Script to Screen, in partnership with Northland Youth Theatre, presents a free four-day film workshop in the July school holidays for 16-25 year olds.
The workshop will help participants develop skills in crafting a story idea, writing a script, and acting. The aim of the workshop is to foster writing talent and encourage aspiring filmmakers. No experience or prior knowledge of filmmaking is necessary.
On Days 1 and 2, participants will hear from writer/director Michael Bennett (In Dark Places, Matariki) about finding a story, crafting the story so that it is compelling on screen, and writing a scene.
On Days 3 and 4, actor Laurel Devenie (Shortland Street), will lead an acting workshop, using the scenes that were written earlier in the week. Each participant will get a chance to act in a scene. On the last day we will tape the scenes and watch them back.
When: Tuesday 9th – Friday 12th July, 9am-2pm
Light morning tea and snacks are provided. Please bring lunch with you.
Where: Northland Youth Theatre, 86 Bank St, Whangarei 0110
How much: Free!
Registration: Places are limited – please register via EventBrite
Presented in partnership with:
Michael Bennett (Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Whakaue) is an award-winning screenwriter, filmmaker and author. Michael’s second feature-length drama, IN DARK PLACES, tells the story of Teina Pora’s imprisonment for 21 years for crimes he did not commit. The television film is based on Michael’s book In Dark Places which won the Ngaio Marsh Award for best non-fiction book, and Michael made an award-winning documentary about Teina’s story. Michael’s short films COW and KEROSENE CREEK screened at numerous film festivals including Cannes, Toronto, Berlin, London and New York, and his debut feature MATARIKI premiered at Toronto Film Festival and won awards in New Zealand and internationally.
Michael has written and directed for many television drama series. As well as his own film and TV and book work, Michael works in communities around New Zealand with Script to Screen working with locals to tell their stories on film, he works with developing filmmakers through the NZ Film Commission and Ngā Aho Whakaari, and is head of the screenwriting programme at South Seas Film School. Michael’s second book, Helen and the Go-Go Ninjas (a post-apocalyptic time travel graphic novel co-authored with Ant Sang) was published by Penguin / Random House June 2018.
In 2015 Michael founded 10000 COMPANY with Jane Holland to create and develop original film and television projects. Their first production was In Dark Places.
Laurel Devenie works as an actor, director, teacher and theatre-maker and is a graduate of Toi Whakaari and the John Bolton Theatre School. She has played the role of Kate Nathan on SHORTLAND STREET for the last three and a half years and has worked consistently throughout the country in many different theatrical arenas, involved in both professional and community theatre projects. She has worked with ATC, Silo Theatre, Capital E, Unitec, Prayas, Downstage Theatre, Red Leap and NYT. She teaches regularly and works with actors in one on one sessions. She is director and founder of Company of Giants and co-instigator of ONEONESIX and is deeply committed to developing an audience and contributing to the growth of a professional performing arts framework in Whangarei, as well as generating youth based opportunities within the arts. She has facilitated arts based community programmes to work with different sectors of the community, most recently a collaboration with the NDHB facilitating an Arts programme to support a diverse group of young people living with T1 Diabetes in Northland, co-ordinating performance, photography, song, sound artists and visual arts into a cohesive year long process.
Northland Film Workshop is made possible thanks to
New Zealand Film Commission and Foundation North.
Script to Screen presents a one-day screenwriting workshop for both emerging and experienced filmmakers of Dunedin.
What Do You Want? Screenwriter, playwright and novelist Duncan Sarkies leads a 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 film. The day will be interactive with fun practical exercises to help you explore the power of motivated characters. (Bring a pen and some paper and limber up your writing hand and your brain.)
When: Saturday 9 March, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Where: Petridish, 8 Stafford St, Dunedin
Cost: General Admission $23 (incl. GST) or Student/Unwaged $11.50 (incl. GST). Tickets available via Eventbrite
What to Bring: Pen and paper. Morning and afternoon tea will be provided. There are cafes in the area.
Duncan Sarkies is a screenwriter, novelist, performer and short story writer. In screen he is known for his screenplays SCARFIES and TWO LITTLE BOYS (adapted from his novel of the same name). He has also written two episodes of FLIGHT OF THE CONCHORDS, and has written for the forthcoming US TV version of WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS. His recent project is the podcast THE MYSTERIOUS SECRETS OF UNCLE BERTIE’S BOTANARIUM.
Script to Screen workshops are made possible thanks to generous support from Creative Communities Dunedin & NZ Film Commission.
” Ken Duncum is an exceptional teacher. The structure and underlying philosophy of his approach to script writing in just a day provides me with the perspective and courage to write more and write better . ”
– 2018 Auckland Workshop Participant
Here’s a fantastic opportunity to learn from IIML screenwriting teacher Ken Duncum.
This one day course on writing a feature film looks at strategies for Coming up with a Cinematic Concept, growing Captivating Characters, locating the Core of your story and establishing your personal Connection to it.
