. Men often tell stories with all-male characters. Women rarely tell stories with all-female characters. Women together tend to maintain a theme across their stories. Men don’t. Women talk less. Men reveal less about themselves.
Gender variations within storytelling matter. Our understanding of screenwriting mostly comes from work done by men trying to figure out how the stories they told worked. The vast majority of those stories centred on male characters who were powerful or had access to power.
This workshop is about characters who aren’t male and powerful. How do you dramatise their stories, those characters, to make them compulsive? How do you tell stories about people who struggle for power, or who will never have power? Does power work differently for male and female characters (answer: yes)? How? Come to this workshop and find out, and with any luck change how you think about story structure, forever.
READ THE FULL WORKSHOP SCHEDULE
WELLINGTON
7 – 8 NOV 2019
Venue: Hunter Building Lecture Theatre 119 (HULT119),
Victoria University, Kelburn Parade, Wellington
Cost: $250 (+ GST). Tickets available via Eventbrite.
What to Bring: Pen and paper. Morning and afternoon tea will be provided. BYO Lunch.
Prepare for the Workshop: Links to Films and series that will be referenced during the lab are available here.
Presented in partnership with Victoria University of Wellington.
Stephen Cleary is available to do a limited number of assessments while he is in Auckland. To be eligible for one of these assessments you must have booked your ticket to the Power, Gender and New Story Structures workshop and register for an assessment by Friday 22 Nov, 9am.
You will get a one-on-one 90-minute meeting and 2 pages of notes. The script assessment fee is $500 +gst.
If you would like a TV series assessed, Stephen will need either the first episode script plus outline of the rest of the season and an overview of the project, or a synopsis of the story overall and a breakdown of episodes. Each spot is not actually reserved until payment is received.
Payment details:
Account Name: Script to Screen – Te Tari Kupu A Whakaahua
Account Number: 03 0255 0178775-00
Reference: Cleary90min – Your Name
REGISTER FOR A SCRIPT ASSESSMENT
“This workshop honestly transformed my thinking about storytelling structures and opened up new possibilities in exciting and practical ways. It incorporated both big ideas thinking and also specific craft tools, which I will begin to use immediately in my writing. The workshop was rich in content and spoke well to many levels, including experienced, working screenwriters. ” – 2019 Melbourne Workshop Participant
We are excited to be bringing script guru Stephen Cleary to New Zealand to present this brilliant 2-day workshop in Auckland and Wellington.
Split into single-gender groups, people tell stories differently. Men often tell stories with all-male characters. Women rarely tell stories with all-female characters. Women together tend to maintain a theme across their stories. Men don’t. Women talk less. Men reveal less about themselves.
Gender variations within storytelling matter. Our understanding of screenwriting mostly comes from work done by men trying to figure out how the stories they told worked. The vast majority of those stories centred on male characters who were powerful or had access to power.
This workshop is about characters who aren’t male and powerful. How do you dramatise their stories, those characters, to make them compulsive? How do you tell stories about people who struggle for power, or who will never have power? Does power work differently for male and female characters (answer: yes)? How? Come to this workshop and find out, and with any luck change how you think about story structure, forever.
READ THE FULL WORKSHOP SCHEDULE
AUCKLAND
30 Nov – 1 Dec 2019
Venue: Lecture Theatre WG404, Sir Paul Reeves Building
Auckland University of Technology – City Campus,
2 Gov Fitzroy Place, Auckland City
Cost:$250 (+ GST). Tickets available via Eventbrite.
What to Bring: Pen and paper. Morning and afternoon tea will be provided. BYO Lunch.
There are cafes in the area if you want to buy lunch.
Prepare for the Workshop: Links to Films and series that will be referenced during the lab are available here.
This workshop is presented in partnership with AUT
Stephen Cleary is available to do a limited number of assessments while he is in Auckland. To be eligible for one of these assessments you must have booked your ticket to the Power, Gender and New Story Structures workshop and register for an assessment by Wed 20 Nov, 5pm.
You will get a one-on-one 90-minute meeting and 2 pages of notes. The script assessment fee is $500 +gst.
If you would like a TV series assessed, Stephen will need either the first episode script plus outline of the rest of the season and an overview of the project, or a synopsis of the story overall and a breakdown of episodes. Each spot is not actually reserved until payment is received.
Payment details:
Account Name: Script to Screen – Te Tari Kupu A Whakaahua
Account Number: 03 0255 0178775-00
Reference: Cleary90min – Your Name
REGISTER FOR A SCRIPT ASSESSMENT
Do you love the power of cinema and have something to say?
Script to Screen presents the 2019 South Auckland Short Film Workshop – a free two-day workshop to learn the art of making short films, from developing ideas to writing and directing for the big screen. Whether you’re new to filmmaking or experienced, we are calling all aspiring filmmakers, storytellers and creatives to attend this filmmaking workshop.
It is intended for people who either live in South Auckland or have a connection with the area.
Over the weekend you will be guided by experienced filmmakers about the principles of how to write a short film, the role of the director, what it takes to get your short film off the ground and pitching to funders and collaborators. Speakers to be announced.
Participants from this workshop will be eligible to apply for Script to Screen’s South Shorts 2020 Mentorship Programme. We will be collecting applications for this after the workshop – from Mon 4th Nov – Sun 10th Nov. More details about the mentorship programme will be available at the workshop.
Where? Te Haa o Manukau – Ground Floor, 2 Osterley Way, Manukau 2104
How much? The workshop is free. Snacks, tea and coffee provided. There will be space to eat your lunch (and fridge, microwave etc) so feel free to bring your lunch along, or there are café and lunch options very close by (the Manukau Mall is right next door).
Registration: Please register at EventBrite. Places are limited. This workshop is recommended for ages 17+. It is intended for people who either live in South Auckland or have a connection with the area.
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.
This workshop was made possible with the support of the Creative Communities Auckland Scheme.
Cover image: Liliu (directed by Jeremiah Tauamiti)
