ShowNews

Pitchfest - submission deadline
2024-03-02
Pitchfest is hosted by Wellington’s Floating Rock Studio.
In 2022, they received an investment by Hillfarrance and are using that money to invest in YOU, the creator, of your upcoming animated film or TV series.
We’re here to support you and your vision with $100,000 to build a pitch, then present to buyers!

The House Within, campaign closes
2024-03-01
Joshua Prendeville’s The House Within is a feature length documentary film on the internationally celebrated New Zealand writer Fiona Kidman. It examines the way in which life and fiction collide and how, with time, they become inescapably braided together.
The film paints an intimate portrait of Fiona’s fascinating and often tumultuous life. It probes the inner world of a truly maverick writer who has overcome innumerable obstacles to establish her voice, and place, in the world of literature on a global scale.

Pre-Production Processes
2024-02-29 18:30 - 20:30 (Pacific/Auckland)
A casual show-and-tell event with acclaimed director of photography, Stefan Duscio, where you can ask questions and learn about various pre-production approaches.
In New Zealand to shoot Wolfman, Australian cinematographer Stefan will share his pre-production processes across projects such as The Invisible Man, The Dry and Shantaram.
Stefan will share invaluable insights and comparisons of his varied approaches to different scenes, breaking down how he created certain sequences and walking us through them using clips, diagrams, and behind-the-scenes images.
Runs at Department of Post, Auckland

WIFT Awards
2024-02-29
The WIFT NZ Awards is an event designed to celebrate the achievements of women in the industry, provide a special networking opportunity, and act as a source of fundraising for the ongoing work of the organisation. It has become renowned for quality, affordability and great celebration and fun.

Doc Edge Pitch: final deadline
2024-02-28
In 2024, Doc Edge Pitch’s theme is “Truth, Impact and Reconciliation”.
We are looking for New Zealand and international projects in the following formats:
• Feature theatrical or TV one-off
• Series (web or TV)
• Immersive (VR, AR, and XR) with an accompanying short or long form documentary
Selected projects will join our whanau (family) and go through a series of workshops on pitching presentation and coaching from mentors as well as post-pitch follow-ups.

ShowNews Academy - Paris, Texas.
2024-02-27 19:00 - 22:00 | Academy Cinema, 44 Lorne St, Auckland, New Zealand
Each month ShowNews presents a film at Academy Cinemas picked by a special film industry guest. For February, film director Tony Forster has chosen one of master director Wim Wenders’ (PERFECT DAYS, WINGS OF DESIRE) best films: PARIS, TEXAS!
Tickets only $10!
Happy Hour drinks from 7pm.
Screening 8:15pm.
147 mins | Rated PG | Drama
Directed by Wim Wenders | Starring Aurore Clément, Harry Dean Stanton, Nastassja Kinski, Dean Stockwell, Hunter Carson
New German Cinema pioneer Wim Wenders (WINGS OF DESIRE) brings his keen eye for landscape to the American Southwest in PARIS, TEXAS, a profoundly moving character study written by Pulitzer Prize–winning playwright Sam Shepard.
‘PARIS, TEXAS follows the mysterious, nearly mute drifter Travis (a magnificent Harry Dean Stanton, whose face is a landscape all its own) as he tries to reconnect with his young son, living with his brother (Dean Stockwell) in Los Angeles, and his missing wife (Nastassja Kinski). From this simple setup, Wenders and Shepard produce a powerful statement on codes of masculinity and the myth of the American family, as well as an exquisite visual exploration of a vast, crumbling world of canyons and neon.’

PleasureDora, campaign closing
2024-02-25
Fundraising for Marion Prebble’s sci-fi short, PleasureDora, about a glitchy sex-bot at the end of her shelf life
The Boosted campaign closes 25 Feb

Show Me Short Screenwriting Lab
2024-02-24 08:00 - 17:00
The Show Me Shorts Screenwriting Lab is a hothouse mentoring scheme for screenwriters and aspiring screenwriters to workshop new ideas for short films

DDN Hui
2024-02-24
Equity is excited to welcome all our deaf, disabled and neurodiverse (DDN) members and friends from the wider performing community to a facilitated hui in Auckland on the 24 Feb.
Register here

Table Read 1
2024-02-24
A professional Table Read is an invaluable development tool for screenwriters. Don’t under-estimate the value of hearing your script in a performance situation. You get to hear how the timing, structure and dialogue are working.
You get to have a detailed discussion with the actors and director after the Read, to hear their feedback and thoughts on how they felt the story worked, how their character progressed, and so much more.
To get your script into the draw simply email it to GuildHQ@nzwritersguild.org.nz now!
Actors who are keen to take part click HERE to register your name.

