International Director’s Mentorship- Call for Applications!

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Directors & Editors Guild of NZ (DEGNZ) invites applications from experienced film directors with a feature film project in advanced development to apply for an International Director’s Mentorship with a successful, seasoned director from the international industry.

This mentorship is designed to assist a director with project development, career planning, creative relationships, new practices in audience engagement, and relationships with producers and agents.

The mentorship will allow for a visit by the mentor to New Zealand to spend up to two days working with the mentee on the submitted project, and 20 – 30 hours of mentoring time via Skype or phone across a six-month period. At a later mutually agreed date, the mentee will be encouraged to fly to wherever the mentor is working to meet and observe. The mentee will have a voice in selecting the mentor they would like.

The overall intention of the mentorship is to inspire a NZ director, demystify the international film industry and offer genuine insight into creative process and engagement with the industry as a whole, while providing a solid platform upon which to build an international career.

To apply, please provide:

• Maximum one-page letter about why you should be chosen and what you hope to gain from the mentorship.
• A narrative feature film script and one page synopsis for the project you wish to apply with.
• Up to three potential mentor names.
• Up to 3 examples on DVD or online of past work (not showreel). If DVD, 3 copies required.

A panel will be convened to interview shortlisted applicants.

This initiative is not intended for projects in early development. We will not offer script notes or enter into correspondence with applicants whose projects are not selected.

Applications should be submitted electronically to lucy@deganz.co.nz, or posted to:

International Director Mentorship
Directors & Editors Guild of NZ
PO Box 47-294
Ponsonby
Auckland

Only DEGNZ members may apply. If you are not a member and wish to join, you can do so here.

Applications must be received by DEGNZ no later than 5PM Monday 10 November 2014.

 

This mentorship is available thanks to the generous support of the New Zealand Film Commission.
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The Rehearsal Room Feedback and Photos

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We’ve had an awesome time at our last two Rehearsal Room sessions in Auckland and Wellington.

Joined by screen legend Ian Mune in Auckland and accomplished actor Peter Feeney in Wellington, actors and directors came together to workshop a number of fantastic scenes and hone their skills.

The Rehearsal Room brings together professional actors and directors – in a safe, supportive environment to PRACTISE working with each other on scenes. For each event 4 directors and 8 actors are randomly selected, and all members of the Directors & Editors Guild, Ngā Aho Whakaari and Actors Equity are welcome to attend as observers. Directors are asked to provide a two-character scene (2-4 pages) or, if you prefer, a scene will be provided for you. Directors and actors will receive scripts in advance. On the day, directors and actors spend time rehearsing their scenes, with emphasis on connection and content. After morning tea, participants block their scenes, before presenting them for shooting, followed by viewing and discussion.

We had some great feedback too:
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“Best thing about The Rehearsal Room was being able to explore a scene in a safe space with other professionals.”
” A really great workshop- these should be run more frequently- it’s very valuable to get together to play, learn, and establish relationships.”
“I loved today. So much fun! Met some awesome people and hope to do another one soon. Thank you!”
“I really enjoyed getting to work with Ian Mune and hearing things from such an experienced professional.”
“I would definitely recommend!”
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There are only three events left in 2014- and newly introduced is The Rehearsal Room in Christchurch with the fantastic David McPhail moderating!
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Register your interest in participating here:
http://therehearsalroom.eventbrite.co.nz/
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Where are the Women Directors and Editors?

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Responding to the release of appalling international statistics, members of DEGNZ and WIFT gathered in Auckland on Monday night last week to talk about gender imbalance in the NZ screen industry.  Broadcaster Kim Hill moderated a lively discussion with panelists Gaylene Preston, Annie Goldson, Cushla Dillon and Jackie van Beek, who had varying views on how the situation had arisen and what could be done about it.

The statistics are not readily available for television but are clear for film: in New Zealand 17% of dramatic features, with NZFC investment, are directed by women.  Women are making fewer applications and are accessing a smaller proportion of public funding than is appropriate for their population.  There was a call at Monday’s event for positive discrimination to address this.

DEGNZ is now in discussions with NZFC and NZ On Air, to analyse the data available and look at useful ways to move the discussion forward.

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Editing Workshop with Justine Wright. Apply Now!

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DEGNZ is pleased to call for applications from members for a one day editing workshop with acclaimed UK editor, Justine Wright (Locke, Touching The Void, The Last King of Scotland, The Iron Lady).

The eight selected editor participants will cut scenes from one of Justine’s recent films and discuss their editing choices. Justine will talk about her own challenges and decisions in editing the same material.

The focus of the workshop is drama editing, however Justine is also an accomplished documentary editor, and will talk about her transition from documentary to drama (and back again).

The workshop is free of charge and is aimed at editors with a level of industry experience, and who are fully experienced working with Avid.

When: Saturday 04 October 2014
Where: Ponsonby, Auckland
Travel: DEGNZ will assist with travel for participants from outside Auckland

APPLICATIONS CLOSE WEDNESDAY 10 SEPTEMBER

TO APPLY:
Please send a one page CV and a covering note (less than one page) explaining why you should be selected and how you feel the workshop will benefit you professionally.

Email your application to lucy@deganz.co.nz by 5.00pm Wednesday 10th September.

This initiative is for DEGNZ members only

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DGA and DEGNZ offer a Director’s Finder Screening in Los Angeles. APPLY NOW!

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DEGNZ, with support from The New Zealand Film Commission, is pleased to offer the opportunity for a New Zealand director to screen their film to an invited audience at the prestigious DGA Theatre in Los Angeles.

The successful applicant will be flown to LA for the screening and a Q&A afterwards hosted by the Directors Guild of America. This is an amazing opportunity to introduce a stand-out film and filmmaker to the North American market.

Application criteria:
– Must be the Director’s first or second feature film
– Film must have been completed in the last 12 months
– Must be available to travel to L.A. for screening 14th November 2014.
– Must be a member of DEGNZ

To apply, please email your press kit and a covering letter to lucy@deganz.co.nz.
Applications close 5pm Monday 08 September 2014.

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