Script to Screen brings you Kath Shelper the award winning Australian producer behind ground breaking projects including feature SAMSON & DELILAH (Warwick Thornton), documentary feature TENDER (Lynette Wallworth) and television series BLACK COMEDY.
Not all projects fit neatly into a development or dramatic structure that can slip stream through traditional funding bodies. Many projects can’t be locked down straight away and need to be free to follow an organic process that is true to the filmmakers, and the story.
Kath Shelper talks to Philippa Campbell (TOP OF THE LAKE) about how she has shepherded projects for the screen through unconventional paths, enabling talented writers and directors to find their voice and their audience.
After the Talk, stay and have pizza on Script to Screen.
6:30 – 7:30pm: Talk
7:30 – 8:30pm: Cash bar & socialising with fellow filmmakers
$5 Koha (for those who can afford it)
Script to Screen talks are made possible thanks to generous support from The New Zealand Film Commission, Foundation North, White Studios and Images & Sound.
6pm Thursday 12 April
Basement Theatre, Lower Greys Ave, Auckland
Following a full house in Wellington, Script to Screen brings Stallone Vaiaoga-Ioasa’s Talk to his home town.
In 2016 Stallone Vaiaoga-Ioasa (aka S.Q.S.), released THREE WISE COUSINS which took just under $1million at the NZ Box Office and went on to a successful Australian, USA and Pacific release. Passionate about telling NZ Pasifika stories, in January this year he released his second feature film HIBISCUS & RUTHLESS.
Join Stallone as he talks about the process of making his two self-funded films and the uphill battle of self-distribution. Stallone examines his journey as a first time filmmaker, what he learned along the way, what he would do differently, and his decision to stick to the self-funded route a second time – for better or for worse.
After the Talk, stay and have pizza on Script to Screen.
6 – 7pm: Talk
7 – 8pm: Cash bar & socialising with fellow filmmakers
$5 Koha for those who can afford it
Thank you to Auckland Council for their on going support.
Reading a script is easy. Assessing a script and giving useable feedback is a skill.
Most scripts are in development for years, evolving through many drafts. A great script assessment delves into the heart of the what the draft needs and useful notes will excite the writer about the next evolution of the story.
This Talk will discuss what to consider with character, structure, story, dialogue, tone and dramatic premise and how best to communicate that to the writer.
If you are part of a development team join us to hear about the fundamentals of assessing and writing notes that will improve the next draft of your project. Christina Milligan, Brendan Donovan and Dianne Taylor are script assessors and script writers with a wealth of hands on experience and expertise to share.
5:45 for 6pm start, Thursday 15 February
The Basement, Lower Greys Ave, Auckland
Koha $5 for those who can afford it
Stay afterwards for pizza
If you have a feature film you want to package and finance in 2018, don’t end the year without hearing about developments at international film markets in 2017.
The New Zealand Film Commission assists producers to travel to key international markets where they can advance the packaging and financing of their film projects. Producers who were the recipients of the NZFC PITA Fund have generously agreed to share the knowledge they gained at market.
Join this discussion about global film packaging and financing trends.
AUCKLAND
Monday 4 December at 4.00 – 5.30pm
Studio One, 1 Ponsonby Road, Grey Lynn
RSVP
WELLINGTON
Wednesday 13 December at 4.00 – 5.30pm
Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision, 84 Taranaki Street, Te Aro
RSVP
Script to Screen presents a one-day feature film writing workshop for emerging filmmakers of Wellington.
What Do You Want?: Screenwriter, playwright and novelist Duncan Sarkies leads a morning workshop on character objectives: how an understanding of what your character wants and the obstacles that get in their way can be used to generate ideas for your story.
Collaborative Practice: Esteemed filmmaker Gaylene Preston discusses creating a workable framework for each individual project. She’ll talk about managing the perils and pitfalls of working in such an inherently collaborative medium from the outset, including establishing clarity around ownership, ensuring you’re making the same project, and a team’s creative process.
Writing, re-writing, re-writing: Screenwriter Nick Ward shares his secrets to writing a screenplay that engages the reader and reads professionally. Come and hear how to inspire producers, avoid the common pitfalls and deal with the tough realities of getting your story to the big screen.
