write room, Film/TV producer internship 2025

Call for applications:

Application deadline: 5pm, Tues 16 Sept 2025

Programme Dates: 20 October 2025 – 20 August 2026 (approx. 60 hours over this period)

Write Room is returning in 2025/26 and we are seeking this year’s Producer Intern to be part of the selection and development process on the programme!

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/TV Producer is selected to shadow the process of selecting a screenwriter to undertake their residency at the Toi Pōneke Arts Centre to develop a draft of their feature film screenplay or TV series with the support of a group of experienced industry mentors.

A stipend of $2500 will be awarded for the producer internship.

Mentors on the programme are Robert Sarkies (Pike River, Scarfies, Out of the Blue) and Vicky Pope (Went Up the Hill, Pike River, Savage)

Previous producer interns have included Jessica George (The Lascar, The Dining Table), Kate Goodwin (The Turning Point, Self Help, Rohe Kōreporepo), Francesca Carney (Song for Serbia), Thomas Coppell (Into the Pickle Jar, Little Apocalypse, Conspiraseries) and Jaimee Poipoi (He Kakano Ahau, Krystal, Conspiraseries).

Film/TV producer intern role

The producer intern joins the team throughout the process as follows:

• Reading screenwriter applications and participation in the selection process. Shadowing the selection process to learn from both writer, director and producer (Pop Film) the instincts for what makes a good script to pursue for development.

• 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

• 3x one-on-one meetings with Vicky Pope on aspects of producing

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 and TV 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 30 hours on script selection from 22 October to 22 December 2025, attend the panel selection meeting (tbc 13 -22 Dec 2025), be present for at least 3 development meetings during the residency (Jan – May 2026), attend 3x one on one sessions with Write Room producer mentor Vicky Pope, and assist with facilitating and coordinating the script read-through workshop at the end of the program (August 2026)

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

• Producer Internship Submissions due by Tuesday 16 September 2025

• Successful producer intern announced – 1 - 6 Oct 2025.

• Internship period: 20 Oct 2025 – 20 August 2026

• Selection process – minimum of 30 hours over 22 October to 22 December 2025

• Scriptwriter residency dates: 26 January 2026 – 15 May 2026

• Script Read Through workshop dates tbc - August 2026

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

Assessment Criteria

Your application will be assessed on the following:

• Interest in Story Development

• Professional Readiness and Leadership Potential

• Clarity of Intent & Learning Goals

• Referee Support / Past Experience – commitment and reliability

• Aho Tini* – Contribution to Sector Diversity and Cultural Awareness

• Aho Tini* - Interest in Wellington-based development or sector contributions

*Wellington City Council - Aho Tini 2030:Arts, Culture and Creativity Strategy

How to apply

Please upload to our Onedrive all of the following in one PDF document by 5pm Tuesday 16 September 2025.

1.       PERSONAL STATEMENT: Introducing yourself, detailing recent projects, your ambitions as a producer and why you want to do this internship. (max 2 page) -

2.       Please provide your CV and up to two referees

3.       Completed application and statistics form

Please send all documents together in a single PDF labelled with your name.

Download and complete the application form.

Upload your application and supporting documents via the link below.

Please send all documents together in a single PDF - labelled with your full name.