ShowNews

The Moon is Upside Down talk - Wellington
2024-06-26 18:30 - 20:30 (Pacific/Auckland)
Following the recent New Zealand release of The Moon is Upside Down, Loren Taylor (writer/director/actor) joins moderator and writer Duncan Sarkies (Scarfies, and Two Little Boys) to discuss her writing process, the challenges of creating stories and characters that come alive on screen, and how she and her team moved this unique and beautifully crafted feature from her initial idea to production and release.

What can VFX offer, Wellington
2024-07-03 18:00 - 20:00
WIFTNZ and DEGANZ have teamed up for this exciting Wellington workshop. Here’s your chance to understand the transition from live action to animation or VFX. Demystifying the creative process, the art form and the terminology, this workshop will give you the information you need to expand your vision successfully!
Join for an illuminating evening with this talented group of panelists: Senior Lecturer Lala Rolls, Director Jo Luping, Director Loren Taylor and Director and Technical Artist, Raqi Syed.

Are you looking to include animation or VFX into your next project?
Do you want to save time and money by learning what you need to know beforehand?
Would you like to ask all your questions now, so you can be smart when the times comes?

This is a workshop for directors, producers, the production team, and anyone else who wishes to increase their knowledge!

Women in Camera, Auckland
2024-07-04 18:00 - 20:00
Join WIFT for an enlightening exploration through the lens of women in camera. Join these talented women, Cinematographers Tammy Williams, and Nani Conforte with 1st AC Kirsten Green, Moderated by Managing Director of FAT Lighting, Tracey Cochrane.

Opportunities and challenges for women cinematographers.
Their thoughts of the evolving landscape of cinematography and the avenues for career advancement.
How their lived experiences and perspectives as women bring depth and authenticity to their craft.
What initiatives they feel are needed to balance the scales in their field.

Write Room, Wellington
2024-07-08 18:00 - 20:00
Write Room 2025 launches with the panel discussion “Screenwriting Partnerships”, featuring 2 different screenwriting partnerships:
emerging team Amelia Addis and Ebed Pohl who are the 2024 residents on the Write Room programme, and
established filmmakers Rob and Duncan Sarkies who have collaborated on numerous projects including Scarfies and Two Little Boys.
This is also a chance for establishing directors to hear a bit more about supporting the writing process.

Future Vision Melbourne
2024-07-15 - 2024-07-17 | online
FUTURE VISION brings together the best of Australian and international storytellers and commissioners currently working in the worlds of premium television drama and narrative comedy.
The first two days of this global television summit are closed-door and invite-only sessions, but tickets are available for July 17, which is a wider industry conference on courage in storytelling.

10(ish) Things Writers Want Actors to Know, Auckland
2024-07-28 13:00 - 16:00
Come along to this afternoon seminar and learn the 10(ish) things writers want actors to know.
Laura Hill’s experience as an actor and a writer gives her a unique perspective into how actors can, by really engaging with every aspect of the text, maximise their chances of getting a role, and nailing the performance.
Peppered with tips garnered over years of working on both sides of the camera, this seminar will help young actors see that writers are actually trying to help them!
There will also be time to pick Laura’s brains about the ins and outs of working on Shortland Street, approaching audition scripts, and making the move from acting to writing.

Screen Producers Australia - Industry Briefing. Regulation in the French Screen Industry
2024-08-28 15:00 - 16:30 | online
Join Matthew Deaner, CEO at SPA, and Amanda Borghino, Deputy General Delegate of USPA (Union Syndicale de la Production audiovisuelle) and AnimFrance, as they discuss the regulatory framework in place in France that sees global SVOD platforms invest a portion of their French revenues into local production, split 80/20 between TV and theatrical films.
Speakers
MATTHEW DEANER SPA CEO
AMANDA BORGHINO USPA & AnimFrance Deputy General Delegate of USPA & AnimFrance
For enquiries, please contact:
Screen Producers Australia
info@screenproducers.org.au
SPA is a proud Campaign Associate of the Make it Australian and Australian Made campaigns.

