Script to Screen’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategy

Our aspiration: Our screen stories and the people who create them reflect the rich diversity of the people of Aotearoa, and the Te Tiriti o Waitangi foundations of our nation

Our purpose: Script to Screen supports New Zealand screen practitioners to tell exceptional stories that reflect who we are.

Our principles:

• We value and actively advance diversity, equity and inclusion in Aotearoa’s screen sector
• We acknowledge the distinct rights and obligations of “Tangata Whenua” and “Tangata Tiriti” inferred by Te Tiriti o Waitangi
• We will work to redress the inequitable legacies of colonial and patriarchal structures within our communities
• Inclusive practices support the wellbeing of all

What we do to achieve our aspiration:

• We acknowledge and respect mana whenua and mana tangata in the places and communities we engage with
• Our contestable programmes are fully funded so that money is not a barrier for participants, advisors and mentors
• We actively include the Underrepresented so the projects and people we support reflect the rich diversity of New Zealand
• We pay particular attention to Disadvantaged Groups and people who experience discrimination or disadvantage more than others
• We ensure a diversity of perspectives and backgrounds in our assessment and selection process
• Our assessment and selection process includes readers who can ensure the project authentically represents values, actions, customs, culture and identity – not stereotypes
• Participants experience cultural safety when participating in our programmes
• We apply our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion principles to our governance and operations
• Our governance and leadership review and evaluate the past to inform the future

Measurements:

• A diverse range of talent and stories progress through our development programmes
• We gather accurate statistical and demographic data to assess our performance.
• We survey participants to understand their experiences and assess our performance
• Our reports to funders include information relating to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Outcome:

• Script to Screen has made a meaningful and observable contribution to a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive screen industry and this is reflected in the screen stories available to audiences

DEFINITIONS

 Disadvantaged Groups – Due to the interconnected nature of race, gender, class and ability some people experience greater discrimination or disadvantage than others

Diversity - the differences between people, their characteristics, attributes and backgrounds, and the perspectives they bring.

Equity - fair outcomes for individuals belonging to diverse groups, achieved by addressing the barriers each of these groups face.

Inclusion - the ongoing exercise of valuing diverse groups by creating safe, welcoming and collaborative environments in which everyone can fully participate and thrive.

Tangata Tiriti – non-Māori people of New Zealand

Tangata Whenua – indigenous Māori people of New Zealand

Te Tiriti o Waitangi – Treaty of Waitangi

Underrepresented – Māori, Pacific peoples, Asian communities, Middle Eastern, Latin American and African, women and those identifying as female, gender diverse, LGBTQIA+ communities, disabled people, people living outside of Auckland and Wellington, people below the age of 30 and above the age of 60. This definition is based on research sourced by the NZFC that looks at representation in key roles (Director, Writer, Producer) in both film and television.