Script to Screen is delighted to launch a brand new pilot programme to develop distinctive writing talent in television drama. EPISODIC LAB AOTEAROA is the first programme of its kind in New Zealand.
“Globally, this century has seen an explosion of television storytelling. In New Zealand we have diverse talent coming through in the web sphere and the question is, where next? The Episodic Lab will increase the number of New Zealand writers – and the types of writers – creating longer form work that reaches the screen” says Script to Screen’s Executive Director Esther Cahill-Chiaroni.
“NZ On Air is supporting the Episodic Lab initiative as a way to encourage writers with fresh ideas that add to the range of television storytelling options. Better options for development was a key theme that came through the industry drama day we hosted last year,” says NZ On Air Chief Executive Jane Wrightson. “We hope to see great New Zealand stories come through this initiative that win platform and financing support.”
Writers and/or teams with a track record will compete for 8 places in the pilot Episodic Lab, where they will workshop their concepts with experienced television writer advisors from New Zealand, Australia and beyond. The programme starts with five immersive days working on story after which participants go on to receive follow up mentoring and support, including introductions to the executives of episodic television platforms, production houses and funders.
NZ streaming service Lightbox, announced earlier this year, their commitment to invest in local content and continued support of homegrown talent. Lightbox Head of Content Charlotte Hill commented, “As fellow lovers of TV storytelling, Lightbox is delighted to play a part in cultivating the next generation of New Zealand writing talent and fostering the important growth of NZ voices on screen. We are proud to support the inaugural Episodic Lab and applaud Script to Screen for developing this groundbreaking initiative.”
Applications will be open from late March until the end of April, and the five-day lab takes place in Auckland July 23-27.
Esteemed international and local Episodic Lab advisors will be announced over the coming months.
The EPIDOSIC LAB AOTEAROA is made possible thanks to generous support from NZ On Air, Lightbox, the New Zealand Film Commission and Images and Sound.
Script to Screen presents a one-day screenwriting workshop for both emerging and experienced filmmakers of Christchurch.
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.)
Date: Saturday 17 March
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Venue:150 Madras St, Christchurch. NZ Broadcasting School, Ara Institute of Canterbury
Cost: $20. Please bring cash on the day. Morning and afternoon tea will be provided but you will need to bring your own lunch.
Registration: Places are limited so please register
This workshop was made possible with the support from the Christchurch Creative Communities Scheme.
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.
Script to Screen, Ngā Aho Whakaari and PIFT present the 2017 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 2018 South Shorts Mentoring Programme. This is a tailored programme that pairs writers and producers with experienced industry mentors.
When? Sat 18 and Sun 19 November, 9am-5pm both days
Where? Faculty of Creative Arts, Manukau Institute of Technology, 50 Lovegrove Cresent, Otara
How much? The workshop is free. We provide a picnic style lunch and suggest $15 cash to cover lunch on both days – if you are able to contribute please bring this cash along with you to the workshop.
Register: Places are limited. Please email sjionel@script-to-screen.co.nz or cal 09) 3605400 to register.
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.
On Day 2 of the workshop, participants will be 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.
Image from short film WAITING. Written by Samuel Kamu and directed by Amberley Jo Aumua.
This workshop was made possible with the support of the Creative Communities Scheme.
2017 SOUTH AUCKLAND WORKSHOP SCHEDULE
Saturday 18 November
9am-9:15am – Tea/coffee/introduction
9:15am-10:45am – Kaupapa of Story with Renae Maihi (WARU, MANAHATTA)
10:45am-12:15pm – Producing with Orlando Stewart (FIRE IN CARDBOARD CITY, THE DUMP)
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 Shuchi Kothari (COFFEE & ALLAH, APRON STRINGS)
Learn about the key points of storytelling and forming a structure that will grab the audience
Sunday 19 November
9.15am-10:45am – Directing with Sima Urale (APRON STRINGS, O TAMAITI)
Learn about the director’s role in the film and forming a strong vision for your story.
10:45am – 11am – Morning Tea
11am – Work on Pitch
11:30am – 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.
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)
He wānanga mō nga rangatahi ki te mahi kiriata ō Te Tai Tokerau. Nau mai, haere mai
Are you a passionate storyteller who would love to learn about filmmaking?
Script to Screen presents a filmmaking workshop aimed at rangatahi in the Far North region. The workshop includes story-writing, hands-on learning about shooting and acting in scenes.
Join us in the July school holidays for a free five-day workshop that will give you the tools you need to take stories from your community and tell them on screen.