Take the Reel into Your Own Hands: Self Distribution
2025-03-12 17:30 - 20:00 | Weta Workshop Group Space, 129 Park Road, Miramar, Wellington, 6022
In an ever-evolving screen industry, self-distribution is becoming an empowering – sometimes the only – option for filmmakers. This WIFT NZ workshop brings you producers who have successfully self-distributed both scripted and documentary films. It can be done!!
Jane Mahoney – Maurice & I
Cass Avery – The Girl on the Bridge
with Jasmin McSweeney as moderator
Hear firsthand insights on navigating festival strategies, securing theatrical and digital releases, building engaged audiences and making self-distribution work for your project. Whether you’re looking for alternatives to traditional distribution or keen to learn from those who have done it, this session will be packed with practical advice and real-world experiences.
Date: 12 March
Time: 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Venue: Weta Workshop Group Space, 129 Park Rd. Miramar, Wellington
FREE FOR WIFT MEMBERS
$20 NON MEMBERS – Ticket includes drinks and nibbles

*FREE* Intro to Working in the Film/TV Industry Webinar
2025-04-06 17:00 - 18:30 | online
Are you new to seeking professional work in the film/TV industry?
Do you need guidance on:
How to find work?
How to effectively market yourself?
How to successfully network?
How to even know where to begin?!
What are some great resources for the NZ industry?
How to show up in the right energy to get aligned work?
AND more…!
Join this session for a deep dive that could save you YEARS of feeling lost and making mistakes.
Hosted by Coach and Costumer, Crystel Tottenham. Please sign up with the link or QR code and share! I look forward to seeing you there and helping you get a jump start on your career building.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfmcrVLoo0wMONz-HAcWN1vtamVQS2nMvqLvG1krTaf4M2lJA/viewform

Filmmaker Talks: Redefining the "New Zealand Film"
2025-04-10 18:30 - 20:00 | Studio 230, 230 Ponsonby Road, Auckland, 1011
‘Filmmaker Talks’ is a series of events hosted by Aotearoa Independent Film and Fish Entertainment featuring in person, sit down discussions and audience Q&As with working kiwi filmmakers.
This series aims to educate and inspire working and aspiring kiwi independent filmmakers with first hand knowledge of alternative filmmaking production practices, and give you the know-how on how Kiwi filmmakers can produce practical and effective films without relying on the traditional NZ production pipelines.
Hosted by local independent filmmaker, F. Theodore Elliott, the ‘Filmmaker Talks’ series is structured to facilitate not just learning, but in-person social networking opportunities. Before and after the presentations and Q&A there will be time to hang out, meet the filmmakers and other attendees, share ideas and get inspired.
In this first event, Theo will be talking with Nick Garrett and Mark J. Cassidy – producers of THE CANYON and DEATHGASM II.
We aim for these events to be a place where filmmakers of all experience levels can come along and gain something from the experience.
We look forward to seeing you there.

NZWG AI Advice Handbook: Presentation with Q&A Session – 7pm
2025-04-10 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-04-14 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom
Are you wanting to experiment with ChatGPT, Claude, Google Gemini, or other AI tools to develop scripts, treatments, or story ideas?
While these tools offer exciting possibilities, they also introduce complex questions around copyright, ownership, and collaboration that screenwriters need to understand.
The NZWG ‘AI Advice: Handbook for Screenwriters’ covers the concerns, implications, and advice for screenwriters to assist them when they are working on their own, or with others in the generative AI arena.

NZWG AI Advice Handbook: Presentation with Q&A Session – 12.30pm
2025-04-11 12:30 - 13:30 | Zoom

Well-being Webinar by Film Worker Freedom
2025-04-13 17:00 - 18:30 | online
A conversation about our biggest struggles as film/TV workers incorporating ALL areas of our lives.
+ A deep dive into how we can make meaningful change towards our personal goals & well-being, no matter the stage of our career & the current industry conditions.
Come with a personal goal in mind and we will do a journalling exercise to help you get clear on your path.
Hosted by kiwi coach and Costumer of 15+ years, Crystel Tottenham.
I am pumped to help fellow filmies get more out of their whole lives, so please sign up with the link below and share with other film friends.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSec2vRhprHgUWDfYUhUDla2gCZkOhp76jtPgSQQBAzzGWlJVQ/viewform

