In addition to the 2017 South Auckland Short Film Workshop, Script to Screen is proud to reintroduce the South Shorts Mentoring Programme.
Six participants of the South Auckland Short Film Workshop will be chosen to participate in a 6 month programme, which offers over 20 hours of mentoring on a short film project.
The programme will guide emerging writers and producers through the process of developing a short film, whether the filmmakers aim to make the film on their own, or getting a script ready to apply for the New Zealand Film Commission Fresh Shorts scheme. We are looking for distinctive new voices with a passion for storytelling. Participants may have some, little or no prior knowledge of filmmaking.
How do I apply?
The participants will be chosen based on a combination of their pitch during the 2017 South Auckland Short Film Workshop, and a written statement submitted to Script to Screen after the workshop outlining why the mentoring programme is for them.
Apply here: https://form.jotform.co/73235710827860
Programme Outline
The South Shorts Mentoring Programme will start in early 2018, and participants will need to be available to attend the following days. Dates have not yet been set and will be discussed with the participants in December 2017.
Kick-off Lab (7 hours) – All mentors and participants attend a one day intensive lab to launch the programme.
Hubs (6 hours) – The participants come together for two 3 hour hub meetings during the six month period. This is a chance for the writers to discuss their experiences, what they are learning and hear from a guest speaker about a particular topic.
Ongoing Mentoring (6 hours over a six month period) – Participants are each offered 6 hours of one-on-one sessions with their mentor over the course of six months. The content of these sessions will be tailored to suit the needs of each team, but centre around developing the story and script, ready for either shooting the film or applying for funding.
Wrap-up Lab (3 hours) – A half-day wrap up workshop completes the six-month journey. Teams will chart progress, discuss challenges they encountered and plan the way forward for their film.
Image from Loading Docs TIHEI. Directed by Hamish Bennett and produced by Orlando Stewart.
This initiative is made possible with assistance from Foundation North.
Applications are now open for the Aotearoa Short Film Lab, a prestigious hothouse mentoring scheme for screenwriters and filmmakers to workshop new ideas for short films.
Established in 2010 as a partnership between Show Me Shorts and Script to Screen, the Lab offers six local and up to two international, short filmmakers the opportunity to develop their short film concepts and scripts with the guidance and advice of experienced industry mentors.
The Lab includes a full-day workshop in Auckland in March 2018. The mentors in previous years have included: Ainsley Gardiner (Boy, Two Cars One Night), Jackie van Beek (Uphill, Go the Dogs), Jake Mahaffy (Free in Deed, Wellness, A.D. 1363 The End of Chivalry), Zia Mandviwalla (Night Shift), Roseanne Liang (Do No Harm, Friday Night Bites), Michael Bennett (The Confessions of Prisoner T, Matariki), Dianne Taylor (Beyond the Known World, Apron Strings) and Shuchi Kothari (Firaaq, Apron Strings, Coffee and Allah).
Previous Short Film Lab participants have described the interactive workshop as “inspiring” 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.
The Lab is free to attend for all selected applicants, but there is a NZ$20 application fee. Those selected can come on their own or bring up to two key creative collaborators with them. Travel costs are the responsibility of the selected participants.
The Lab is generously supported by the New Zealand Film Commission, Wallace Foundation, The Trusts Community Foundation and The University of Auckland.
To apply, complete the online application form.
This will ask you to provide:
Applications close on Thursday 14 December 2017, 5pm.
If you have any queries please contact Sjionel Timu on sjionel@script-to-screen.co.nz.
Image: TREE, Dir. Lauren Jackson, Photo: Still from shoot (DOP: Simon Raby)
Aotearoa Short Film Lab New Zealand’s most prestigious hothouse mentoring scheme for screenwriters and aspiring screenwriters to workshop new ideas for short film. Established in 2010 as a partnership between Show Me Shorts and Script to Screen, the Lab offers seven local short film makers the opportunity to develop their short film concepts and scripts with the guidance and advice of experienced industry mentors during a full-day workshop.
The seven screenwriters who will participate in the 2017 Aotearoa Short Film Lab are:
For the first time this year one international short film maker has also been selected to participate. Marisa Brown is an Australian-based filmmaker who will be attending the Lab to workshop two story ideas, along with her director Chris Tomkins.
There were more than 50 applications for the 2017 Lab. Festival Director of Show Me Shorts, Gina Dellabarca, who was among the selection panel commented: “I was impressed with the diversity in the types of stories in this year’s applications. There were scripts for comedy, drama, fantasy, sci-fi, thriller, animation and more. It is heartening for the industry that our screenwriters and aspiring screenwriters are working on such a variety of projects. I only wish we could include more of them in our Lab.