The aim of the workshop is to foster local talent and encourage aspiring filmmakers. The workshop is suitable for ages 15+, and adults of all ages are welcome.
No experience or prior knowledge of filmmaking is necessary – but those with experience are more than welcome and will also benefit from the workshop.
Come along and learn how to make your story come to life through film.
When: 10 -14 July 2017
Where: Kohewhata Marae, 6869 Mangakahia Road, KAIKOHE
Cost: This workshop is free. Koha to cover kai is welcome
Registration: If you would like to attend please RSVP to Sjionel on sjionel@script-to-screen.co.nz or phone 09) 360 5400 to sign up.
*Film still taken from Qianne Titore’s short film NATALIE made as part of the 2016 Hokianga Filmmaking Workshop. NATALIE is screening at Wairoa Film Festival and New Zealand International Film Festival .
Due to high demand registrations for this workshop are closed. If you would like to be added to the waiting list you can do so here.
We know how important it is to create character driven stories, but how to get there can feel like a mystery.
Script to Screen presents a two-day feature film workshop for emerging filmmakers with story consultant and dramaturg Brita McVeigh.
Brita will guide participants through individual exercises, group work, and conversation that provide tools for writing from inside your characters.
Don’t miss this interactive and practical workshop that will help you bring your stories to life so they can ultimately connect with an audience.
What to bring: All participants need to be working on a feature film project that they can use for the workshop exercises. The project can be at any stage of development, be it synopsis, first draft or beyond. Directors and producers are encouraged to attend, but must be working on a feature film and be prepared to participate in the exercises.
Date: Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 May, 2017
Time: Saturday 9.30am – 4:30pm, Sunday 9am – 2:30pm
Venue: Samoa House, 283 Karangahape Rd, Auckland CBD (entry off Beresford Square, down the lane)
Cost: $20. 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.
Brita McVeigh is based in Sydney and works with actors, directors, writers and producers, as a dramaturg, acting coach, directing coach and story consultant. In just over a decade, Brita’s working methodology has contributed to the development of more than 126 feature film, short film, television and theatre projects. She currently works between New Zealand and Australia, both in person and via skype, during development, rehearsal or production, depending on what each project requires.
Brita is a regular guest teacher at AFTRS, the Australian Film, Television and Radio School, and at Toi Whakaari New Zealand Drama School. She has mentored for the Script to Screen FilmUp programme, where she works one on one with directors on how to strengthen their technique when directing actors. Brita is an advisory board member and Story Advisor at Story Camp Aotearoa, a five-day residential screenwriting retreat for film-makers. Since 2011, over 700 creative professionals, have attended Brita’s Acting for Humans workshop series.
This workshop was made possible with the support of the New Zealand Film Commission, Foundation North and the Creative Communities Scheme.
Script to Screen is proud to award eight filmmakers places on the 2017 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 from NZ or Australia, and will attend a series of hub days that include round tables, workshops, and group work as part of the eight-month programme that is tailored to their individual needs.
This year we are delighted to award two places to already established feature filmmakers, who will work with international mentors.
The participants of the 2017 FilmUp Mentorship Programme are:
Dianne Taylor (senior mentorship)
Florian Habicht (senior mentorship)
Abigail Greenwood
Chantelle Burgoyne
Jamie Lawrence
Jessica Hansell
J. Ollie Lucks
Zia Mandviwalla
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.
There’s big difference between writing a screenplay and writing a screenplay that people will read till the last page.
Join us for a one-day screenwriting workshop with experienced NZ screenwriter Nick Ward (Stickmen, Second-Hand Wedding, Outrageous Fortune, The Almighty Johnsons), who has an extensive career in screenwriting, from feature films to television.
In an entertaining in-depth workshop, Nick 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.
This workshop is suitable for screenwriters of all levels, from beginners to those with experience, and directors and producers are also welcome.
If you attended the Christchurch workshop with Nick Ward in 2015 please feel welcome to come again. The workshop is organic in form and responsive to questions from the audience, so will naturally take a different shape to last time.
When: Saturday 8 April 2017, 9am – 5pm.
Where: CPIT Broadcasting School, Television Studio – 171 Madras Street, accessible through the car park on the corner of Madras Street and Southwark Street, Christchurch. MAP.
Cost: The workshop is free.
Coffee, tea, biscuits and fruit provided. Please bring your own lunch or buy from one of the cafes nearby.
Registration: Please RSVP to Sjionel sjionel@script-to-screen.co.nz or 09 360 5400.
This workshop is made possible with support from the Creative Communities Scheme.