Script to Screen launches a series of video tutorials where talented New Zealand filmmakers share their knowledge and advice about how to develop a short film or web series. Over nine videos, viewers learn how to find a good story, write a script, prepare for production and pitch the project to funders and collaborators.
The videos are a valuable resource for any new or emerging screen practitioners developing a screen project as they are full of tips and insights thoughtfully shared by experienced writers, directors and producers from the NZ screen community.
The filmmakers who contributed are Hamish Bennett (Bellbird, Ross & Beth, The Dump), Robyn Grace (Power Rangers Dino Fury, Sweet Tooth, Oranges and Lemons), Sophie Henderson (The Justice of Bunny King, Baby Done, Fantail), Alex Lovell (My Friend Michael Jones, Mister Sunshine), Shoshana McCallum (INSiDE, Head High, Creamerie), Marina Alofagia McCartney (Vai, Milk & Honey), Jaimee Poipoi (Krystal), Emmett Skilton (Millennial Jenny, Auckward Love), Morgan Leigh Stewart (Albularyo, Blood and Gold, Deathgasm), Dianne Taylor (Beyond the Known World, Apron Strings, Hauraki) and Karin Williams (Burning of the Gods, Teine Sā, Sis).
Jackie Dennis, Executive Director at Script to Screen said “These tutorials are packed with information about what to do if you want to make a short film or web series and we are so happy to now be able to share them with anyone interested in telling screen stories. They remove the mystery and will support the development of new voices in Aotearoa”.
Script to Screen created these videos in 2021 for the Paerangi Project – a development programme that reduced barriers by offering accessible learning to those who had not had the opportunity to study filmmaking. With the successful completion of the Paerangi Project earlier this year, the video tutorials are now available to all.
The tutorials are:
- What Makes a Good Story?
- Story Elements
- Writing a Synopsis or Episode Outline
- Script Mechanics
- Being a Director
- Being a Producer
- Being a Producer Advanced
- Writing a Logline and Pitching your Idea
- Finding a Team and Top Tips
Each video has closed captions, and transcripts in .pdf and .doc formats. Self-directed homework accompanies the videos and can be downloaded from our website.
Paerangi Project and these video tutorials are possible thanks to funding from Screenrights Cultural Fund and New Zealand Film Commission.
