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Script to Screen Forum » Forum: Articles - Recent Topics http://www.script-to-screen.co.nz/forum/forum/articles Script to Screen Forum en-US Thu, 09 Sep 2010 20:24:34 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q http://www.script-to-screen.co.nz/forum/search.php NZ On Screen on "National Film Unit Collection" http://www.script-to-screen.co.nz/forum/topic/national-film-unit-collection#post-157 Wed, 11 Aug 2010 14:19:46 +0000 NZ On Screen 157@http://www.script-to-screen.co.nz/forum/ NZ On Screen has launched a significant collection showcasing the work of the National Film Unit. [http://www.nzonscreen.com/collection/national-film-unit-collection] The collection celebrates the incredibly diverse output of the government body, that, for nearly 50 years filmed everything from wartime newsreels and tourism promos to historical TV epics. It bred NZ’s first Oscar nominations, pioneering female directors, political controversy, and was a key industry training ground. Screen alumni include Sam Neill, John Laing, Sam Pillsbury, Selwyn Toogood, and many more; and arts icons such as Brian Brake, Douglas Lilburn, James K Baxter, Maurice Shadbolt, and Denis Glover were all involved in NFU films ... The 30 films in the collection provide a sampler pack of NFU classics: from Rhythm and Movement to Ralph Hotere; from Snows of Aorangi to Score; from Gone Up North for a While to Games 74; from The Governor to This is New Zealand, and many more ... In a written background essay, screen historian Roger Horrocks offers a highlights history of the outfit mooted to capture "the Vitamin D of nationality". And NFU alumni Paul Maunder, Lynton Diggle and Sam Pillsbury provide personal reflections on their time at the unit. Pillsbury: “People slag off at Government Departments. But like many bureaucracies, the NFU was also a hidden gem ... It was a sort of hideout for slackers and innovators ...” There is also a filmed ScreenTalk interview with Sam Neill: before finding fame as an actor Neill was a 20-something director at the NFU, making documentaries on Ian Athfield, Red Mole theatre troupe, windsurfing across Cook Strait, and 70s freestyle skiing: “It was never stated but you made one for them ... the Post Office, Railways or banana company ... and you made one for yourself, and I wanted to make a skiing film [Flare] ...” The selection is an unique online showcase of an important part of Aotearoa screen history. Stalwart NFU cameraman Lynton Diggle: “The National Film Unit played an important role in forging an indigenous film industry, and I congratulate NZ On Screen for their foresight in breathing life back into those early productions.” There are over 50 NFU titles on NZ On Screen — from Hillary Returns to Legend of the Wanganui River to A Dolphin's Story — with more regularly added. Their presence on NZ On Screen is made possible with the support of Archives New Zealand, the stewards of the NFU archive. Watch, enjoy and share a kaleidoscope of Kiwi screen culture. <a href="http://www.nzonscreen.com/collection/national-film-unit-collection" rel="nofollow">http://www.nzonscreen.com/collection/national-film-unit-collection</a> Esther on "Short Film Otago Call for Entries" http://www.script-to-screen.co.nz/forum/topic/short-film-otago-call-for-entries#post-150 Tue, 20 Jul 2010 14:34:25 +0000 Esther 150@http://www.script-to-screen.co.nz/forum/ Entries for 2010 round of short film production now open Short Film Otago is now calling for entries in its 2010 round of production. Entries will close on Monday 9 August 2010. The call for entries coincides with the launch of a new website which highlights the films made to date through Short Film Otago. Over the past 3 years, Short Film Otago has produced 6 films which can now all be viewed online at <a href="http://www.sfo.org.nz" rel="nofollow">http://www.sfo.org.nz</a>. Two of these, “Paradise” (in 2009) and “Eden” (in 2010), have been accepted for showing at the New Zealand International Film Festival. Short Film Otago is a registered charitable trust, funded by the Otago Community Trust. It’s mission is to generate well written and edited scripts, and then over-see full production on two or three of the best scripts each year. Entries are open to anyone in the Otago region or who has a strong connection to the region. The written concepts can be fully finished scripts, or one-page outlines, or works in-between. The scripts themselves must be strong, original stories that are visually interesting and have an ideal length of ten to fifteen minutes. When entries close the SFO Board read the submitted projects then meet to discuss them. The number of projects is reduced to a short list of 4 to 6, and the writers of these scripts are paired with script editors to work on the next draft or drafts. The writers and editors are paid for this process, which has a deadline. After this process, the SFO board again reads the scripts, and they are reduced to the final 2 or 3 which will go into production. Each production is assigned an experienced Executive Producer, with a solid industry background, who may continue to work on the script with the writer. A team is assembled for each production. A call will go out for crew through the SFO website, and through other industry sites/email groups; also the EP may approach people whom they think would be a good Producer or Director for the project. More information about the initiative is available on the web-site <a href="http://www.sfo.org.nz" rel="nofollow">http://www.sfo.org.nz</a> or by email on <a href="mailto:contact@sfo.org.nz">contact@sfo.org.nz</a> For