1ST WRITERS’ INITIATIVE
This is a grassroots training and development initiative designed to identify new screenwriting talent and to give new writers an opportunity to workshop a script with development experts.
We look for fresh and original feature film scripts that have been developed to First Draft stage. These should be supplied in standard industry format and should run between 90-100 pages.
The scheme is open to New Zealand feature film screenwriters who have not previously received financial support from the New Zealand Film Commission, for scripts that have not previously been submitted for funding. Screenwriters do not need to have a producer attached to their project to be eligible. The selection of scripts to participate in the workshop will be made by NZFC development staff in conjunction with a script consultant and three independent assessors. Six screenwriters are selected to attend a 2 day workshop in September each year.
The 2008 workshop was attended by Catherine Bisley, Hanna Eichler, Hamish Hill, Kylie Meehan, Vela Manusaute and Tim Worrall. Tutors were Michael Bennett, Phillippa Campbell, Caroline Grose, Christina Milligan and Claire Dobbin who facilitated the workshop. Guest speakers included Briar Grace-Smith, Dave Gibson, John Reid and former participant, Tearepa Kahi.
A call is usually made in April for a June submission date.
Please also see
http://www.nzfilm.co.nz/getdoc/60bfff06-533d-47a3-bf60-fc136ee9c670/FAQs.aspx
for information on the Initiative and scripts in general.