In addition to the 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 up to 30 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 2016 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.
Programme Outline
The South Shorts Mentoring Programme will start in early 2017, and participants will need to be available to attend the following days. Dates have not yet been set and will be discussed with the 6 participants in December 2016.
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 (10 hours over a 6 month period) – Participants are each offered 10 hours of one-on-one sessions with their mentor over the course of 6 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 (7 hours) – A day together again completes the six-month journey. Teams will chart progress, discuss challenges they encountered and plan the way forward for their film.
This initiative is made possible with assistance from Foundation North.
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.
Script to Screen and Show Me Shorts are now calling for applications for the 2014 Short Film Lab.
Successful applicants will be offered a place in a one-day workshop as well as an opportunity for individual follow-up sessions. Participants in the 2014 Short Film Lab will be mentored by experienced industry practitioners who have excelled in short filmmaking, including: Jackie van Beek (Go the Dogs), Jake Mahaffy (Miracle Boy) and Shuchi Kothari (Coffee and Allah). A fourth mentor will be announced soon.
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 8th November 2014. 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. Travel grants are available for successful applicants who reside out of Auckland.
Established by Script to Screen and Show Me Shorts in 2013, 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 for the 2014 Short Film Lab please provide the following:
– An application form complete with two or three short film concepts, a brief biography or CV and an explanation of why you want to attend the lab.
– An example of your creative work, this can be 5 pages of a screenplay or 2 pages of an alternative form of creative writing. If you have completed a draft of the screenplay for any of your submitted concepts, you are encouraged to attach this as your writing sample.
– A $15 Application Fee.
Applications close Thursday 4th September at 5pm.
All applications must be submitted as a single .pdf file.
Please email your applications to ben@script-to-screen.co.nz.
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.
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 2015 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, directing, casting, producing and finally to pitch your idea to collaborators and funders. We are looking for new talent with a passion for storytelling, and in 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.
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. One winner will be chosen to go on for mentoring with an experienced filmmaker. You are welcome to pitch the short film idea you submitted, or another idea. The pitch is to be kept to 5 minutes.
Date: Sat 23 / Sun 24 May, 2015
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+.
SCHEDULE:
Day One – Saturday 23 May
9am – 9:30am: Tea/Coffee and Introduction
9:30am – 12:30am: 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
12:30pm – 1:30pm: Lunch
1:30pm – 3:00pm: Casting with Mike Dwyer (Ebony Society, Dotty)
Learn about the importance casting plays in bringing your film to life
3:00 – 3:30pm: Afternoon tea
3:30 – 5pm: Producing with Orlando Stewart (The Dump, Ross and Beth)
Learn about the role of the producer in driving the project from conception to completion
Day Two – Sunday 24 May
9am – 12pm: Directing with Jackie Van Beek (Uphill, Go the Dogs)
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. One winner will be chosen to work with an experienced industry mentor on their short film script. You are welcome to pitch the short film idea you submitted before the workshop, or another idea. The pitch is to be kept to 5 minutes.
If you have any questions please contact Eloise Veber on 09 360 5400 or at eloise @ script-to-screen.co.nz.
This workshop was made possible with the support of the Creative Communities Scheme.
Last month saw the kick-off of our first South Shorts Mentorship Programme, where the talented up-and-coming writers came together to workshop their short film ideas under the guidance of Michael Bennett (MATARIKI), Oscar Kightley (SIONE’S WEDDING), Zia Mandviwalla (NIGHT SHIFT) and Jake Mahaffy (FREE IN DEED).
We are now able to announce the exciting mentorship pairings that will nourish the creativity of these writers for the next six months and hopefully see some great short films get made!
Lene Aiono with writer/director Michael Bennett (MATARIKI)
Vela Manusaute with writer/director Zia Mandviwalla (NIGHT SHIFT)
Levi Matautia-Morgan with writer/director Oscar Kightley (SIONE’S WEDDING)
Louise Tu’u with producer Ainsley Gardiner (BOY)
Writing team Mary Campbell and Maria Walker with writer/director Zia Mandviwalla (NIGHT SHIFT)
Isaac Weeks with writer/director Jake Mahaffy (FREE IN DEED)
This exciting new programme is made possible with the continued support of the ASB Community Trust.
A similar mentorship will be made available to Northland filmmakers this year, where up to 6 filmmaking teams will have guidance on progressing a film project. To be considered for this mentorship, filmmakers should attend our May workshop in the Hokianga, Storytelling for the Screen.
In addition to the 2014 South Auckland Short Film Workshop, Script to Screen is proud to introduce 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 30 hours of mentoring on a short film project. The programme will be guide the teams through the process of developing a short film, with the view of either making the film on a low budget, or getting a script ready for a funding application to the New Zealand Film Commission Fresh Shorts funding round in June 2015.
The South Shorts Mentoring Programme aims to identify new talent and push them further on the path to making a short film. We are looking for distinctive new voices with a passion for storytelling. Participants may have some, little or no prior knowledge of filmmaking.
The participants will be chosen based on a combination of a written short film idea and their pitch during the South Auckland Short Film Workshop 2014.
How do I apply?