The mentors guiding participants will include experienced short film and feature film screenwriters: Michael Bennett (MATARIKI, CONFESSIONS OF PRISONER T), Zia Mandviwalla (NIGHT SHIFT, AMADI) Dianne Taylor (BEYOND THE KNOWN WORLD, APRON STRINGS), Michelle Savill (ELAINE RIDES AGAIN, ELLEN IS LEAVING) and Yamin Tun (WAIT, JOY).
Previous Short Film Lab participants have described the interactive workshop as “inspiring” 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 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.
Script to Screen, Ngā Aho Whakaari and PIFT present the 2016 South Auckland Short Film Workshop – a free two-day workshop that will give you everything you need to know to make a short film.
Over one weekend, four experienced filmmakers will guide you through each stage of the filmmaking process – from the initial concept, writing, directing, working with actors and finally to pitch your idea to collaborators and funders.
We are looking for new talent from South Auckland with a passion for storytelling, and an interest in learning how to make a short film. Up to six attendees/teams will also have the opportunity to participate in the South Shorts Mentoring Programme. This is a tailored programme that pairs writers and producers with experienced industry mentors, and returns after a successful inaugural year.
When? Sat 19 and Sun 20 November, 9am-5pm both days
Where? MIT School of Visual Arts, 50 Lovegrove Cresent, Otara
How much? The workshop is free. Coffee, tea and biscuits will be provided in the breaks. We will also provide a picnic style lunch. We suggest a $15 cash koha to cover lunch on both days – so if you are able to contribute please bring this cash along with you to the workshop.
Register: Places are limited. Please email eloise@script-to-screen.co.nz or call 09 360 5400 to reserve a spot.
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.
The synopsis 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. 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.You are welcome to pitch the short film idea you submitted, or another idea. The pitch is to be kept to 3 minutes.
SCHEDULE
Saturday 19 November
9am-9:15am – Tea/coffee/introduction
9:15am-10:45am – ‘Why I Make Films’ with Niki Si’ulepa (Ma, Snow in Paradise)
10:45am-12:15pm – Producing with Lara Northcroft (This is Piki, Tits on a Bull)
Learn about the role of the producer in driving the project from conception to completion
12:15-1:15pm – Lunch break
1:15pm – 5pm – Screenwriting with Michael Bennett (Matariki, The Factory)
Learn about the key points of storytelling and forming a structure that will grab the audience
Sunday 20 November
9am-11am – Directing with Hamish Bennett (The Dump, Ross and Beth)
Learn about the director’s role in the film and forming a strong vision for your story
11:15am – 5pm – 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 3 minutes.
Following the workshop, those who wish to apply for the mentorship programme will be asked to submit a short statement to Script to Screen outlining why the mentorship programme is for them. The programme focuses on emerging writers and producers. Participating in the pitching session is not only a great way to practice communicating your film idea to others, but provides a great opportunity to introduce yourself and your film idea to the panel who will be selecting the participants for the 2017 South Shorts Mentorship Programme. Producers applying for the mentoring programme may either pitch their own idea at the pitching session, or pitch as a team with a writer. More info about South Shorts here.
Image: From short film MARIA, written by Toafia Pelesasa, and directed by Jeremiah Tauamiti.
This workshop was made possible with the support of the Creative Communities Scheme.
Applications are now open for the Aotearoa Short Film Lab, a prestigious hothouse mentoring scheme for screenwriters and aspiring screenwriters to workshop new ideas for short film.
Established in 2010 as a partnership between Show Me Shorts and Script to Screen, the Lab offers six local, and for the first time this year two international, short film makers the opportunity to develop their short film concepts and scripts with the guidance and advice of experienced industry mentors.
The Lab includes a full-day workshop hosted by the University of Auckland’s Screen Production Department in March 2017. The mentors in previous years 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).
Previous Short Film Lab participants have described the interactive workshop as “inspiring” 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.
The Lab is free to attend for all selected applicants, but there is a NZ$20 application fee. Those selected can come on their own or bring up to two key creative collaborators with them.
To apply to the 2016 Aotearoa Short Film Lab complete the online application form. This will ask you to provide:
APPLY NOW
If you have any queries please contact Sjionel Timu on sjionel@script-to-screen.co.nz.
Applications close on Wednesday 14 December 2016, 5pm.
Image: I’m Going to Mums, Dir. Lauren Jackson, Photo: Tania Jackson
On the 6th and 7th of August, 49 aspiring filmmakers gathered at Toi Whakaari for a weekend packed full of ideas, advice, inspiration and knowledge.
On the Sunday afternoon, 30 of the participants pitched their short film ideas, which they had refined with the learning from the writing session, and practised in their own time. The level of pitches blew the panel away, and there was a bubbling vibe of warmth and generosity in the room. Participants came away with a renewed passion for the quest of filmmaking, a strengthened belief in their own work, and some formed 48 hours teams with people they met at the workshop.
