Hear from talented filmmakers (including a number of WIFT-ers) about how to develop your own short film or web series.
Script to Screen has launched a series of video tutorials where New Zealand filmmakers share their knowledge and advice on how to find a good story, write a script, prepare for production and pitch the project to funders and collaborators.
The videos are a valuable resource for any new or emerging screen practitioners developing a screen project as they are full of tips and insights thoughtfully shared by experienced writers, directors and producers from the NZ screen community.
The filmmakers who contributed are Hamish Bennett (Bellbird, Ross & Beth, The Dump), Robyn Grace (Power Rangers Dino Fury, Sweet Tooth, Oranges and Lemons), Sophie Henderson (The Justice of Bunny King, Baby Done, Fantail), Alex Lovell (My Friend Michael Jones, Mister Sunshine), Shoshana McCallum (INSiDE, Head High, Creamerie), Marina Alofagia McCartney (Vai, Milk & Honey), Jaimee Poipoi (Krystal), Emmett Skilton (Millennial Jenny, Auckward Love), Morgan Leigh Stewart (Albularyo, Blood and Gold, Deathgasm), Dianne Taylor (Beyond the Known World, Apron Strings, Hauraki) and Karin Williams (Burning of the Gods, Teine Sā, Sis).
Script to Screen created these videos in 2021 for the Paerangi Project – a development programme that reduced barriers by offering accessible learning to those who had not had the opportunity to study filmmaking. With the successful completion of the Paerangi Project earlier this year, the video tutorials are now available below and at this link.
- What Makes a Good Story?
- Story Elements
- Writing a Synopsis or Episode Outline
- Script Mechanics
- Being a Director
- Being a Producer
- Being a Producer Advanced
- Writing a Logline and Pitching your Idea
- Finding a Team and Top Tips
Each video has closed captions, and transcripts in .pdf and .doc formats. Self-directed homework accompanies the videos and can be downloaded from the STS website.
Image: Shoshanna McCallum