To be chosen you must attend the 2014 South Auckland Short Film Workshop on 29/30 November 2014. The six participants will be chosen by the panel during the pitching session on Sunday 30 November. You may submit an optional written synopsis of your short film idea to accompany your pitch. You can submit your short film synopsis to Script to Screen (eloise@script-to-screen.co.nz) prior to the workshop, or during the workshop. For more details on the written synopsis see here.
Programme Outline
The South Shorts Mentoring Programme will run into 2015 and participants will need to be available to attend the following days. Dates have not yet been set and will be discussed with the 6 participants in December 2014.
Kick-off Lab (7 hours) – All mentors and participants attend a one day intensive lab to launch the programme.
Ongoing Mentoring (10 hours over a 6 month period) – Participants are each offered 10 hours of one-on-one sessions with their mentor over the course of 6 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.
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.
Wrap-up Lab (7 hours) – A day together again completes the six-month journey. Teams will chart progress, discuss challenges they encountered and plan the way forward for their film.
This initiative is made possible with assistance from the ASB Community Trust.
After a hugely successful weekend at our annual South Auckland Short Film Workshop, we are excited to be able to announce the six talented storytellers whose pitches incited the imaginations and attentions of our guest judges.
Participants of the free two-day workshop, held at MIT School of Visual Arts in Otara, were encouraged to bring a short film idea to work on while hearing sessions on screenwriting, directing, casting and working with actors. The sessions were delivered by experienced filmmakers including actor/writer/director Rene Naufahu, writer/director Michael Bennett, writer/director Zia Mandviwalla, casting director Yvette Reid and actor/director Rachel House. At the end of the workshop all 28 participants were given 4 minutes to pitch their short film idea to experienced industry professionals.
Congratulations to the following winners, and their pitched ideas:
Vela Manusaute – The Messiah
Levi Matautia-Morgan – Whakarongo
Mary Campbell and Maria Walker – Matakite
Louise Tu’u – Déjeuner
Lene Aiono – The Cut Doctor and the Boxer
Isaac Weeks – Lost
These winners will be offered a place on our new six-month mentorship programme in which they will be guided by industry professionals through the filmmaking process. The ultimate aim of each mentorship will be to get each short film off the ground, whether this means writing a script, preparing for a funding application, or making the film on a micro-budget.
Warmest thanks to our judges who made the tough decisions: writer/director Michael Bennett (Te Arawa) and Performing Arts Tutor at MIT, Chris Molloy (Ngati Manawa, Ngai Tuhoe). Also thanks to Whetu Fala (NZFC) for her presence and support at the workshop. The calibre of the pitches this year was phenomenal, and truly exemplary of the quality of the stories and storytellers in the South Auckland community.
This pilot programme is made possible through financial assistance from the ASB Community Trust.
Is there a story from your community that you would like to tell through film but don’t know where to start?
Script to Screen and Ngā Aho Whakaari present the 2013 South Auckland Short Film Workshop. This two-day event will give you everything you need to know to make a short film, guiding you through each stage – from the initial concept, writing, directing, the crucial element of casting and finally to pitch your idea for funding.
Come and listen to five experienced industry professionals who have all worked on successful short films, including Matthew Horrocks, who has produced or executive produced 7 local short films including Brave Donkey, and Zero, Hamish Bennett, whose short film The Dump played at festivals here and across the globe and was the winner of the 2012 NZ Writers Guild Award for Best Short Film Script, Christina Asher, the casting director responsible for many of New Zealand’s shorts, features and television series including Sione’s Wedding and Matariki, Zia Mandviwalla, whose debut short film Night Shift premiered at Cannes in 2012, and has since gone on to win awards at numerous international film festivals, and Michael Bennett, writer/director of Matariki whose short film Michelle’s Third Novel was chosen to screen prior to the gala premier of Pulp Fiction at the 1994 New York Film Festival. Hear also from last year’s pitching competition winner, Aroha Awarau.
Date: Sat 16 / Sun 17 November, 2013
Time: Saturday 9am-4:30pm, Sunday: 10am – 4:30pm
Venue: Manukau School of Visual Arts, 50 Lovegrove Crescent, Otara 2023
Cost: The workshop is free. Please bring a $15 koha to cover lunch for the weekend. Refreshments will be provided.
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.
SCHEDULE:
Day One – Saturday 16 November
9am – 10am: Tea/Coffee and Introduction
10am – 12pm: Big Picture with Matthew Horrocks
An overview of what it takes to get a short film off the ground, driving a project from conception to completion and managing the team
12pm – 1pm: Lunch
1pm – 3pm: Writing with Hamish Bennett
Learn about the key points of storytelling and forming a structure that will grab the audience
3pm – 3:30pm: Break
3:30 – 4:30pm: Casting with Christina Asher
Learn about the important role that casting plays in bringing your story to life
Day Two – Sunday 17 November
10am – 12pm: Directing with Zia Mandviwalla
Learn about the directing process, forming a strong vision for your story and bringing it to life
12pm – 1pm: Lunch
1pm – 4:30pm: Pitching Session with Michael Bennett and an appearance from last year’s winner Aroha Awarau
Participants pitch their short film ideas to the class and mentors for some practice and feedback. One participant will be chosen to receive ongoing mentoring through Script to Screen.
If you have any questions please contact Eloise Veber on 09 360 5400 or at eloise @ script-to-screen.co.nz.