any further information about Short Film Otago please contact Judith Curran 027 235 8794, Stephen Downes 021 174 9411 or Katie Brockie 021 188 1282. Steven NZWG on "Workshops - Christchurch 24th July - Dunedin 25th July" http://www.script-to-screen.co.nz/forum/topic/workshops-christchurch-24th-july-dunedin-25th-july#post-142 Fri, 16 Jul 2010 12:34:39 +0000 Steven NZWG 142@http://www.script-to-screen.co.nz/forum/ New Zealand Writers Guild and New Zealand Film Commission presents… Making Babies – And Selling Them Telling and selling our stories: The creative process and the commercial imperative. Christchurch 24th July - Dunedin 25th July $30 (pay on the day) To register for this event please email <a href="mailto:steven@nzwritersguild.org.nz">steven@nzwritersguild.org.nz</a> This event is for all writers, novelists, screenwriters and for anyone who produces or publishes the work of writers. Like all creative industries, the film industry is a collaboration between the creative and the commercial. To succeed we need bold new ideas and strong understanding of how to get those ideas out into the real world. This full day workshop is intended to bring the two aspects together. The day will connect the free imagination with the need to understand audience.  To stimulate fresh thoughts about existing projects.  To stimulate the creation of new ideas.  To encourage lateral, original thought  To exercise creative and commercial muscle. The intention of this workshop is to get writers and producers together and thinking about the creative and commercial aspects of their projects in a cohesive and synergetic way. PART ONE: BRAINSTORM BOOTCAMP This 3 hour directed creativity workshop is a fun and intensive way to generate new ideas, stimulate new thought about old ideas and learn useful brainstorming techniques by doing. Tutor Kathryn Burnett takes participants through a series of exercises (primarily written) that start simple and become progressively more complex. They are designed to help creatives explore their story ideas whether they are new or already underway. The workshop is specifically designed to both invigorate and stretch creative thought process of writers, directors and producers. Kathryn Burnett is a screenwriter, playwright, script editor and development consultant who has worked primarily in film and television for over 15 years. In addition to writing her next play, Kathryn has a horror script in development, is working as a script consultant and running her BrainStorm classes and workshops. PART TWO: Selling your stories: Understanding the core elements of your project. Writers pitch to producers who pitch to funders and distributors who pitch to the public. The effective selling of stories is vital to all creative industries. The Logline, the Elevator Pitch, the Sales Pitch, and the Adaptation Pitch: each kind of pitch has its own set of rules and techniques, and each can be the difference between moving to the next step and a polite "thanks, but it's not for me." What are the core strengths of a project? What will bring an audience to the film? These elements need to be known before the script can be completed. Steve Barr recently moved to New Zealand after working for 16 years in the Hollywood system. He has been a post-production scheduler and studio "suit" for Universal Studios, a development executive for indie financier SMASHfilms, and a feature screenwriter for Walt Disney Pictures. He has written professional analysis on over 1000 screenplays, and has the scars to prove it. To register for this event please email <a href="mailto:steven@nzwritersguild.org.nz">steven@nzwritersguild.org.nz</a> Esther on "Ant Timpson's response to the NZFC review in regards the 48 hours festival" http://www.script-to-screen.co.nz/forum/topic/ant-timpsons-response-to-the-nzfc-review-in-regards-the-48-hours-festival#post-141 Tue, 13 Jul 2010 13:46:25 +0000 Esther 141@http://www.script-to-screen.co.nz/forum/ An Open Letter to the Hon Chris Finlayson, MP, Minister For Arts, Culture & Heritage and Graeme Mason CEO, New Zealand Film Commission Dear Messrs Finlayson and Mason, They say the squeaky wheel gets the oil. Now I do understand that you both are in the midst of processing the eighty-seven page review of the New Zealand Film Commission by Sir Peter Jackson and David Court and that you may be pressed for time to peruse any additional material relating to the review. So let me keep this brief and to get right to the point. The indepth Review covered many areas for potential improvement to the New Zealand film landscape and featured many common sense applicable solutions to existing problems. However one theme that appeared to pop up throughout the review was the need to find and nurture the next generation of filmmaking talent. The review makes special mention of the annual V48HOURS event, cutting directly to the heart of the matter with; "The NZFC should already have an idea about who the exciting young film makers are – who’s winning the film competitions, who submitted the most imaginative films to ‘48 Hours’" Before that fully sinks in, the review follows up with this slamdunk; "The NZFC could have a stronger role in nationwide film contests like the ‘48 hours’ competition." Which in a somewhat selfish analysis could mean that the event (self-described as a nationwide talent incubator) needs to be better supported. The event continues to grow each year yet unfortunately struggles to survive on the goodwill of sponsors (all the lovely logos below) and the competitors themselves. The event has grown exponentially for eight years since it started in 2003 with just 44 teams