Still Stories: Images by cinematographers
2024-05-31
This is the first year of the NZCS Still Stories Exhibition, a limited exhibition of selected still photographs captured by cinematographers; inspired by the unprecedented success of the American Cinematographer Society’s “Stories in a Single Frame” exhibition, which showcased some truly remarkable images.
This exhibition brings a special challenge for cinematographers — to distil a powerful narrative down to a single frame. You can either start capturing new photos or sift through your archive of images.
Exhibited prints will be available for purchase, with proceeds evenly distributed between the cinematographer and supporting the various educational initiatives provided by NZCS nationwide.
How to enter

Fill out an entry form for each image (maximum two entries) and pay the entry fee.
Email your submission to eo@nzcine.com quoting the entry/invoice number and any notes about the image.
Submit your entry by 31 May 2024 to be eligible.

Home, campaign closes
2024-05-31
Welcome to the HOME project. A social experiment that morphed into an art project that then got made into a short documentary called HOME.
“The activism in my art and the art in my activism is ignited. Tihei Mauri Ora!”
HOME tells the story of Teiti. A Mana Wahine born in the late 60’s. Well travelled. Loves to have a lil job. Fiercely independent. But, Teiti finds herself priced out of market rents in a suburb she first moved to in the mid 90’s. The Island Bay.
Teiti decides to take matters in to her own hands. She has the best ultra lightweight camping gear. She loves sleeping outside under dark skies. Where she feels most at HOME. She has an ebike and bicycle trailer to get herself around. Teiti decides to live outside.

NZ Web Fest, regular submission deadline
2024-05-31
The tenth edition of NZ Web Fest runs in November.
Submissions for the 2024 edition are open, with deadlines on 31 May, 31 July and 31 August.
The fest accepts submissions of podcasts, short films, and web series, including pilots.

Script Editing for Producers - applications close
2024-05-31 17:00 (Pacific/Auckland)
Share the Knowledge is proud to announce our new course, SCRIPT EDITING FOR PRODUCERS.
Script Editing for Producers is a multi-day workshop that equips film producers with the essential skills to develop original and authentic screen stories. In this workshop, you will learn how to strengthen your script development skillset, how to choose screenplays and articulate their vision, explore the development process with creatives, and how to provide feedback that will advance the project.
The course will be led by the acclaimed script advisor/doctor/editor, Claire Dobbin!
Applications are open now until Friday 31 May, 5pm.
This workshop is designed to enable producers to engage deeply with screen stories using the language of script development and to recognise when a script is working, when it is not, and what to do about it. At its conclusion, producers should feel confident about how to assess the potential of a screenplay, how to discuss the screenplay with the writer, how to put together the right development strategy, how to constantly consider ways in which the writer could make stronger choices and how to assess and elevate each draft.
Understanding development and the process by which a good screenplay becomes great is an essential part of every producers’ toolkit because a producer who understands development will always be ahead of the curve.
This workshop will run as two separate modules.
The first is for experienced producers (minimum of one producer credit, either feature film or TV series) looking for a refresher course or upskilling or just the opportunity to talk about how screenplays work how producers manage script development. Course runs Friday 21 June – Monday 24 June. Apply here.
The second is for emerging producers (no prior credits required) who are keen to further their script analysis and script development skills. Course runs Tuesday 25 June – Thursday 27 June. Apply here.

Decult, campaign closes
2024-06-01
Decult is a pioneering conference that addresses the pervasive harm inflicted by high-control groups in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
By giving cult survivors a voice and bringing experts from various fields together, Decult 2024 is creating a unique opportunity for mental health professionals, government departments, law enforcement and first responders to offer better support and prevent cultic harm in the future.
As this is the first cult awareness conference of its kind in Australasia, we will be filming a documentary, creating a resource that can long outlive the conference. This will include interviews with authors, educators, counsellors, academics and survivors, sharing their expertise and personal stories.