Date: Saturday 11 November
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Venue: The Vogelmorn Bowling Club, 93 Mornington Rd, Brooklyn, Wellington
Cost: $20. Please bring cash on the day. Morning and afternoon tea will be provided. Please bring lunch with you.
Please register your attendance here: https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/wellington-screenwriting-workshop-2017-tickets-39466639782
*Image taken from RUBY & RATA. DIR: Gaylene Preston
This workshop was made possible with the support from the Creative Communities Scheme.
Got a script in development?
Have you thought about your audience?
Join us at this Script to Screen Talk and find out what local distributors consider before they take on a project for distribution.
Having a strong script and a great filmmaking team is not enough. Most often, unlocking NZFC production funding depends on a commitment from a local distributor.
Come along to hear from Tony Bald at Paramount Pictures, Andrew Cozens at Madman, Nigel Forsyth at Studio Canal and Kelly Rogers at Rialto Distribution.
Moderator Emma Slade talks to the panelists about what they look for and why, including genre and story elements, team, and at what stage of development they like to get on board.
Be you a writer, director or a producer, if you are developing a feature film project this event is not to be missed!
Thursday 9 November at the Basement Theatre.
Doors open at 5pm. Talk starts at 6:15pm – 7:15pm.
$5 suggested koha. Stay afterwards for pizza on us!
“That seemingly casual connection between life an mythology, between flesh-and-blood reality and its parallel spiritual dimensions, informs this meditative drama about the redemption of a man whose healing hands have also inflicted scars on his family.”
– David Rooney, Hollywood Reporter
When Tusi Tamasese’s ONE THOUSAND ROPES premiered to critical acclaim in Berlinale’s prestigious Panorama section and at home, the co-existence of social realism and mysticism was consistently identified as striking, effective and unusual.
In this special session, Tamasese is joined by producer Catherine Fitzgerald, editor Annie Collins, colourist Clare Burlinson and VFX Supervisor Darwin Go to explore how post elements and music came together to tell the powerful story of ONE THOUSAND ROPES.
A section of the film is granularly analysed to demonstrate the composition of pictures, colour palette, sound design and music. Points of discussion include how a ‘purgatory’ feel for Maea’s world, and the threatening feel of character Seipua were achieved.
Join us to hear about how the creative power of post can enhance character and world, whilst serving story. If feedback from the BSS is anything to go by, this session is not to be missed!
Please RSVP at: https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/one-thousand-ropes-case-study-tickets-39063472899
Park Road Post, 141 Park Road, Mirimar, Wellington, Thurs 02 November. Drinks 5:30pm – 6:30pm, talk 6:30pm-7:30pm, $5 suggested koha.
Script to Screen is thrilled to partner with the NZ International Film Festival to present a series of TALKS with the filmmakers behind: MY YEAR WITH HELEN, MOUNTAIN, WARU and GOD’S OWN COUNTRY.
Join us after each screening to hear firsthand from both international and local filmmakers about the challenges and intrigues of bringing these much anticipated films to the screen.
Entry to the TALKS is free but to see the film beforehand, please book your tickets through the NZIFF website.
MY YEAR WITH HELEN
Director, Gaylene Preston.
Fresh from the World Premiere in Sydney, join legendary filmmaker, Gaylene Preston as she reveals what she discovered about Helen Clark, and the challenges she faced when making a documentary across multiple continents with a high profile subject.
“Preston’s cameras explore the cracks between the diplomats, the embedded press and feminist activists as they push for change, (at the U.N.), while caught up in a power process as secretive and patriarchal as the selection of the Pope.” Kip Brook (makelemonade.nz)
23 July with Paula Morris after 1.00pm screening
25 July with Helene Wong after 11.00am screening
VENUE: Wintergarden at the Civic Theatre
WARU
Directors: Casey Kaa, Ainsley Gardiner, Katie Wolfe, Renae Maihi, Paula Whetu Jones, Awanui Simich-Pene and writer Josephine Stewart-Tewhiu in conversation with Mihingarangi Forbes
This is the World Premiere of a powerful NZ film. WARU brings eight talented Māori women to the director’s chair to address one of the most important issues facing NZ society right now. If the exceptional feedback from the moving conversation at last year’s Big Screen Symposium is anything to go by, this is a film and a discussion not to be missed.
