Each year we are delighted to support writers and directors with their feature film scripts through Table Reads, a joint initiative brought to you by DEGANZ and the New Zealand Writers Guild. Following a successful virtual run in 2020, we held this year’s Table Reads online, allowing members and actors from across the country to participate from the comfort of their own homes.
We saw four exceptional virtual table reads held between May and November. We would like to give a special shout out to this year’s selection:
Persistence – writer/director Rebecca Tansley. Actors: Kirsty Hamilton, Ella Hope-Higginson, Kirsty Bruce, Caleb Wells, Maté Lagae, and Chantal Claret.
Before the Darkness – writer/director Alex Galvin. Actors: Tim Carlsen, Helen Murphy-Reid, Tai Berdinner-Blades, Frith Horan, and Mark Clare.
Escape – writer Daryl Belbin, director Anton Steel. Actors: Grant Beban, Stephen Lyell, Tim Carlson, James Crompton, Jodie Hillock, and Stephen Papps.
Tamada – writer/director Tim Tsiklauri. Actors: Hilary Norris, Hamish Boyle, Jamie Irvine, Maté Lagae, and Jo Clark.
Well done to everyone involved and all the best with your projects!
/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/DEGANZ_logo_home.png00admin/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/DEGANZ_logo_home.pngadmin2021-11-26 06:57:362022-01-18 14:48:54Feature Film Scripts Supported Through Table Reads 2021
I’m sorry to share with you all that we are going to need to postpone the Directors Toolkit for Emerging Pan-Asian Directors. The likelihood of Auckland reaching Level 2 before November 20-21 (the event dates) looks improbable.
Since our last workshop update, the Government has announced the new Covid-19 Protection Framework. Once 90% of eligible Aucklanders are fully-vaccinated, Auckland can expect to move to Red. From our perspective, Auckland will most likely move to Red from Level 3.
If Auckland moves to Red, there is a chance that we’ll be able to host the workshop in-person in mid-December with actions to keep participants and staff safe. Rob Sarkies is Wellington-based so, if regional travel is restricted, we are well-equipped to have Rob teach via video call to a room of participants.
Based on public health advice, you can expect safety actions to include:
Staying home if you are sick or required to self-isolate
Mandatory face coverings
Record keeping and QR scanning
Physical distancing
Proof of vaccination
More on the last point — to hold the workshop at Red, we would need to use vaccination certificates. As of today, DEGANZ is waiting for further advice from ScreenSafe before we make that decision. If Rob Sarkies is on video call, we will have a Zoom option for participants who are either unvaccinated or would feel more comfortable attending online.
In summary, this is an indication of what we anticipate as of today, and this could change as new public health advice emerges.
Finally, we will most likely need to reduce the class size slightly (12 – 15 people) depending on venue size and physical distancing requirements. As we will only consider applicants who have completed their applications, please remember to apply if you wish to be considered. I am extending the final application deadline to Monday 8 November, 9AM.
Update: Please see here for the latest update on postponement. The application deadline has been extended to Monday 8 November, 9am.
Call for applications
DEGNZ is delighted to present a workshop for new and emerging Pan-Asian directors, in association with the Pan-Asian Screen Collective. Film and television director Rob Sarkies will share his filmmaking process — from idea development to the edit — revealing how directors can adapt their process from project to project.
This will be a practical, foundational workshop full of practical hints to help you control that beast of a film or series, rather than letting it control you. The focus will be on scripted drama and comedy but documentary filmmakers are welcome.
Sessions will cover:
Development process (idea development, script development, working with the funder)
Process leading to production (script prep, visual prep, casting)
Pre-Production (rehearsal process, binding your collaborators to the same vision)
Practical process on set (scene blocking, working with cast, working with your DP)
Editorial process (techniques to stop you losing perspective)
About Rob Sarkies
Credit: Matt Grace Photography
Rob’s work spans feature films, series television and commercials. His work includes acclaimed feature Out of the Blue about the Aramoana shootings, Consent based on Louise Nicholas’s fight for justice, Jean about aviator Jean Batten, black-comedy Two Little Boys, Wanted, The Gulf and NZ classic Scarfies.
Workshop Details
When: Dates TBC Workshop to take place across one weekend; Saturday 9am – 5pm and Sunday 9am – 4pm
Where:TBC
Eligibility
This workshop is open to Pan-Asian members of DEGNZ / PASC. You must be over 18 as of 2 October 2021, and either a Resident, Permanent Resident or Citizen of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Applicants should, ideally, have at least some directing experience on a short film/other screen content OR can demonstrate that they are taking active steps towards directing. If you have a question, please contact tema@deganz.co.nz.
To Apply
Applications Close: Monday 8 November, 9AM
STEP 1: Submit the application form below.
STEP 2: Provide in a max. 2-page PDF:
A statement that summarises why you would like to participate and how you might benefit from this workshop as a screen director
A brief bio that includes any previous directing experience or training you have done
Your filmography
Please email your application to tema@deganz.co.nz. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
This workshop is part of a Directors & Editors Guild of NZ initiative aimed at supporting the development of emerging Pan-Asian, Pasifika and Māori directors
Cancelled – instead, DEGNZ and our editor board members will host an online gathering for all editors and assistants throughout the motu on September 8. The event will cover the same info we had planned for Wellington and includes time to meet one another in smaller breakouts. Register here >
Table Read Round Three (Sep 11)
Since the Table Read was already planned for online, there are fortunately no changes to announce. With script submissions closing on September 3, there’s still a bit of time to throw your hat in the ring for a chance to diagnose your script with a table read! Learn more >
Directing In the Intimate Zone – Auckland (Sep 12)
Postponed until Tamaki Makaurau is in Level 1. Registrations and applications will reopen once we have a new date.
Thanks for your understanding. This is all the updates we have for now. Stay safe and kia kaha.
http://degnz.sensedesign.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/3-P1160927-edited-NEVE01.jpeg4101080admin/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/DEGANZ_logo_home.pngadmin2021-08-30 09:46:192021-08-30 09:48:26Changes to DEGNZ Workshops and Events in September
Developing a feature film? Why not enter the draw for the next Virtual Table Read. Provided you’re a member of DEGNZ and/or NZWG, submit your script by 3 September!
The winner/winning team will receive a free script-in-development table read with up to six actors to be held on 11 September over Zoom.
Why Should You Enter?
Here are some of the benefits of a table read:
Identify what works and what doesn’t in your script
Assess the rhythm of the dialogue and the voices of your characters
Gain a different perspective from listening to other people read and respond to your script
Receive feedback from the actors for your next draft
Past participant writer Nick Ward said, “For me one of the best things about our recent table read was talking to the actors about their characters specifically. When you write you’re juggling many balls so it’s brilliant to have someone drill down into their individual character and give you invaluable feedback.”
Actors are invited to register for each script-in-development table read. Up to six actors will be selected, and will receive a nominal fee as appreciation for their participation.