Syncposium
2024-02-23 - 2024-02-24
The Aotearoa Syncposium is back for 2024! A two day conference on the 23rd and 24th February with the world’s biggest industry leaders in music made for film, television, video games, ads and more. Featuring over 15 panels, keynote speakers, breakout rooms, meet-ups and more.
The first two in-person keynote speakers have been announced:
Pasek and Paul (Grammy, Tony & Academy Award Winning Songwriters: LalaLand & The Greatest Showman)
Darren Higman (EVP Music Warner Bros Studios upcoming projects include The Color Purple musical and Minecraft)
The conference will also be followed by a workshop at Roundhead Studios on the 25th February. The workshop is by application only and will feature specific intensive workshops catering to different areas of the sync industry. Participants will have the opportunity to write, record and submit music to briefs, participate in a songwriting workshop with Pasek and Paul, as well as a cover songs workshop with international publishers.

Picture 24 – application deadline
2024-02-23
PICTURE is a unique learning opportunity for filmmakers. In a series of hands-on workshops, you’ll learn the art and science of marketing and releasing a film.
You’ll work with experts in distribution, exhibition, sales, marketing, design, impact producing, publicity and festival strategy. With their advice, you’ll develop a clever, practical plan for the release of your next film. You will finish the course with a detailed Distribution and Marketing plan.
You’ll also learn how to persuasively pitch your film through practice pitches with detailed, constructive feedback that will guide you to the best possible version of your story. We’ll start with a pitching session designed to finesse your pitch. Most weeks, you will pitch your film to each expert guest.
Picture ’24 will be delivered via a series of 9 three-hour Sunday morning workshops (in person in Auckland and over zoom) on the following dates: 24 March, 14 April, 21 April, 5 May, 26 May, 9 June, 16 June, 7 July, 28 July.
Applications close Friday, 23 February 2024 at 5.00pm
Participants apply here
Observers apply here

Motion Designers Meetup - Feb
2024-02-22 18:00 - 19:30
Come along to our regular meetup to chat motion, meet new people and have a drink. Any level welcome, from the keyframe curious to the exporting experts.
Event runs at the Morningside Tavern, Sandringham, Auckland

Ipu Ki Time
2024-02-21 19:00 - 20:00
Our popular virtual Ipu Kī event, exclusive to our PISA Members, is back! We can’t wait to see you online, Ipu Kī in hand for our first networking event of 2024.
This networking event provides a fantastic opportunity to meet and connect with other PISA members, both locally and internationally.

Marketing Material for Actors
2024-02-21 14:00 - 16:00
As the first point of contact with a potential employer, your marketing materials are an extension of yourself and an indication of your level of professionalism. Kym Jackson will give you a clear knowledge of how to make your entire acting toolkit (headshots, resume, demo reel, website, business cards) match those of any top working actor in the industry.

Voiceover Essentials
2024-02-20 14:00 - 15:00
A basic intro for the experienced actor who needs to know what you need to do to move into the broad world of voiceover. Abbe Holmes will give you the essential steps to to get you started.

Southern Pilots – webinar
2024-02-19 17:30 - 18:30
Script to Screen, in partnership with Film Otago Southland, launches an exciting new development opportunity called Southern Pilots, for Otago and Southland based screen creators.
Script to Screen and Film Otago Southland are looking for new and emerging filmmakers with compelling, bold series story ideas suitable for development and viable for future production. Southern Pilots offers both talent and project development for three teams. The teams will have one-on-one advisor sessions and hear from industry speakers over a three-day development workshop, which aims to create outstanding pitch documents to present to potential producer partners and funders.
Register here

The Productive Writer Bootcamp
2024-02-18
A nurturing, one day workshop for writers who want to smash procrastination, stay motivated & write more productively in 2024!
The Productive Writer Bootcamp will help you become a more focused, relaxed and productive writer by exploring what’s going on with your inner game and how to get out of your own way.
Our Workshop Facilitator is Kathryn Burnett – an award-winning writer and author of The Productive Writer Guidebook, she knows more than a thing or two about the challenges of writing. She’ll take you on a deep dive into how your attitude and mindset can either help or hinder your writing journey.
This one-day bootcamp will help you shift self limiting beliefs and teach you how to push through your specific type of procrastination, writer’s block and self-doubt.

Beyond Improv, Auckland
2024-02-17 10:00 - 16:00
This active, fast-paced workshop is about acknowledging your creative agency and learning to “write” using tools specific to the actor: action, games, and the endless surprise of your scene partners. Tap your natural play instincts with tangible skills that can be used repeatedly in the creation of new performances, with or without a text.

Table Read, application deadline
2024-02-16

Reo Māori Content Co-Fund: RFP deadline
2024-02-15
Te Māngai Pāho and Irirangi Te Motu | NZ On Air have joined forces to support the Māori media sector and work collectively to improve the outcomes of the Maihi Karauna, the Crown’s strategy for Māori language revitalisation.
We are now calling for proposals for a Reo Māori Content Co-Fund and invite applicants creating high-end, te reo Māori Scripted content to apply for funding.
Applications for the Reo Māori Content Co-Fund will be managed and processed by Te Māngai Pāho. You can find the RFP with general eligibility guidelines here.
Up to $8m has been allocated for the co-fund to support and promote high-quality Scripted Māori content with a strong Māori world view and 30% or more te reo. We are also looking to fund Scripted Development, to ensure there are strong projects coming through in future funding rounds. Premium Non-Fiction projects are also eligible for this round but will need to provide a strong case for funding.
Scripted applications need to contain 30% or more te reo Māori, have an eligible, established local platform attached and include evidence that the project is ready for production.
Non-Fiction applications need to contain 30% or more te reo Māori, require significant research and tell a compelling story.
Scripted Content Development applications do not need to have a complete plot script or season outline but applicants must demonstrate a good understanding of how additional development mahi will get their project ready for production in the future.
Applications for interactive content; radio and audio, including podcasts; platforms, games and apps will not be considered for funding in this round.
To apply, you must first register in Te Pūahatanga, the online application system operated by Te Māngai Pāho.
https://funding.tmp.govt.nz/

