CALLING ALL WIFT NZ MEMBERS!
In just over two weeks Script to Screen and J & A Productions will be hosting one of the most important industry events of the year - the Big Screen Symposium 2014. This annual event is the only event of its kind in New Zealand bringing together the entire film community in one room for inspiration, information and discussion. It is a chance to network, connect and re-establish relationships with fellow storytellers within the NZ screen community.
This year the Big Screen Symposium 2014 will celebrate 'The Power of Voice' Come and hear from leading women in the industry about their experiences breaking through the clutter to speak with a distinctive voice and be heard.
We welcome from the US, Alix Madigan, one of the world's leading indie film producers. Alix collaborated on some of the most talked about independent films of the decade including the Academy Award-nominated WINTER'S BONE which launched Jennifer Lawrence's career in 2011, and most recently, LAGGIES, directed by Lynn Shelton and starring Keira Knightley, Sam Rockwell and Chloe Moretz. LAGGIES will be released in cinemas in September.
Hear from Australian writer/director Jennifer Kent, who will deliver an address on finding a powerful voice and staying true to your vision. Jennifer burst onto the international scene with her debut feature THE BABADOOK, which premiered at Sundance this year to unanimous 5-star reviews. Indiewire wrote: "Sometimes, you get to be part of the first audience to see an unknown filmmaker make her debut with a flat-out masterpiece." The film has since been a worldwide festival hit and is due for release in being released in the UK and the US later this year. She previously worked extensively as an actor in Australian film, theatre and TV and her award-winning short film MONSTER screened at over forty international festivals.
Creative producer, Philippa Campbell, will moderate a discussion with prolific film, television and theatre writer,Katherine Thomson and Porchlight Films Head of Television, Tanya Phegan, as they look from our shores to Australia and beyond to explore if there really are elusive 'keys' to development, the notion of audience from a writer's perspective and the best ways to get your story ready for market.
Producer Chelsea Winstanley joins co-writers, co-directors, co-stars and producers Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clementto discuss the marketing and distribution of her first feature film WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS.
We will also hear from esteemed director Gaylene Preston and archivist Angela Boyd on their collaboration for HOPE AND WIRE, and documentary director Charlotte Purdy about her most recent projects EREBUS: OPERATION OVERDUE.
Leading international programmer Maryanne Redpath from Berlinale will talk with Al Cossar from Melbourne International Film Festival about the place of the festival within a wider distribution context and how filmmakers can best harness the opportunities that the festival circuit provides.
Some of our local pioneers in the digital content realm - Kerry Warkia (AUCKLAND DAZE, FLAT3, NIA'S EXTRA ORDINARY LIFE), Jessica Hansell aka Coco Solid (HOOK UPS), Julia Parnell (LOADING DOCS) and Brenda Leeuwenberg (NZ ON AIR) discuss creating and producing compelling online content - hooking in an audience, reflecting pop culture and staying dynamic in a digital world.
See this year's full line-up on our website including Scottish writer/director Peter Mullan (THE MAGDALENE SISTERS) and US show runner Lee Aronsohn (TWO AND A HALF MEN): http://bigscreensymposium.com/speakers/2014-all-speakers/.
Our two-day programme featuring 20 sessions and over 40 speakers will leave you informed and inspired: http://bigscreensymposium.com/programme-2014-the-power-of-voice/.
In 2013 it attracted over 400 delegates and almost sold out, so get moving and get your ticket today! This year's Big Screen Symposium is on 27/28 September at the Owen G Glenn Building, University of Auckland Business School.
Early bird tickets are no longer available, however as members of WIFT NZ you are eligible for the extremely reasonable industry concession rate of $275. This includes meals and drinks and nibbles on Saturday evening.
TICKET PRICES
Early Bird: NZ$275 / Industry Concession NZ$225 / Student NZ$175
Full Price: NZ$325 / Industry Concession* NZ$275 / Student NZ$175