Writers Dianna Fuemana & Catherine Bisley off to Killer Films, NYC

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Script to Screen is delighted to announce Dianna Fuemana has been awarded the 2012 US Screenwriting Internship Scholarship. Furthermore, Catherine Bisley has been awarded a special second scholarship, securing both writers sought after placements at Killer Films, New York. Read more
Writer's Room

Paul Campion and Leanne Saunders talk about taking their Devil to the world

FEATURE: 1 NOVEMBER 2011

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The road to funding nirvana was not smooth. “I knew how much more we needed,” said Leanne, “and I went for $400,000. I thought we’d get it due to the money and the team we already had. I considered it a solid investment in talent because Paul had proven himself on the festival circuit and was putting up his own money too.” When taking on a film Leanne never looks for a 100% ‘hand out’ from the New Zealand taxpayer. “Most of the films I’ve made have some external investment and the return on those films to investors has been good.” Read more
Writer's Room

From Killer Concept to Fabulous Film

FEATURE: 20 OCTOBER 2011

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What makes a ‘killer idea’? When does a producer know they have one and how can the concept be fully realised for success? Three of New Zealand’s most experienced producers sat down in the August Writer’s Room with MC writer Dianne Taylor (Apron Strings) to discuss ideas that fly, falter a little or flop altogether … and why. Read more
Writer's Room

Laughing it up with Jaquie and Madeleine

FEATURE: 11 AUGUST 2011

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“I look at comedians or people that make funniness on a case by case basis,” said Jaquie, “and gender doesn’t matter.” Madeleine agreed. “I laugh at a lot of comedians, male and female, but in many of the shows coming out of the US, the female comedians are streaks ahead of the men. All we’ve been exposed to for years is blokes. My two favourite comedians would have to be Tina Fey … and Jaquie Brown, of course!” Read more

Michelle Savill at Killer Films NYC Blog #5

FEATURE: 11 AUGUST 2011

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David asks me to come up with a list of DPs who might be right to work with Kazou Ohno on his feature Mr. Crumpacker and the Man from the Letter. At the top of my list are Adam Arkapaw (Animal Kingdom), Marcel Zyskind (Mister Lonely, The Killer Inside Me), and Eduard Grau (A Single Man, Animals). David sends the list to the producer and they like my suggestions. Read more
Writer's Room

A Matter of Taste

FEATURE: 1 SEPTEMBER 2011

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“Nothing matters more than story. What people don’t always realise about documentary is that the need for a strong story is as great as it is in a feature. You need a turning point, characters that people care about, a climax … it’s always about telling a story.” - Leanne Pooley Read more
Writer's Room

Shifting Māori stereotypes into truth

FEATURE: 1 OCTOBER 2011

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Being true to one’s culture and yet speaking with a universal message is an important aspect of writing for an international market. Unfortunately the number of films being made in New Zealand is relatively small and, “… every one is precious,” - Christina Milligan Read more
Writer's Room

The Script-to-Screen End of Year Debate!

calendar EVENT: 29 NOVEMBER 2011

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You are warmly invited to attend the annual End-of-Year Debate at the Script-to-Screen Writer's Room on Tuesday 29th November! This year Lisa Chappell, Kirstin Marcon, James Griffin, Tom Sainsbury, Rene Naufahu, Donogh Rees and Rachel House tread the line between insanity and normality in a mighty melee over what it really takes to make it. Read more

Quality in Children’s Digital Media

calendar EVENT: 16 NOVEMBER 2011

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The Film Archive in association with the Goethe Institut, ProductionShed.TV and SPADA present a discussion on children’s television with panel guests David Kleeman (President of the American Centre for Children and Media), Martin Baynton (Pukeko Pictures) and Yvonne Mackay (ProductionShed.TV), hosted by Dr. Ruth Zanker (Broadcasting School). Read more

US Internship Scholarship: Killer Films New York

calendar EVENT: 28 NOVEMBER 2011

NEWS: 28 OCTOBER 2011

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Killer Films, led by producers Christine Vachon and Pam Koffler, is at the forefront of independent American cinema and is responsible for many successful feature films including Kids, Happiness, Boys Don’t Cry, Far from Heaven and I’m Not There. Read more