Over the course of the day Ken Duncum will coach and cajole you through a process of developing your own film idea, giving you tips for finding and building a story that resonates.
Don’t miss this interactive and practical workshop that will help you navigate through the complexities of writing a feature film.
Who it is for: Emerging to established filmmakers, however if you are at the beginning stages of writing a film or are interested in writing a feature film this workshop will be very beneficial.
When: Saturday 16 Feb, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Where: Ara Institute of Canterbury , NZ Broadcasting School (TV Building)
33 Southwark Street (Cnr Madras and Southwark), Christchurch
Cost: General Admission $27.32 (incl. GST) or Student/Unwaged $11.28 (incl. GST). Tickets via Eventbrite.
What to Bring: Pen and paper. Morning and afternoon tea will be provided. There are plenty of cafes in the area. There will be space available to eat your lunch if you would like to bring it with you.
Script to Screen, Ngā Aho Whakaari and PIFT present the 2018 South Auckland Short Film Workshop – a free two-day workshop to learn the art of making short films, from developing ideas to writing and directing for the big screen. Whether you’re new to filmmaking or experienced, we are calling all aspiring filmmakers, storytellers and creatives to attend this filmmaking workshop.
Over the weekend you will be guided by experts Michael Bennett (MATARIKI), Sima Urale (O TAMAITI), Aidee Walker (WESTSIDE) and Nikki Si’ulepa (SNOW IN PARADISE). You’ll learn where strong cinematic ideas come from, the principles of how to write a short film, the role of the director and ideas about how to get your short film off the ground.
Participants from this workshop will be invited to apply for Script to Screen’s South Shorts Mentorship Programme 2019. Participants will be chosen based on a combination of their pitch during the 2018 South Auckland Short Film Workshop and a written statement submitted to Script to Screen following the event. The statement should include why South Shorts would be valuable to you and your short filmmaking craft.
APPLY FOR THE MENTORSHIP PROGRAMME HERE
Applications close: Monday 3rd December at 9am
Where? Manukau Institute of Technology, Gate 13, Alexander Crescent, Otara
How much? The workshop is free. We provide lunch and suggest $20 cash to cover lunch on both days – if you are able to contribute please bring this cash along with you to the workshop.
Registration essential: Places are limited. Please email maegan@script-to-screen.co.nz or call (09) 360-5400 to register. Include your name, email address, contact phone, suburb and level of experience (novice, emerging, intermediate or experienced). This workshop is recommended for 17+. It is intended for people who either live in South Auckland or have a connection with the area.
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.
You could write a synopsis which 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 (usually 5 – 15 mins long), the genre of your film (comedy or drama etc), and the characters’ names.
Image from short film MY FREIND MICHAEL JONES. Directed by Ian Leaupepe and Samson “Rambo” Vaotu’ua.
This workshop was made possible with the support of the Auckland Creative Communities Scheme.
Script to Screen and Show Me Shorts Film Festival are calling for submissions to attend the 2019 Aotearoa Short Film Lab. We are looking for new and emerging writers, with bold short film ideas, to submit one script and up to three concepts for consideration.
Aotearoa Short Film Lab is 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 New Zealand and two international 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 mentors who guide participants to develop their stories are experienced short film and feature film screenwriters. Past mentors have included Michael Bennett (COW, MATARIKI, IN DARK PLACES), Shuchi Kothari (COFFEE & ALLAH, APRON STRINGS), Jackie van Beek (THE BREAKER-UPPERERS, INLAND ROAD), Diane Taylor (B\EYOND THE KNOWN WORLD, APRON STRINGS) and Dustin Feneley (STRAY).
Films developed with the assistance of the Lab have premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival (I’M GOING TO MUM’S), NZ International Film Festival (TREE) and Show Me Shorts Festival (ZINZAN, BABY?). This year CHARMER, also developed through the Lab, won the Creative New Zealand Emerging Talent award after it screened at the New Zealand International Film Festival, was official selection at Austin Film Festival and Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival and features in the Show Me Shorts 2018 programme.
Applications open: Now
Applications close: 3 December 2018, 12pm
Short Film Lab Date: 23 March 2019
The Aotearoa Short Film Lab is possible thanks to support from New Zealand Film Commission, The Wallace Foundation, Pub Charity Ltd and the Media, Film and Television department of the University of Auckland.
Sat 4th Aug & Sun 5th Aug 2018.
Samoa House Studio, 20 Beresford Square, Auckland
Here’s a fantastic opportunity to learn from IIML screenwriting teacher Ken Duncum.
This one and a half day course on writing a feature film looks at strategies for Coming up with a Cinematic Concept, growing Captivating Characters, locating the Core of your story and establishing your personal Connection to it.
Over the course of the weekend, Ken Duncum will coach and cajole you through a process of developing your own film idea, giving you tips for finding and building a story that resonates.
Don’t miss this interactive and practical workshop that will help you navigate through the complexities of writing a feature film.