Directors & DOPs: Navigating Collaborative Relationships, Auckland
2024-06-01 18:00 - 20:00
Join us for “Directors & DOPs: Navigating Collaborative Relationships,” a discussion featuring industry luminaries Daryl Wong, Kelly Chen, and Tim Flower, moderated by Hweiling Ow. Delve into the dynamic partnerships that drive cinematic success as these experts unveil the subtleties of their successful collaborations.
During this engaging session, we will explore three key areas crucial for forging effective director-DOP relationships; finding your DOP, realising vision and conversations on set.
This PASC event is tailored towards aspiring and emerging directors seeking to enhance their collaborative capabilities, cinematographers eager to deepen their understanding of directorial vision, and those interested in the nuance of film-making partnerships. Join us to redefine your approach to visual storytelling and enhance your collaborative skills directly from the experiences of industry leaders.

Commercial Audition Techniques, Auckland
2024-06-02 15:00 - 17:00
The audition process is such a time-pressured 15 minutes. Actors often come away feeling none the wiser, disempowered, and disillusioned. It can feel very random and uncertain.

Casting director Eryn Wilson’s goal with this class, is to be absolutely transparent with actors, so they know every part of the casting process and their role within that.
He will share what’s important to a casting director and what isn’t, insights into the agent/casting director relationship; the actor/director relationship and what directors ACTUALLY care most about.

Kōpere Ake, application deadline
2024-06-04
This is a fabulous opportunity for screenwriters developing series content which is open now for submissions.
Kōpere Ake: Elevate Your Stories, Reach New Heights is creating pathways to help develop screenwriters and their stories, using the simple international formula: time + money + support.
NZWG in partnership with NZ on Air, has developed this programme to enable Aotearoa screenwriters to create high quality world-class scripted proposals!
This series development fund is designed to break through the barriers faced by Aotearoa screenwriters. Those being insufficient time to craft and write material at the level of quality required to compete against international content.

NZFC RFP for talent dev, submission deadline
2024-06-04 17:00
The Commission is seeking proposals from organisations or companies with a global focus and high-level filmmaking expertise, who can create world-class talent development opportunities for New Zealand filmmakers. Proposals are sought from organisations with the capability to administer, manage and deliver the successful initiatives.

The Commission will favour proposals with a focus on above-the-line roles, and is seeking proposals from organisations or companies with a global focus and high-level filmmaking expertise, who can create world-class talent development opportunities for New Zealand filmmakers. Proposals are sought from organisations with the capability to administer, manage and deliver the successful initiatives.

The application period is now open.

Find the RFP document here.

Darkness and shadows with Stephen Murphy, Auckland
2024-06-04 18:30 - 20:00
Join us in Auckland with Stephen Murphy ISC BSC as we explore the realm of shadows and darkness through a casual evening of storytelling.
In New Zealand to shoot Heart Eyes, Irish cinematographer Stephen Murphy has offered his time to share his passion for mood and atmosphere across projects such as No One Gets Out Alive, Atlanta, Mr and Mrs Smith and The Tourist S2.
Stephen’s journey into the depths of darkness was initially sparked by his background in comic illustrations, a passion that led him into the world of makeup and SPFX for film, and eventually emerge as a defining characteristic of his cinematographic work.

Auditioning Online with Micaeley Gibson - actor applications close
2024-06-05 16:00
This is chance for six Equity NZ members to work in pairs with Australian casting director Micaeley Gibson during a zoom livestream. Micaeley will provide scripts and you will prepare as if doing an online audition. Please note: There will be other actors observing (auditing) this class. Unsuccessful applicants will be sent a Zoom link to observe this class.
Applications Close 5 June 2024 4:00 pm
This event will take place on Tuesday 18 June at midday (NZ time).