The winner of the pitching competition was writer Judith Cowley, with her idea SHEARING, with special mentions going to Chris Howe, Teresa Bass, and co-writing team Sarita So and Natano Keni.
“I loved the enthusiasm and energy from the everyone that attended the workshop. The dynamic was great and everyone was very kind and supportive of each other. A perfect environment for the conception of magic!” – Pitching competition judge Nikki Si’ulepa.
“The workshop definitely impassioned my desire to start creating, and the speakers were honest and inspiring.” – Workshop participant.
This workshop was made possible with the support of the Creative Communities Scheme.
Script to Screen presents the 2016 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 writing, directing, producing to pitching your idea to collaborators or funders. If you have a passion for storytelling, and in interest in learning how to make a short film, then this workshop is for you.
This workshop is aimed at ages 17+, and no prior filmmaking knowledge is necessary.
Date: Sat 6 & Sun 7 August
Time: 9am – 5pm both days
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 Sjionel on sjionel@script-to-screen.co.nz or ring the office on 09 360 5400.
SCHEDULE
Day One – Saturday 6 August
9am-9:30am – Coffee/tea/intro
9:30am-11am – Why I Make Films with Nikki Si’ulepa
11am-12:30pm – Producing with Ruth Korver
Learn about the role of the producer in driving the project from conception to completion
12:30-1:30pm – Lunch
1:30 – 4:30pm – Screenwriting with Brita McVeigh
Learn about the key points of storytelling and forming a structure that will grab the audience
Day Two – Sunday 7 August
9am – 12pm – Directing with Rob Sarkies
Learn about the director’s role in the film and forming a strong vision for your story
12pm – 1pm – Lunch
1pm – 5pm: 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.
Photo credit: A still from Wellington-made short film QUEENIE.
This workshop is made possible with the support of the Creative Communities Scheme.
Is there a story you would like to tell through film but don’t know where to start?
Do you want the chance to have one-on-one mentoring with an experienced filmmaker?
Script to Screen presents the 2016 Auckland Central 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, producing, directing, and finally to pitch your idea to collaborators and funders. We are looking for new talent with a passion for storytelling, and an interest in learning how to make a short film. One attendee will be chosen for one-on-one mentoring with an experienced filmmaker on their short film script.
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.
To prepare for the workshop, you may want to work on a synopsis or short outline for your film (this is not compulsory). It should be about 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. Remember to include details like, the title, 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. This outline can be used as the pitch for your film.
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. One winner will be chosen to go on for mentoring with an experienced filmmaker. The pitch is to be kept to 5 minutes.
Date: Sat 28 / Sun 29 May, 2016
Time: Saturday 9am – 5pm, Sunday 9am – 5pm
Venue: St Columba Centre, 40 Vermont Street, Ponsonby
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+ (and is suitable for adults of all ages).
SCHEDULE
Day One – Saturday 28 May
9am – 9:30am: Tea/Coffee and Introduction
9:30am – 12:30pm: Screenwriting with writer/director Michael Bennett (Matariki, The Factory)
Learn about the key points of storytelling and forming a structure that will grab the audience
12:30-1:30pm: Lunch
1:30-3:30pm: Producing with Orlando Stewart (The Dump, Ross and Beth)
Learn about the role of the producer in driving the project from conception to completion
3:30-4pm: Afternoon tea
4 – 5pm: The life of a short film with Gina Dellabarca (Festival Director – Show Me Shorts Film Festival)
Day Two – Sunday 29 May
9am – 11am: Directing with Roseanne Liang (My Wedding and Other Secrets, Flat 3)
Learn about the director’s role in the film and forming a strong vision for your story
11am – 4:30pm: Pitching Session (with a lunch break)
Participants are invited to pitch their short film idea to the group and a panel of industry mentors. One winner will be chosen to work with an experienced industry mentor on their short film script. The pitch is to be kept to 3 minutes.
This workshop was made possible with the support of the Creative Communities Scheme.
On the weekend of 28/29th November, 25 emerging filmmakers gathered at MIT’s Faculty of Creative Arts for the South Auckland Short Film Workshop, a two-day workshop designed to give you all the basic tools you need to make your own short film. Participants heard from industry mentors who shared their insights into each part of the filmmaking process.
The aim of the weekend is to bring to life more stories from South Auckland, and the participants came from a diverse set of backgrounds including those working in TV and production, as well as students and graduates of various creative disciplines.
On the Sunday afternoon, participants were encouraged to pitch a short film idea. The judges were extremely impressed with the ideas pitched – many of which were developed during the weekend. The stories were rich and personal, and the passionate pitches made it very difficult for the judges to choose a winner.