Who it is for: Emerging to established screenwriters
When: Saturday 9.30am-4:30pm & Sunday 10:00am-1:00pm
Where: Samoa House, 20 Beresford Square, Auckland CBD
Cost: General Admission $80.50 (incl. GST) or Student $51.75 (incl. GST) bring your student card on the day if you purchased a student ticket. Tickets available via Eventbrite
What to Bring: Pen and paper, and some participants may want to bring their lunch
Morning and afternoon tea will be provided. If you don’t bring lunch, there are many cafes in the area.
Saturday 11th & Sunday 12th August, 2018
Te Whaea: National Dance & Drama Centre, 11 Hutchison Road, Newtown, Wellington
Script to Screen presents a weekend workshop for the storytelling and filmmaking community. It is designed to deepen and clarify your approach to working in a group or as a team. If you have a project at any stage of development this process will change how you work TOGETHER.
The two day process will focus on the core tenets of innovative collaboration. A robust progression of exercises will lead the participants through an exploration of internal and external listening, the power of feedback and the clarity required when goal setting. The workshop will involve both group and individual exercises. A notepad and paper are required! Come alone or with your collaborators. This is an opportunity to professionally develop yourself.
Brita McVeigh’s working methodology has, since 2005, contributed to the development and production of more than 140 feature film, short film, television and theatre projects in New Zealand and Australia. She occupies a unique place in the storytelling industry, working in the space between Story Consultant, Acting Coach and Directing Coach. Brita began her consulting career collaborating closely with Taika Waititi (THOR) on his films Eagle vs Shark and Boy. Most recently Brita worked alongside Cate Shortland (BLACK WIDOW), on the development of her 8-part episodic project, The Monaro. Brita has adapted the essence of her working methodology into an ongoing workshop series. Focusing on empathy, embodied listening and authentic expression, Acting for Humans has been attended by more than 800 creative professionals, both actors and non-actors, in New Zealand and Australia. Entire creative teams have attended her workshop, in order to deepen the connection between collaborators. Brita also helms acting and storytelling workshops for communities and teams inside the corporate culture.
Date: Saturday 11th & Sunday 12th August, 2018
Time: Saturday 9.30am – 4:30pm, Sunday 10am – 4pm
Venue: Te Whaea: National Dance & Drama Centre, 11 Hutchison Road, Newtown, Wellington
Cost: $24 plus booking fee. Tickets available via Eventbrite. Workshop is limited to 50 attendees.
What to Bring: Pen and Paper. Some participants may want to bring their lunch. Morning and afternoon tea will be provided. If you don’t bring lunch it’s a short walk to cafes in the area.
Thank you to Te Whaea: National Dance & Drama Centre for hosting us in their wonderful space.
This workshop was made possible with the support from the Creative Communities Scheme.
The eight teams selected for Episodic Lab Aotearoa will develop their skills and their projects with guidance from eight experienced television writers from New Zealand, Australia, Denmark and United States during a five-day immersive lab. We are so excited to bring these exceptional advisors together for the first Episodic Lab.
A full list of their biographies can be found here
We are able to bring this remarkable depth and breadth of advisor experience together thanks to support from NZ on Air, Lightbox, New Zealand Film Commission and Images & Sound.
Thank you to everyone who applied to our first ever EPISODIC LAB AOTEAROA this May. Over 95 teams submitted 116 series concepts, showing a real hunger for development opportunities in writing for the small screen.
The selection panel of Australian-based writer/development producer Katherine Fry, writer/director/actor Oscar Kightley and writer/director Fiona Samuel were impressed by the calibre of the ideas and the talented teams behind them. They had a very difficult job choosing only eight projects to be developed in the lab.
Fiona Samuel said on behalf of the selection panel, “We could easily have chosen twice the number of proposals from this crowded and talented field. There are so many entertaining and compelling stories waiting to be told and so many writers with the potential to take on episodic drama and bring something new to our screens.”
The eight selected teams will develop their skills and their projects with guidance from experienced television writers from New Zealand, Australia, USA and Denmark during the five-day immersive lab.
Writers and teams who will be participating in the inaugural Episodic Lab in Auckland July 23-27 are:
Participants biographies can be found at here
The Episodic Lab Aotearoa is made possible thanks to the generous support from NZ on Air, Lightbox, NZ Film Commission and Images & Sound.
Script to Screen is proud to award eight filmmakers places on the 2018 FilmUp Mentorship Programme.
FilmUp is our high-end development programme for writers, directors and producers who have already shown considerable talent and tenacity in their work.
Each participant is matched with a filmmaker mentor, and will attend a series of FilmUp hub days that include round tables, workshops, and group work as part of the eight-month programme that is tailored to their individual needs.
The participants of the 2018 FilmUp Mentorship Programme are:
Armagan Ballantyne
Awanui Simich-Pene
Chelsie Preston Crayford
Ivan Barge
Jess Feast
Michele Powles
Stallone Vaiaoga-Ioasa
Vea Mafile’o
See the participants’ biographies here.
We would like to thank all the filmmakers who applied.
FilmUp is made possible with financial assistance from the New Zealand Film Commission.