Cine Gear LA
2024-06-06 - 2024-06-09 | Warner Bros. Studios, Burbank, California, 4000 Warner Blvd bldg 08,, Burbank, CA 91522
The LA Expo is our biggest EXPO and features exhibits, new product and service introductions, complimentary seminars led by industry leaders, master classes, film competition, and awards ceremony. From June 6-9, 2024 the LA Expo will be held at historic Warner Bros Studios in Burbank, California.
A fitting backdrop for the Cine Gear industry tradeshow, visitors can enjoy outdoor booths on Warner Bros Midwest and French Streets, former home to The Music Man, Bonny and Clyde, and Gilmore Girls. Simultaneously The Friends and Young Sheldon stages will house indoor booths filled with the latest tech from popular equipment vendors.
Warner’s full-service facility also offers state-of-the-art venues like the Steven J. Ross Theatre to accommodate Cine Gear’s hallmark Film Competition and Screening Series, and Presentations.
This year’s Cine Gear Expo at Warner Bros Studios holds much to look forward to—from technology previews, film screenings, educational panels, guild and association presentations, filmmaker talks— to the best mingling in the biz, all under the California sunshine.

Dunedin Film Industry Networking Event
2024-06-06 18:00 - 20:00
Come join us for some business banter & a brew this June in Dunedin.
A simple event to connect our local Filmmakers, Screenwriters, Grips, Directors, Producers, Crew, Actors … anyone working in or involved with the local film industry – you are welcome!
The White Room, 1st floor above Vault 21, The Octagon
Nibbles and one free drink per person provided by Film Otago Soutland
Please RSVP here by 31 May

Post Production Drama Lab with Annie Collins, Auckland
2024-06-08 - 2024-06-09
The Directors and Editors Guild of Aotearoa New Zealand welcomes filmmakers to our Post Production Drama Lab with Annie Collins.

This is a one-of-a-kind Lab for Producer/Director/Editor teams working on drama projects that include both short or feature drama films and series.
The two days will cover the different stages of the post process and tools and mechanisms for creative, long-lasting relationships within a team including:

Introductions, approach, and expectations
Before you get started
During the shoot
During post
Receiving and dealing with feedback
Handovers
Post scheduling
Post technical requirements and equipment
Handling VFX
Pickups and found footage, including archival

Up to five Producer/Director/Editor teams will be selected to participate, and up to 10 observers from any of the three skills including Assistant Editors. Each team will also receive one x 1.5-hour post-lab mentoring session with Annie Collins.

Q&A: NIU WAVES 2024 - online
2024-06-10 18:30 - 19:30
NIU Waves 2024 is a Development initiative created by Pacific Islands Screen Artists Inc. (PISA) and supported by Irirangi te motu NZ On Air. It has been designed by PISA from the ground up with a dedication to creating and consolidating a Pasifika approach to screen development.
Niu Waves 2024 will focus on supporting THREE teams through a focused development process with each team receiving Development funding of NZD$25,000 each. The outcome for each team is to develop their idea into a complete treatment, pilot script or proposal by December 2024.

Danish Short Film Night - Auckland
2024-06-11
Cosy up with some Danish cinema. The four award-winning short films in this collection delve into the lives of pragmatic and deeply caring Danes. Subversive animation is on display alongside the catharsis of karaoke, work-place drama, and a drug dealer seeking a starring role. Dark comedy and deep connections abound. The Danish Short Films are presented by Show Me Shorts and the Copenhagen Short Film Festival.
7pm Tuesday 11 June, The Kingslander
The short film night also runs in
Wellington
7pm Wednesday 12 June, Southern Cross Garden Bar and Restaurant
Christchurch
6.15pm, Thursday 13 June, Alice Cinemas

Danish Short Film Night - Wellington
2024-06-12
Cosy up with some Danish cinema. The four award-winning short films in this collection delve into the lives of pragmatic and deeply caring Danes. Subversive animation is on display alongside the catharsis of karaoke, work-place drama, and a drug dealer seeking a starring role. Dark comedy and deep connections abound. The Danish Short Films are presented by Show Me Shorts and the Copenhagen Short Film Festival.
Wellington
7pm Wednesday 12 June, Southern Cross Garden Bar and Restaurant
The short film night also runs in
Auckland
7pm Tuesday 11 June, The Kingslander
Christchurch
6.15pm, Thursday 13 June, Alice Cinemas
https://www.showmeshorts.co.nz/posts/2024danishshortfilmnight

