Script to Screen and Show Me Shorts are now calling for applications for the 2015 Short Film Lab. Successful applicants will be offered a place in a one-day workshop and an opportunity for individual follow-up sessions. Participants in the 2015 Short Film Lab will be mentored by experienced industry practitioners who have excelled in short filmmaking. Previous mentors have included Jackie van Beek (The Inland Road, Uphill, Go the Dogs), Jake Mahaffy (Free in Deed, Wellness,A.D. 1363, The End of Chivalry) and Shuchi Kothari (Firaaq, Apron Strings, Coffee and Allah). A full list of 2015 mentors will be announced soon. Watch this space!
Six writers (or writer/directors) will be selected to workshop their short film ideas (or short film scripts) during the full-day lab hosted by the University of Auckland on Saturday 7th November 2015. Those selected can come on their own or bring up to two key creative collaborators with them. Thanks to the support of the New Zealand Film Commission and the Screen Production programme at the University of Auckland, participation in the Short Film Lab is free for all selected applicants (including lunch) and travel grants are available for successful applicants who reside out of Auckland.
Established by Script to Screen and Show Me Shorts in 2010, the Short Film Lab has been a resounding success. Previous Short Film Lab participants have described the interactive workshop as “fantastic” and “invaluable”, and many have gone on to make the shortlist for NZFC Fresh Shorts funding. In 2013, the first film developed with the assistance of the Short Film Lab – Lauren Jackson’s I’m Going to Mum’s – premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival and won Best Short Film Script at the SWANZ Awards.
To apply to the 2015 Short Film Lab complete the online application form. This will ask you to provide:
The application deadline is Midnight, Thursday 24th September 2015.
Successful applicants will be announced at Show Me Shorts Film Festival’s programme launch on Tuesday 20th November. If you have any questions or are having technical difficulties with the application process, contact Mark Prebble, Festival Coordinator for Show Me Shorts on 09 360 6718 or info@showmeshorts.co.nz.
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.
The recent confirmation of legendary producer Jan Chapman (THE PIANO, LANTANA, BRIGHT STAR) finalises the exciting group of mentors that are working with our talented FilmUp 2015 participants. Other mentors include LANTANA writer/director Ray Lawrence, and director Garth Davis, who directed TOP OF THE LAKE alongside Jane Campion. The complete line-up is:
Producer Jan Chapman (THE PIANO) mentors producer Desray Armstrong
Acting/directing coach and story consultant Brita McVeigh mentors writer/director Dustin Feneley
Director Ray Lawrence (LANTANA) mentors writer/director Nic Gorman
Writer/director and actor Jackie van Beek (THE INLAND ROAD) mentors writer/director Asuka Sylvie
Director Garth Davis (TOP OF THE LAKE) mentors director Curtis Vowell
Producer Helen Bowden (THE SLAP) mentors producer Karin Williams.
The generosity and spirit of our distinguished mentors is a huge part of what makes Script to Screen’s FilmUp programme so successful, and a heartfelt thank you goes to each of them for joining us. We are excited about the year ahead for these filmmakers and look forward to seeing what each mentorship brings.
Short biographies of both mentors and mentees are available on our here, alongside those of Fraser Brown and Julia Parnell who are well underway in the FilmUp Script Development Programme.
Script to Screen and Loading Docs present a special masterclass with Rebecca Howard on strategies for digital content in our ever-changing global landscape. Howard is the General Manager of Video Production at the New York Times.
In her role, Rebecca Howard is responsible for overseeing video content across all platforms – and is hugely qualified to offer insights into the digital realm including placement, marketing and distribution. Throughout the masterclass, Rebecca will draw on recent examples, including the branded documentary series promoting Netflix hit Orange Is the New Black and many other highly successful campaigns. She will cover how to monetise content, how content creators are working with brands, how to find and grow your digital audiences, and commissioning innovative content including the move towards virtual reality. Full programme details to follow.
Monday 13th July, 9.30am – 12.30pm, Media Design School, Level 5, 92 Albert Street, Auckland CBD.