NZWG AI Advice Handbook: Presentation with Q&A Session – 10am
2025-04-14 10:00 - 11:00 | Zoom

What DJ and Bevan did in the Shadows
2025-06-03 17:00 - 20:30 | Dept. Of Post, Newton Rd, Auckland
NZCS Presents: What DJ & Bevan did in the Shadows
Prepping for fast-paced, multi-cam mayhem on What We Do in the Shadows
Join us for a laid-back evening with cinematographers DJ Stipsen NZCS and Bevan Crothers as they share their experiences working on the Emmy-winning comedy series What We Do in the Shadows — a show where mockumentary meets mayhem, and prepping for chaos is just part of the process.
DJ was the series DP from the beginning, before stepping into the director’s chair for episodes across Seasons 4 and 6. He brought Bevan on board to take over as DP, and together they navigated the show’s unique creative and technical challenges — from long takes and fast turnarounds to improvisational actors, evolving LED lighting tech, and high-VFX sequences.
In this relaxed, show-and-tell style session, DJ and Bevan will:
Talk through the show’s premise and signature mockumentary style, including working with creators like Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement
Unpack how the show’s lighting evolved across six seasons — and how LED tech advanced alongside it
Break down key episodes from Season 6, including:
– Episode 6: a VFX-heavy, technically complex shoot that took a well-known studio set on location
– Episode 9: Directed by DJ and shot by Bevan — they’ll share how they co-designed and created key scenes from this fan-favourite episode
Expect plenty of visual material, honest insights, a few laughs, and practical takeaways for anyone interested in fast-paced, collaborative shoots.
WHEN: Tuesday, 3 June 2025, 6 PM
WHERE: Department of Post, Auckland
Free for NZCS members | $35 for non-members
Seats are limited. Members get first dibs. RSVP essential.
Doors open at 6 PM for drinks and nibbles. Presentation starts at 7 PM sharp.

Doc Edge Industry 2025
2025-06-30 - 2025-07-03 | Grand Millennium Auckland, 71 Mayoral Drive, Cnr Vincent Street, ,Auckland, 1010
Doc Edge Industry 2025
We are back in Auckland for the 19th edition of Doc Edge Industry, including Pitch, Forum, Market & Awards from 30 June – 3 July at the Grand Millennium Auckland.
The Grand Millennium Auckland is the official hub for the Doc Edge Festival 2025, hosting our industry events and awards, and serving as the accommodation partner for our festival guests.
Doc Edge Pitch: 30 June – 1 July
Doc Edge Forum: 2-3 July
Doc Edge Market: 30 June – 3 July
Doc Edge Awards: 3 July
Secure your spot now — early bird passes are 50% off until 9 May. Seating is limited, so don’t miss out.
As the Oscar®-qualifying festival’s hub for the Asia-Pacific doc community, Doc Edge Industry is where bold ideas meet global opportunities.
The full programme will be announced in due course.
Doc Edge – Life Unscripted
Celebrating 20 Years in 2025.
Doc Edge is a not-for-profit charitable trust serving as New Zealand’s national organisation for documentaries since 2005.
Our kaupapa (purpose)
To celebrate, support, and showcase documentary.
Doc Edge Industry provides learning and connecting opportunities for media professionals and comprises three main elements: Forum, Pitch, and Market.
Forum: fosters networking and career development for storytellers.
Pitch: allows filmmakers to present their projects to industry experts, and
Market: facilitates connections between New Zealand films and potential buyers.
Awards: celebrate excellence and achievement in documentary filmmaking, with winners of the best New Zealand and international short and feature films receiving an Oscar® consideration.

