Rob Sarkies, Abi King-Jones (2019 screenwriter in residence) Vicky Pope and Desray Armstrong.
Deadline 20 April 2020
Residency runs from 20 July – 11 Oct 2020 (12 weeks)
"Receiving the Toi Poneke Write Room Writer’s Residency was a dream come true for me. I was finally able to write full time, in a dedicated space and creative environment, with amazing mentors that supported the project and my process. I now have a first draft of a feature film script that is on a development pathway - thanks to Toi Poneke and the Wellington City Council. Kia ora and fa’afetai lava for that!”
Abi King - Jones - Screen Writer in Residence 2019
WRITE ROOM is a Toi Pōneke initiative in partnership with Director Rob Sarkies, (Scarfies, Out of the Blue, Consent ) Producer Vicky Pope (Savage, Gardening with Soul, Two Little Boys) and Producer Desray Armstrong(Stray, Ellen Is Leaving, Meathead); who are also the selectors and mentors for the 2020 programme.
Write Room recognises the challenges for New Zealand screenwriters to create space in their lives to write and find a place to do their work. The opportunity is for a Wellington based screenwriter with a feature film project at a stage that will benefit from focused development towards completion of a draft of the script.
The aim of this residency is to help the chosen writer to get their screenplay to the stage where it is ready to pitch to a producer.
With support from Toi Pōneke, the successful candidate will undertake a 12-week residency. The screenwriter will be provided with a studio space, $6,450.00 stipend, and experienced creative support from Producers Desray Armstrong, Vicky Pope and Director Rob Sarkies.
We expect the chosen writer will spend a minimum of 25 hours a week committed to writing during the residency, these hours should fit in around other work commitments.
At the completion of the residency the candidate will be required to provide a report and feedback on their residency.
Eligibility
- Undergraduate students are ineligible to apply.
Applicants must be:
- Over the age of 18 years.
- Emerging screenwriters, established screenwriters, or writers transitioning from other writing disciplines into screenwriting, who are looking for a Producer for their screenplay.
- Wellington City - based New Zealand citizens or permanent residents. You must provide evidence that you have lived in Wellington City on a semi permanent basis over the past 3 years. And you must have a current Wellington City address at the time of application. If you are shortlisted you will be required to verify this address and your NZ residency status.
What’s on offer
- A 12-week full time screenwriting residency from 20 July - 11 Oct 2020.
- A free, sole-use studio space to write in at Toi Pōneke, with 24-hour access.
- A stipend of $6,450.00 (gross) for the 12 week period.
- A feedback and planning session with members of the panel at the commencement of the residency.
- A work-in-progress discussion with members of the panel at the 6-8 week mark.
- An assessment of the draft at the conclusion of the residency, with advice on next steps to take.
- A read-through with actors (up to 4 x paid actors) at the end of the residency.
Timeline
- Submissions due by 20 April 2020 at 5pm.
- Successful writer announced 20 May 2020.
- Residency dates: 20 July - 11 Oct 2020
How to apply
Please upload all of the following in one PDF by Monday 20 April 2020 at 5pm
- First 15 pages of your feature film script.
- Synopsis/summary of project (max. 3 pages).
- Self-Introduction (max 1 page.)
- Completed application form
PLEASE NOTE: One application per writer will be accepted. Submit the project you most want to work on. If available, shortlisted writers may be asked to supply a full draft of their screenplay and/or meet to discuss their work prior to selection.
Assessment
Vicky Pope, Rob Sarkies, Desray Armstrong and Toi Pōneke Arts Centre will select the successful candidate.
Selection criteria will include:
- Strength of idea, intention, and vision for the screenplay;
- Clarity with intended next steps to develop the screenplay;
- The quality of the writing;
- Ability to dedicate a minimum of 25hrs writing time per week (a total of 300 hours) over the residency dates and achieve the goal of delivering a completed draft;
- genuine need for a designated quiet studio space in order to write.
- Potential of the project to attract either producer or other investment interest in the longer term.
Rights and confidentiality
All details of the project will remain confidential. The writer retains all rights to their screenplay.
Terms and conditions
Successful applicants will be required to:
- Sign the Toi Pōneke - WRITE ROOM Residency Agreement;
- Complete a Toi Pōneke Arts Centre Artist Studio Application and agreement.
More info contact:
sascha.perfect@wcc.govt.nz