Industry concession: $25 /Non – industry: $35
Places are limited. Buy your tickets now.
Script to Screen and the New Zealand Writers Guild present a special discussion with award-winning Mexican screenwriter Guillermo Arriaga. Arriaga talks to Robyn Malcolm about his writing philosophy, craft, and process at this AUT hosted event.
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.
Sunday 12th July, 3pm-4pm, WG 403, Sir Paul Reeves Building (fourth floor), AUT, Gov Fitzroy Place, Auckland CBD. $10 koha appreciated.
To confirm numbers, we ask that you please RSVP to rsvp@script-to-screen.co.nz.
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.
Mexican screenwriter Guillermo Arriaga returns to New Zealand shores to participate in Script to Screen’s programme.
His confirmation completes the line-up for our second Writers’ Lab Aotearoa, where the chosen writers will benefit directly from his unique insights into screenwriting. Guillermo Arriaga’s credits include the critically acclaimed AMORES PERROS, Oscar nominated 21 GRAMS, BAFTA nominated BABEL and Cannes-winning THE THREE BURIALS OF MELQUIADES ESTRADA.
He will also join us all for a special Writers’ Room discussion event on Sunday 12th of July in lieu of our usual June event. Full details of this event will follow.
Guillermo’s keynote address and writing masterclass at our Big Screen Symposium 2013 left a lasting impression on all who heard him speak. We are thrilled to welcome him back.
Read his bio, and those of the four other mentors here.
The Writers’ Lab Aotearoa is made possible with the support of the NZ Writers Guild and financial support from the New Zealand Film Commission.
46 people developing a short film gathered at the St Columba Centre this weekend for Script to Screen’s Auckland Central Short Film Workshop.
The workshop was aimed at all levels of experience, and attracted those with no experience but a passion for storytelling, to those with industry experience or academic knowledge, yet to make their own film.
Participants heard from experienced Auckland industry practitioners including writer Michael Bennett (Matariki, The Confessions of Prisoner T), casting director Mike Dwyer (Ebony Society, Dotty), producer Orlando Stewart (The Dump, Ross and Beth) and director Jackie Van Beek (Uphill, The Inland Road), and came away with the tools needed to make a short film.
On Sunday afternoon, participants had the chance to pitch a short film idea to judges Jackie Van Beek and Michael Bennett. The judges were blown away by the calibre and diversity of the ideas pitched.
“Although we can only have one winner, every one of these ideas has a reason to be told and the filmmakers showed deep connections to the material they are developing. It is wonderful to see such a strong generation of storytellers coming into the industry” Eloise Veber – Script to Screen’s workshop facilitator.
“It’s awesome to bring the short film workshop to central Auckland, with the area’s high concentration of filmmakers and film students. It was next to impossible choosing six finalists from the exciting selection of ideas pitched, and the quality of the ideas truly reflects the passion for short film and the unique strength of the film culture in Tāmaki Makaurau.” Writer/Director Michael Bennett – competition judge.
“I was taken by the strength of ideas being pitched. Some were hilarious, others highly emotional whilst some bravely dealt with extremely confronting topics.” Writer/director Jackie Van Beek – competition judge.
The winner of the pitching competition was Arnette Arapai for her short film idea CICADAS. Arnette will have 6 hours of script development with an industry mentor to work on her short film draft. The finalists of the competition were Chye-Ling Huang, Claire Van Beek, Eryn Wilson, Tania Wolfgramm and Becks Woodall.
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 your work stands out despite the pitfalls of inexperience?
Three NZ screenwriters with a produced feature film under their belt discuss taking that leap of faith. Dianne Taylor (Beyond the Known World, Apron Strings), Roseanne Liang (My Wedding and Other Secrets) and Max Currie (Everything We Loved) talk to producer Fraser Brown (Orphans and Kingdoms) about their experiences, what they wish they knew then, and how the writing process changes while you develop as a writer.
Tues 26th May, The Classic, 321 Queen Street. 7pm drinks, 7:30-8:30pm talk. $5 koha appreciated.
Make sure to stick around afterwards for a slice of pizza on us!