Danish Short Film Night - Christchurch
2024-06-13
Cosy up with some Danish cinema. The four award-winning short films in this collection delve into the lives of pragmatic and deeply caring Danes. Subversive animation is on display alongside the catharsis of karaoke, work-place drama, and a drug dealer seeking a starring role. Dark comedy and deep connections abound. The Danish Short Films are presented by Show Me Shorts and the Copenhagen Short Film Festival.
Christchurch
6.15pm, Thursday 13 June, Alice Cinemas
The short film night also runs in
Auckland
7pm Tuesday 11 June, The Kingslander
Wellington
7pm Wednesday 12 June, Southern Cross Garden Bar and Restaurant

Borders of the Heart - campaign closing
2024-06-14
“Borders of the Heart” is a queer romantic drama short film created by Master’s Screen Production students at the University of Auckland. Written and directed by Weitong Li and produced by Ted Tang, the short film is supervised by Brendan Donovan (known for “Insiders’ Guide to Happiness [and Love]” and “The Hopes and Dreams of Gazza Snell”).

Gimbal Workshop, Auckland
2024-06-15 09:00 - 16:00
The workshop will be led by highly experienced technician and gimbal operator Jono Drew, who walks the line between the camera and grip departments and will impart his experience from 20 years in the industry making gimbals easy on set.
The workshop will consist of technical presentations, hands on time, and creative discussion about how to achieve different types of shots with gimbals. The workshop will be broken down into 2x three hour sessions: morning session which consists of technical, assembly and rigging presentation and hands on time; afternoon session which focuses on creative application, demos and in-depth discussion.
The workshop will appeal to 1st & 2nd AC’s, camera operators, DP’s, and directors and producers wanting to get more inside knowledge on the use of these tools – feel free to come to morning or afternoon sessions as suits.

PISA mid-Winter eveent - Auckland
2024-06-15 18:00 - 20:00
Come along (PISA members only) and connect with other PISA members through a chill and unique activity – more details are coming soon.
BYO & Nibbles will be provided because we are PISA. Please RSVP for catering purposes.
If you haven’t attended a PISA event this year, this is the one you don’t want to miss!
RSVPs Close: 13 June 2024
https://www.pisa.org.nz/event-details/pisa-mid-winter-event-1

Auditioning Online with Micaeley Gibson - observers application deadline
2024-06-17 15:00
Dial in and learn – observe pairs of Kiwi actors work with Australian casting director Micaeley Gibson. If you apply for this you will automatically get an observers spot (as long as you are an Equity NZ or MEAA member). You will receive an email with the zoom link details the day before the class.
Applications Close 17 June 2024 3:00 pm
The event will take place on Tuesday 18 June at midday (NZ time).

Dunedin Script Accelerator Grant
2024-06-17 17:00
Dunedin City Council (DCC), through the Dunedin Film Office at Enterprise Dunedin, has launched an exciting script development opportunity for Dunedin-based filmmakers – the Dunedin Script Accelerator Grant (‘Script Grant’).
View full guidelines here.
We are looking for new and bold stories for both feature films and series that are clearly set in Dunedin.
For this inaugural round, DCC will offer one Script Grant of up to $10,000 (+ GST if applicable) for the development of a scripted film with a total runtime of 80 minutes or more, or for a scripted series project with a minimum runtime of 20 minutes per episode. From this Script Grant, $2,500 (+ GST if applicable) is reserved for engaging an experienced script consultant.
The kaupapa of this Script Grant is to generate support for Dunedin-based writers or producers to develop long-format projects, and to stimulate the city’s screen sector growth by increasing the number of Dunedin-focused stories.
Apply here.