Outrageous Fortune – In Conversation with the Creators: Rachel Lang & James Griffin
2025-07-18 18:00 - 20:30 | Kōmanawa Theatre – Te Puna Creative Hub, 8/14 Henderson Valley Road, Te Kōpua Henderson, Auckland
Celebrate 20 Years of Outrageous Fortune – With Its Creators!
Before Cheryl ruled the family and Van stole our hearts, two brilliant minds brought the Wests to life:
Rachel Lang & James Griffin.
Join us for a one-night-only live conversation as the writer’s share behind-the-scenes stories, iconic clips from the show, wild moments, and the writing magic that made Outrageous Fortune a cultural phenomenon.
Whether you’re a diehard fan, a writer, or just love great Kiwi TV – this night’s for you.
Join us in the heart of West Auckland at the Kōmanawa Theatre, Te Puna Creative Hub, Henderson.
Details:
🗓️ Friday 18 July 2025
🕕 Doors open 6pm – drinks and nibbles included in your ticket price
🎤 6.30pm–8.30pm – In conversation with Rachel & James
📍 Kōmanawa Theatre – Te Puna Creative Hub, 8/14 Henderson Valley Road, Te Kōpua Henderson, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland
👗 Prize for Best Dressed… bring out your best leopard print & mullet!
Tickets:
🎟️ $20 – NZWG Members
🎟️ $30 – General Admission
🔞 18+ Event | Open to the Public
Spots are limited, book now to avoid heartbreak!

From Warships to Dinosaurs: VFX Prep with Shelly Johnson ASC
2025-08-23 14:00 - 17:00 | Metrofilm, Unit 1/43A Linwood Avenue, Mount Albert,, Auckland, 1025
From the tense confines of a WWII destroyer’s bridge to the thunderous world of dinosaurs, Shelly Johnson ASC has navigated some of cinema’s most complex VFX challenges.
Join him in Auckland on Saturday 23 August for a behind-the-scenes look at how meticulous preparation, inventive lighting, and seamless collaboration bring large-scale visual effects to life. Shelly will share stories and insights from Greyhound, Jurassic Park III, Captain America: The First Avenger, and more.
We thank Shelly for making the trip from Wellington, where he is currently doing Mo-Cap and V-Cam work in preparation for sequences from Greyhound 2 at WETA, to spend the afternoon sharing his knowledge with the NZCS community.
This relaxed, show-and-tell style session will cover how thorough prep shapes both the creative and technical approach to a VFX shoot.
WHEN: Saturday 23 August. Doors open 2 PM for drinks and pizza. Presentation starts 3 PM sharp.
WHERE: Metro Film, Unit 1/43A Linwood Avenue, Mount Albert, Auckland 1025
Free for NZCS members | $40 for non-members
Attendance limited to 50 places — reserve your seat now.

TEQ Talks Auckland
2025-10-30 18:00 - 21:00 | Media Design School, 10 Madden St, Auckland
Don’t miss TEQ Talks Auckland, our next big night for creatives working in VFX, animation, and storytelling!
Join us Thursday 30 October from 6pm at Media Design School for drinks, networking, and three sharp talks from industry leaders pushing boundaries in Aotearoa and beyond.
Speakers
Alexander Moruo, Filmmaker
Talk: Through Snow and Spirit – Crafting Winter Stories
Discover how Alex creates richly layered animated worlds blending culture, design, and snow-drenched storytelling.
Hweiling Ow, Filmmaker
Talk: The Accidental Horror Maker
From not watching horror to becoming one of NZ’s boldest horror voices — Hweiling shares how contradiction fuels creativity.
Amanda Davison, Executive VFX Producer
Talk: People Over Pixels: A Producer’s Path Through Visual Effects
Hear why people skills matter most in VFX from one of the country’s leading producers.
Doors open for networking and drinks at 6:00pm | Talks begin at 7:00pm | After-party from 9:00pm at The Blue Frog (next door)
Drinks and nibbles at MDS. After-party at The Blue Frog next door.
Free for VFXG, VES, and MDS members. $10–$20 for others.
Brought to you by:
VES NZ | Media Design School | VFX Professionals Guild | St Leonards Brewery

Doc Edge Festival 2026 - Auckland
2026-06-24 - 2026-07-12
Experience the 21st edition of New Zealand’s premier, Oscar-qualifying Doc Edge Festival!
From 24 June to 12 July, Auckland will come alive across various venues with an extraordinary celebration of documentary storytelling.
This year’s festival features world-class screenings, thought-provoking talks, prestigious awards, industry networking events, and an immersive exhibition that pushes the boundaries of documentary art. Plus, the Doc Edge Schools Programme inspires the next generation of filmmakers and storytellers.
Stay connected for the latest updates: sign up for the Doc Edge newsletter and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
