The Pan-Asian Screen Collective is proud to announce the fourth iteration of Short Cuts, a development lab for scripted short films under 10 minutes in length. Designed specifically to improve Pan-Asian representation in the short film space, the development lab will invite up to nine teams in May 2024 for robust development of their projects.
Applications are now open, and will close on 11 March 2024 at 5:00pm.
For further eligibility requirements, information, and submissions, please visit:
Short Cuts delivers a series of workshops and discussions over 2.5 days to nurture and strengthen Pan-Asian projects and/or teams.
The objective is to empower new and emerging Pan-Asian filmmakers to develop their scripted short films for independent production, and to significantly advance applications for production grants from other initiatives such as NZFC/Script to Screen’ Fresh Shorts, Outlook for Someday, NZ On Air; and strengthen projects to pursue independent funding. Scheduled on the final weekend of May 2024, the Auckland-based lab will address topics relevant to writers, directors and producers of short films. PASC aims to support teams to take on leadership roles, initiate content, and contribute to the growth of Pan-Asian representation in the screen industry.
PASC Executive and Short Cuts Convenor, Dr Shuchi Kothari, will be joined by other senior practitioners to deliver the syllabus. “In its fourth iteration Short Cuts has not only become a PASC staple in terms of strategic training initiatives but has been able to demonstrate its impact via high quality projects and teams that continue to make creative work together. The initiative has always focused on developing Asian practitioners and the stories they most want to tell. We’ll be better poised in February to announce whether or not this iteration is accompanied by funding for production but in the meantime, our commitment to develop new and emerging teams and their projects in a culturally safe and pedagogically rigorous environment remains resolute.” says Dr Kothari. “At the end of Short Cuts everyone should minimally have a well-workshopped project for pitching to other initiatives or to produce themselves via crowdfunding.”
Starting this year, a nominal application fee of $10 has been introduced for the Short Cuts Development Lab.
To be considered for the lab, please submit your application along with a non-refundable application fee of $10. Payment can be made via bank transfer. It’s important to note that the application fee does not guarantee a spot in the lab. The selection process will involve narrowing down applicants to nine teams based on the evaluation of submitted applications.
For those residing outside Auckland, PASC may provide a travel subsidy up to $250 for North Island participants and up to $500 for participants from the South Island.
What: Short Cuts Development Lab
Who: Two out of three key creatives must be of Asian heritage
When: Workshops 24-26 May 2024
Where: Auckland, TBC Applications Close: 11 March 2024, 5pm
PASC thanks the New Zealand Film Commission for supporting the Short Cuts Development Lab.
