Learning to Write Screenplay Coverage Application Information

Script to Screen is excited to be offering scholarships for six screen practitioners to take part in UCLA’s 10-week online training course Writing Screenplay Coverage.

Script to Screen will provide wrap-around support for the six participants before, during and after the course which runs from 30 September to 8 December 2021 (NZST). The UCLA course content is delivered through an online learning platform where you can engage with the instructor and classmates. There are no required live meetings, but assignments are due regularly. This course upskills aspiring story analysts, script editors, script assessors and development producers.

UCLA Extension: Writing Screenplay Coverage – Course Description:
“You learn how to do an in-depth analysis of the three-act structure, as well as dramatic and comic scene construction. You also learn the precise terminology used in story sessions, the foundations for great dialogue, and how to find original approaches to established genres. These and other principles become synthesised into coverage written to the highest professional standards in preparation for a job as either a story analyst or screenwriter who needs to critique his or her own scripts effectively.”

Script to Screen has identified a need to increase the diversity of script readers, assessors and selectors in Aotearoa and will therefore prioritise EOI from people with diverse identities and backgrounds.

The six selected participants will attend two Script to Screen workshops, one before the course starts and one after it finishes. The workshops will give context to the US-based course, demonstrating how the learning can be applied to a New Zealand context. Participants will also form a study group for the duration of the course.

To be eligible for this opportunity you need to:

Be working in the film industry or have expertise in another industry, with transferable skills that will make you an excellent script reader, script assessor and story analyst e.g. publishing, theatre, journalism

Intend to utilise the knowledge gained in this course, in the New Zealand screen industry

Be committed and available to do the full 10-week course (roughly 5-8 hours a week), the 2 x one-day Script to Screen workshops and participate in the study group

Be a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident currently living in New Zealand

UCLA course costs are paid for by Script to Screen thanks to support from the US Consulate. The workshops will take place in Auckland and all travel costs for participants based outside of Auckland will be covered by Script to Screen.

Those interested in participating will need to submit an expression of interest. It will include:

A paragraph on what experience you have that makes you a good fit for this opportunity

A paragraph about why you want to do this course and how this course will help you achieve your career goals

Chelsea Winstanley - Story Camp participant

“Overall I think the entire Story Camp was a huge success, for me personally and for us as a team. I think the varied sessions provide a great mix of the creative and professional development for the advancement of any script.”

Cian Elyse White, Writer/Director - FilmUp Participant

“Nōku te whiwhi ki te mahi i runga i tēnei kaupapa whakamīharo. FilmUp was a game-changer for me and my career - the intensives allowed me to work with incredible mentors, peers and form relationships which lead to me directing on a prime-time drama and developing my feature film. I highly recommend this amazing opportunity!”

Dennis Zhang - South Shorts participant

South Shorts has been instrumental in my development as a creative. I was constantly inspired and supported by like-minded individuals who are on the same path with a similar mission to share unique, important and beautiful stories. Seeing everyone else's, as well as my own progression in our craft as well as confidence in writing is a testament of the quality of the programme, its organizers and our mentors. I believe that we will see every single participant of South Shorts go on to create amazing projects and have long and fruitful careers in filmmaking, having had this programme as a catalyst and launching pad for that success. I cannot recommend South Shorts enough and would do it a million times over if given the opportunity.

Orlando Stewart, Producer - Strength in Numbers Participant

Strength in Numbers is an exceptional course that dramatically altered the way I look at my business. The programme not only provides great business tools, but also shifts mindsets when it comes to growth. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Workshop Participant

"Hearing from a relatively young filmmaker added a great sense of accessibility. One left the workshop with renewed faith that with perseverance, one could achieve one's own creative aspirations."

Michael Bennett, Writer/Director/Author - Hokianga Film Project Mentor

"The projects that Script to Screen does and the reason I'm so gung-ho enthusiastic about them is; it's about accessing people whose stories just don't make it on screen. It's giving people skills to tell stories for the screen. Giving new voices and new stories the potential to become films"

Gwen Isaac - Story Camp participant

“Story Camp was invigorating and provided me with what I knew in my heart but was too scared to explore. It is an incredible bunch of talented, big-hearted and brave people helping you find that in yourself.”

Josephine Stewart-Te Whiu, Writer/Director - FilmUp Participant

"FilmUp LITERALLY changed my life. It gave me some real perspective on storytelling and helped me figure out what I wanted to say and how I wanted to say it."

Amber Marie Naveira, Co-Founder & Co-CEO The Granary  - Strength in Numbers Participant

"I am a creative at heart and David's strength was ensuring that I knew that this was a major part of my power. I wholeheartedly recommend that if you are leading a Creative Business then the Strength in Numbers programme will support, encourage and empower your creative business acumen, knowledge and confidence! If I were given the opportunity to repeat the programme, I wouldn't hesitate one bit, and this time, I would ensure that I brought my Co-Founder"

2020 Auckland Workshop Participant

"This workshop is important because of the potential it encourages in creatives around Auckland. It also promotes community and a healthy form of learning to people of all ages and walks of life."

Tui Matelau-Doherty - South Shorts Participant

The peer support and collegiality achieved through delivering the programme as group read throughs following feedback, superseded my expectations and taught me something new. It reflects ako, the Māori word for learning which also means teaching, and this is exactly what was achieved through the programme. We were both learners and teachers which was empowering and effective. The diversity in the room is extremely important to the filmmaking industry and to my own development.

Chris Parker - FilmUp participant

“FilmUp is the kick up the pants you need to fall in love with that project you know you’ve been sitting with for far too long.”

Chelsie Preston Crayford, Actor/Writer/Director - FilmUp Participant

“For an artist, this level of empowerment and support is rare and utterly invaluable. The programme carefully facilitates the most magical sense of community, inspiration and support. The hub days are a taonga. Do yourself a solid and apply.”

Vanessa Wells - Producer/Director - FilmUp Participant 2020

"It's been a couple of years since my FilmUp cohort 2020 but it still resonates and ripples. I'm about to start working again with my mentor, Justin Pemberton (this time as story consultant), and the amazing session we had with Judy Durragh - while esoteric and physical in nature at the time - has had a very real influence on the work we are doing now! It's amazing to see and feel these connections come through. Our film will be the better for it. Thank you!!"