The winners of the pitching competition were Vea Mafileo and Jeremiah Tauamiti with their documentary idea MALAGA. The judges also gave special mentions to three short drama ideas, Chris Molloy with WHITE SUNDAY AND THE MAORI BOY, Piata Gardiner-Hoskins with THE HANGING TREE, and Hanelle Harris with BASIC TRAINGING.
This workshop was presented by Script to Screen and Ngā Aho Whakaari.
2016 South Shorts Mentoring Programme
To follow on from the workshop, Script to Screen is running the 2016 South Shorts Mentorship Programme, where 6 aspiring writers and 3 aspiring producers will be matched with filmmaking mentors to help them develop their projects further. Participants of the workshop were all eligible to apply for a place on the mentorship programme to develop their projects. Those chosen were:
6 Writers
Jaemen Busby – LANCE
Hanelle Harris – BASIC TRAINING
Vea Mafileo (and co-director Jeremiah Tauamiti) – MALAGA
Chris Molloy – WHITE SUNDAY AND THE MAORI BOY
Skye Stirling (and writer Chris Molloy) – GANGSTA LOVE
Jeremiah Tauamiti – LILIU
3 Producers
Henry Cheng
Hans Masoe
Louisa Tipene Opetaia
Is there a story from your community that you would like to tell through film but don’t know where to start?
Do you want the chance to have 6 months one-on-one mentoring with an experienced filmmaker?
Script to Screen and Ngā Aho Whakaari present the 2015 South Auckland Short Film Workshop – a free two-day workshop that will give you everything you need to know to make a short film.
Over one weekend, four experienced filmmakers will guide you through each stage of the filmmaking process – from the initial concept, writing, directing, working with actors and finally to pitch your idea to collaborators and funders. We are looking for new talent from South Auckland with a passion for storytelling, and an interest in learning how to make a short film. Up to six attendees/teams will also have the opportunity to participate in the South Shorts Mentoring Programme. This is a tailored programme that pairs writers and producers with experienced industry mentors, and returns after a successful inaugural year.
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.
The synopsis 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. 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.You are welcome to pitch the short film idea you submitted, or another idea. The pitch is to be kept to 3 minutes.
2016 South Shorts Mentorship Programme
Following the workshop, those who wish to apply for the mentorship programme will be asked to submit a short statement to Script to Screen outlining why the mentorship programme is for them. The programme focuses on emerging writers and producers. Participating in the pitching session is not only a great way to practice communicating your film idea to others, but provides a great opportunity to introduce yourself and your film idea to the panel who will be selecting the participants for the 2016 South Shorts Mentorship Programme. Producers applying for the mentoring programme may either pitch their own idea at the pitching session, or pitch as a team with a writer. More info about South Shorts here.
Details for the 2015 South Auckland Short Film Workshop
Date: Sat 28 / Sun 29 November, 2015
Time: Saturday 9:15am – 4:00pm, Sunday 10am – 5:00pm
Venue: Manukau School of Visual Arts, 50 Lovegrove Crescent, Otara 2023
Cost: The workshop is free. Morning and afternoon tea will be provided. Please bring a $15 koha to cover lunch for the weekend.
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+. Participants should be from the South Auckland community or have strong connections there.
SCHEDULE:
Day One – Saturday 28 November
9:15am – 9:30am: Tea/Coffee and Welcome
9:30am – 12:30pm: Screenwriting with writer/director Michael Bennett (Matariki, The Factory)
Learn about the key points of what makes a great story for the screen and then how to go about writing it in a way that will grab the audience.
12:30pm – 1:30pm: Lunch
1:30pm – 3:00pm: Producing with Julia Parnell (Friday Tigers, Dive, Hitch Hike)
Learn about bringing a film to life, from conception to completion – the obstacles and joys you’ll face
3:00-4:30pm: Working with Actors – Rene Naufahu (The Last Saint)
Learn about the relationship between the actor, the director, and the character, and what leads to great performances
Day Two – Sunday 29 November
10am – 12:00pm: Directing with Zia Mandviwalla (Nightshift)
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. You are welcome to pitch the short film idea you submitted before the workshop, or another idea. The pitch is to be kept to 3 minutes.
Following the workshop, up to six writers and producers will be chosen to participate in our 2016 South Shorts Mentoring Programme. They will be chosen based on their pitch, and a statement about why the mentoring programme is for them. Producers applying for the mentoring programme may either pitch their own idea, or pitch in a team with a writer.
If you have any questions please contact Eloise Veber on 09 360 5400 or at eloise @ script-to-screen.co.nz.
The South Auckland Short Film Workshop returns thanks to the continued support of Auckland Council Creative Communities, Foundation North and the New Zealand Film Commission.