Auditioning Online with Micaeley Gibson
2024-06-18 12:00 - 13:30
This is chance for six Equity NZ members to work in pairs with Australian casting director Micaeley Gibson during a zoom livestream. Micaeley will provide scripts and you will prepare as if doing an online audition. Please note: There will be other actors observing (auditing) this class. Unsuccessful applicants will be sent a Zoom link to observe this class.
This event will take place on Tuesday 18 June at midday (NZ time).

Behind the Lens, Auckland
2024-06-18 18:00 - 20:00
Join us in Auckland for an interesting evening with international cinematographer Jeff Cutter as he unveils the secrets behind his captivating visual storytelling across a range of renowned projects.
California cinematographer Jeff Cutter, currently in New Zealand to film feature film Backpack, has graciously offered his time to share his techniques behind his looks in projects such as Daisy Jones & The Six, 10 Cloverfield Lane and Prey, the predecessor to Backpack.
With over 35 years in the industry and an impressive portfolio, Cutter’s sure to have some valuable insights that you won’t find anywhere else. So, come grab a drink, a slice of pizza, and mingle with your fellow crew.

Kinetic 3, Auckland
2024-06-18 18:30 - 19:30
A series of speaker events for the MDGA, Kinetic looks to give experienced motion designers the chance to share their knowledge and process with the community. Our 3 speakers from across the spectrum of motion disciplines will share their insights, experiences, and the secrets behind their captivating work. We’ll explore the latest trends and innovations in motion design, and you’ll have the chance to delve into some awesome motion design projects.
Our speakers for this event are Tao Mao – Freelance Motion Designer, Renee Jacobi – Animation Director at Daylight and Rich Nosworthy – Freelance 3D Designer and Technical Director
We encourage you to participate, ask questions, and interact with our speakers to gain a deeper understanding of the work.

Temporal, campaign closing
2024-06-19
TEMPORAL is the passion project of Weston Symes and James Tweddle. We have been dreaming about creating a grounded, cassette futurism, sci-fi film following a lone spaceman on a desolate world for years; TEMPORAL is the culmination of that dream.
TEMPORAL is a short film about a spaceman surviving against the odds on a distant alien planet. After a magnetic storm claims not just his survey ship but also his copilot’s life, the struggling spaceman continues on, determined not to give up the mission. But, as he discovers, there’s something not quite right with this planet: something ancient is at work, and the spaceman might just be the final piece to a cosmic puzzle.
It covers themes of isolation, human resilience and existentialism inspired by the cosmic horror of H.P. LOVECRAFT and the hard sci-fi of THE EXPANSE series.
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Doc Edge Festival 2024 – Christchurch
2024-06-19 - 2024-06-30 | Christchurch
The 19th Edition will be held from 19 June to 31 July with Ōtautahi Christchurch as the hub for all things documentary, followed by Auckland, Wellington and Virtual Cinema nationwide.
As an Academy Awards® qualifying international documentary festival, Doc Edge is poised to become a major cultural event in the Asia Pacific region, positioning Ōtautahi Christchurch as the hub for all things documentary. This is an exciting, bold, and strategic move, the festival solidifies its global reputation as a crucial destination for films to debut their world and international premieres.
Christchurch | 19 – 30 June | In Cinema
The festival will be held across Hoyts EntX, Lumiere Cinemas, Alice Cinemas, Christchurch Art Gallery, the Town Hall, Tūranga Central Library, and other locations turning the Garden City into a “Life Unscripted” documentary destination with screenings, an awards ceremony, immersive exhibition, schools programme, live events, industry forum, pitching competition, film market and networking opportunities.

VFX Guild drinks, Christchurch
2024-06-20 18:00 - 20:00
We invite you to join us for a series of casual drinks across New Zealand this June! It’s a perfect opportunity to unwind, catch up with fellow members, and share ideas in a relaxed atmosphere. This is for members only, but please feel free to bring a plus one who is interested in knowing more about the Guild.
These gatherings are a chance to network, discuss the latest in VFX, SFX, film tech and animation, and simply enjoy good company. We look forward to seeing you there!
RSVP to info@vfxg.nz for venue

Southern Pilots
2024-06-21 - 2024-06-23
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.
