Ella Gilbert - Write Room Wellington Scriptwriter in Residence 2023
application deadline: Fri 28th July 2023
Write Room is returning in 2023/24 and we are seeking this year’s Producer Intern to be part of the selection and development process on the program!
Write Room Wellington is a screenwriter residency program offered in partnership with POP Film and the Wellington City Council Aho Tini 2030 Arts, Culture and Creativity Strategy.
Each year an emerging or mid-career Film Producer is selected to shadow the process of selecting a screenwriter to undertake their 12-week residency at the Toi Pōneke Arts Centre to develop a draft of their feature film screenplay with the support of a group of experienced industry mentors.
A stipend of $2500 will be awarded for the producer internship.
Mentors have included Robert Sarkies (Scarfies, Out of the Blue, Consent: The Louise Nicolas Story), Desray Armstrong (Juniper, Millie Lies Low, Coming Home in the Dark), Briar Grace Smith (Cousins, Waru) and Vicky Pope (Gardening with Soul, Savage).
Previous producer interns have included Francesca Carney (Song for Serbia), Thomas Coppell (Into the Pickle Jar, Little Apocalypse, Conspiraseries) and Jaimee Poipoi (He Kakano Ahau, Krystal, Conspiraseries).
Film producer intern role
The producer intern joins the team throughout the process as follows:
reading writer applications and participation in the selection process
attendance at meetings with the mentors to share notes and strategies ahead of writer meetings
attendance at development meetings with the writer alongside the mentors
facilitation and attendance at the read-through workshop at the end of the program.
This is a chance for an early or mid-career producer wishing to deepen understanding and personal instincts in:
assessing the calibre of writing, genre, themes, budget, packaging/financing potential of dramatic film projects
the role of a producer in the creative process and tools for supporting script development.
collaborations with other producers or creative partners-how to harness the input of others in a way that is meaningful for writers.
insight into the read-through process and how it can inform development.
The film producer intern will need to be available to spend a minimum of 25 hours a week on script selection from 23 October to 16 December, be present for at least 5 development meetings during the residency (Feb - April 2024) and assist with facilitating and coordinating the script read-through workshop at the end of the program (Nov/Dec 2024)
Hours for this internship are flexible and can be worked in and around other work commitments.
Write Room is committed to supporting diversity in NZ Film. If you identify with an under-represented community in the industry we strongly encourage you to submit.
timeline
Submissions due by Friday 28th July.
Successful producer announced 18 August 2023.
Selection process - 25 hours p/week over 23 Oct to 16 Dec 2023
Residency dates: Feb to April 2024
Script Read Through workshop dates tbc - Nov/Dec in 2024
Hours are flexible and can be managed around other work commitments
eligibility
Undergraduate students are ineligible to apply.
Producer Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
Over the age of 18 years
emerging or mid-career producers with credits in theatre, film, TV, web series, TVC production, documentary or short films
Wellington - based New Zealand citizens or permanent residents. You must have a current Wellington address at the time of application. If you are shortlisted you will be required to verify this address and your NZ residency status.
Please note: Toi Pōneke is a wheelchair accessible venue, though in-part due to its age, there are some challenges. To arrange a site visit before you apply, or for any access questions please contact the Toi Pōneke Public programmer at sascha.perfect@wcc.govt.nz or 021 971 186
how to apply
Please upload to our Onedrive all of the following in one PDF document by Friday 28th July 2023.
PRODUCERS:
PERSONAL STATEMENT: Introducing yourself, detailing recent projects, your ambitions as a producer and why you want to do this internship. (max 2 page) -
Please provide your CV
Completed application and statistics form
Please send all documents together in a single PDF labeled with your name.