These sessions were made possible thanks to additional support from the New Zealand Film Commission.
2 Aug after 6.15pm screening
6 Aug after 4.00pm screening
VENUE: ASB Waterfront Theatre
Please note: As this TALK is in the cinema, you must purchase a ticket to the film to attend.
MOUNTAIN
Director, Jennifer Peedom
MOUNTAIN is described by The Guardian as“a 70-minute rush of adrenaline; a safari into the sublime; a vertiginous voyage to the top of the world”. Director, Jennifer Peedom (SHERPA) visits Auckland to share stories about her experience working for the second time with high altitude cinematographer Renan Ozturk; her collaborations with writer Robert Macfarlane and narrator Willem Defoe; creating an atmospheric score with the Australian Chamber Orchestra and wrangling more than 2,000 hours of footage shot in 15 countries to make her spectacular new movie.
1 Aug with Leanne Pooley after 6.30pm screening.
VENUE: Wintergarden at the Civic Theatre
GOD’S OWN COUNTRY
Writer/Director Francis Lee
Francis Lee joins us from the UK to share stories about the making of his first feature, GOD’S OWN COUNTRY, winner of Best British Feature Film at this year’s Edinburgh International Film Festival, Best Director prize in Sundance’s World Cinema Dramatic Competition and the Männer Jury Award for Best Film at Berlin Film Festival. BFI describes the film as “one of the most assured, fully-formed British debuts of recent years”. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear from Francis who started his directing career at 40 when he quit acting to make three self-financed short films.
2 Aug with Max Currie after 6.30pm screening
3 Aug with Shuchi Kothari after 1.00pm screening
VENUE: Wintergarden at the Civic Theatre
“Don’t be fooled. Story Camp takes place in a beautifully simple, stripped-back setting by the sea – but man it’s tough. My script was expertly interrogated with care and without mercy – but unlike notes and feedback delivered via email, this was a living process. Story Camp’s no holiday, it was often uncomfortable, but I am undoubtedly a better writer for the experience.”
– Max Currie
Applications open soon for Script to Screen’s Story Camp, an immersive feature film development workshop that fosters craft, imagination and voice. Over five days exceptional local and international practitioners engage in a robust exchange with talented NZ screenwriters and filmmakers to help their feature film projects be the best they can be.
Kathryn Burnett prompts 2016 participants Armagan Ballantyne, Florian Habicht, Jesse Griffin and Josephine Stewart Te-Whiu to share their Story Camp learnings.
Join us to hear direct how the experience changed these filmmakers approach to story, writing process and development. Find out how the selection process works and how your application can stand out from the crowd.
International advisors have included Artistic Director of the Sundance Directors’ Lab Gyula Gazdag, longstanding Sundance mentor screenwriter Joan Tewkesbury (NASHVILLE), and screenwriters Guillermo Arriaga (21 GRAMS), David Seidler (THE KINGS SPEECH, Michael Goldernburg (HARRY POTTER: THE GOBLET OF FIRE).
The Basement, Thurs 22 June, bar opens 5pm, talk 6-7, $5 koha appreciated.
Story Camp Aotearoa is made possible with financial assistance from the New Zealand Film Commission.
Is there a trick to staying on an even keel in this business, or is it inevitable you’ll be a little off kilter most of the time?
Gaylene Preston, Jackie van Beek, Madeleine Sami, Roseanne Liang, Tim van Dammen and Tom Sainsbury ponder the subject of wellness in consideration of the long hours and relentless stress endured to birth a project.
Join us and our friends at The Basement for Wellness Week and hear six mini-addresses about the struggle to stay strong and sane while still making projects that are exceptional.
The Basement, Thursday May 25, bar opens 5pm, talk 6-7pm, $5 koha appreciated
NB: Be seated by 5:55pm as we’re starting 6 sharp! Stay for pizza afterwards, on us!
Our speakers all come direct from the trenches having recently made documentary MY YEAR WITH HELEN, feature films THE BREAKER UPPERERS, THE INLAND ROAD and MEGA TIME SQUAD, short film DO NO HARM and web series FRIDAY NIGHT BITES and WAIHEKE REPUBLIQUE.