Doc Edge Pitch: regular deadline
2024-02-15

VES NZ Auckland Networking
2024-02-14 19:00 - 22:00
An evening of networking and community building, designed for both new and existing members to connect and expand their professional network.
Come ready to meet and mingle with like-minded individuals.

Sony Future Filmmaker Awards: submission deadline
2024-02-14 | online
Free to enter, the Sony Future Filmmaker Awards elevates the original voices that bring a fresh perspective to storytelling. The shortlisted filmmakers are flown to Los Angeles for an exclusive four-day event to gain unparalleled insight into all aspects of the filmmaking process to advance their careers. After a black-tie awards ceremony at the Cary Grant Theatre, the 30 successful filmmakers benefit from a four-day workshop program. Aimed at breakthrough artists and independent filmmakers worldwide, there are six categories: Fiction, Non-Fiction, Environment, Animation, Student and Future Format.
Each category awards a winner and a shortlist of up to five.

Short Cuts 2024 Q&A
2024-02-13 16:00 - 17:00
To help with applications for PASC’s Short Cuts, find out everything you need to know about applying and ask any burning questions.
Short Cuts development lab is for scripted short films under 10 minutes in length. Designed specifically to improve Pan-Asian representation in the short film space, up to nine teams will be invited in May 2024 for robust development of their projects.
Register here

Loading Docs - submission deadline
2024-02-12
Loading Docs submissions are open for 2024.
NZ-based filmmakers have to opportunity to submit a proposal for the chance to be part of the acclaimed short documentary initiative of Aotearoa New Zealand. Selected filmmakers will be awarded funding and receive high-level development support and mentorship from respected industry experts. Our guiding theme for this year is ‘Attention’ – ‘Te kimihanga, te hahaunga’, challenging you to uncover and showcase the unseen beauty and potential in our complex surroundings.
Submit to Loading Docs by February 12.

A Day of Shorts, Panels and Mingling
2024-02-11
Join us for our third annual Proud Voices On Screen event – a day of short films, panel discussions and mingling, for queer, lgtbqia+, takatāpui & rainbow identifying creators of film and series. Come along and celebrate queer voices in the Aotearoa screen industry. All levels of filmmaking experience are welcome, including those just dipping their toes in.
Venue: Upstairs Gallery, Studio One Toi Tū, 1 Ponsonby Rd
Admission is free but seats are limited. Please register here.

Self-Tape Audition Workshop
2024-02-10
Get ready to step up your self-taping and audition game!
Self-taped auditions are fast becoming industry norm and casting agents want them fast, sharp, tidy and showing the talent at their best….which is a little niggly when you’re a newbie, house share and have no idea what gear you need. Self-tapes NEED to be better and we’re going to teach you how to nail them!
Choose which workshop suits you best:
Workshop 1 @ 12pm – ‘New Kids on the Block’ aka for self-tape beginners.
Workshop 2 @ 3pm – ‘The Represented’ aka for those already with an agent and some self-taping skills
Actress, Director and Performance Coach Lara Macgregor will lead the workshops bringing a wealth of casting and acting experience with her.
Location: Bunker Street Studios, Wānaka
Date: Saturday 10th February
Time: 12pm & 3pm
Cost: $25
Seats: Capped at 15 pax per session

No More A Victim, campaign closing
2024-02-09
NO MORE A VICTIM is a short film, written by Tanya M. Wheeler that will be produced and directed by Tanya in 2024. It is about a Victim and her Killer, but it aims to subvert the audience’s expectations.
Filmmaking is expensive and I am lucky enough to have an amazing and willing cast and crew who have faith in my ability to deliver. But I still have to feed them 🙂
This is an ambitious project that requires 7-8 days of shooting, plus a number of complex locations and transport.

Unplugged Expeditions, campaign closing
2024-02-08
Venturing into the Unknown, we’re planning a journey down the length of New Zealand on EUC’s (Electric Unicycle), capturing the entire process for a YouTube Documentary Web Series.
Yet, to accomplish this feat, we require a helping hand.
Our planned route will cover approximately 3,500 kilometers, or about 2,175 miles, taking us the best part of 35 days to complete. We kick off at Cape Reinga (the northernmost tip of NZ) on the 11th of February and conclude at The Bluff, near Invercargill (the most southern end of NZ) around mid to late March.