and one cinema. This year over ten thousand people participated and flocked into cinemas nationwide, while others watched the network television series and finally even more viewed films online. At its core, the V48HOURS answers all the Parliamentary functions required of the NZFC which are, ‘to encourage and also to participate and assist in the making, promotion, distribution and exhibition of films’. - something the V48HOURS does very well in cinemas, TV, online and DVD to large NZ audiences every year. At present it appears the NZFC is hamstrung by existing funding guidelines as the V48HOURS falls under the "Festivals & Awards Programme', which means it's seen on par with the Wellington Fringe Film Festival. No offense to the Fringe but the two organisations are on completely different playing fields in terms of what they achieve in the industry. Those guidline restrictions make it appear that the NZFC are failing to support the infrastructure and success that the V48HOURS has built over 8 years. More than $1,000,000 is spent on Industry Support alone by the NZFC each year. The V48HOURS which the Review has stated is the entity where future talent is being discovered, receives $0.00 from NZFC Industry Support funding. The NZFC Statement of Intent says one of its primary goals looking forward was to "Build a Talent Pathway in 08/09" and directed nearly $5,000,000 towards this 'Pathway'. Surprisingly the event that inspired more New Zealanders to create film in that period than any other entity received only $5000 operational support. Which leads one to ask if the allocated monies (non production) that are already set aside for establishing the next generation of filmmakers are actually being utilised in the most forward-thinking way. But then again, I would say that wouldn’t I? Sincerely, Ant TIMPSON Director V48HOURS. abbygaines on "Vogler workshop earlybird deadline June 30 - corrected price $210" http://www.script-to-screen.co.nz/forum/topic/vogler-workshop-earlybird-deadline-june-30-corrected-price-210#post-135 Fri, 25 Jun 2010 13:39:14 +0000 abbygaines 135@http://www.script-to-screen.co.nz/forum/ The earlybird registration deadline for Christopher Vogler's one-day Hero's Journey workshop is June 30. The workshop will be held at Rydges Hotel, central Auckland, Friday August 20, 8:45am to 5pm. Price is $150 for RWNZ members, $210 for non-members - includes lunch and am/pm teas. For info and registration form visit <a href="http://www.romancewriters.co.nz/conference.php" rel="nofollow">http://www.romancewriters.co.nz/conference.php</a> , or email abby @ abbygaines.com (no spaces). Ollivier on "Pacific International Documentary Film Festival of Tahiti / Call for entry" http://www.script-to-screen.co.nz/forum/topic/pacific-international-documentary-film-festival-of-tahiti-call-for-entry#post-133 Thu, 17 Jun 2010 07:27:58 +0000 Ollivier 133@http://www.script-to-screen.co.nz/forum/ Dear film professionals, The 8th edition of the Pacific International Documentary Film Festival of Tahiti, the largest crossroads of the pictures of the Pacific, will take place in french Polynesia (Papeete) from January 24th to 30th, 2011. The competition is open to anyone having directed a documentary in Oceania, since less than three years. Each year, FIFO selects, among more than 200 documentaries and screens the best productions. We would like to welcome you to submit your films for FIFO 2011. There are no fees involved, but please keep our deadlines in mind : The deadline is fixed at October 1st, 2010. You will find herewith the entry form and the regulations of FIFO 2011. We’re looking forward to another great documentary harvest. Warmest regards from Tahiti Pierre OLLIVIER FIFO Director <a href="mailto:organisation@fifotahiti.org">organisation@fifotahiti.org</a> <a href="http://www.fifotahiti.org" rel="nofollow">http://www.fifotahiti.org</a> Esther on "NZFC calling for tenders for EPs for Short Film Fund films" http://www.script-to-screen.co.nz/forum/topic/nzfc-calling-for-tenders-for-eps-for-short-film-fund-films#post-124 Fri, 14 May 2010 11:01:09 +0000 Esther 124@http://www.script-to-screen.co.nz/forum/ Dear filmmakers The NZFC is calling for tenders for the role of Executive Producers for project selection, development and management of the premiere Short Film Fund films. Three groups (or individuals) will contract with the NZ Film Commission. Each will manage a fund with the objective of identifying and developing potential future feature filmmaking talent, while also providing them with opportunities to develop their talent; by identifying, monitoring and ensuring delivery of premiere short films. Tenders are invited for submission by Friday 4 June 2010. Please contact Juliette at <a href="mailto:juliette@nzfilm.co.nz">juliette@nzfilm.co.nz</a> or 04 382 7686 for more info... swad on "Wordplay website" http://www.script-to-screen.co.nz/forum/topic/wordplay-website#post-109 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:02:22 +0000 swad 109@http://www.script-to-screen.co.nz/forum/ I keep on banging into folks who've never heard of Wordplay.com The web address is: <a href="http://www.wordplayer.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.wordplayer.com</a> It's a writing website put together by by screenwriters/producers Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio (Shrek, Pirates of the Carribean etc. Forums, Columns, Essays all about screenwriting. Gold! Here's a starter link for 4 points: The Task: <a href="http://www.wordplayer.com/columns/wp30.The.Task.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.wordplayer.com/columns/wp30.The.Task.html</a>