SCRIPT TO SCREEN MEDIA RELEASE
8 March 2018
Script to Screen Te Tari Tuhi Kupu a Whakaahua launches a brand new pilot
programme to further develop distinctive writing talent in television drama. EPISODIC
LAB AOTEAROA is the first programme of its kind in New Zealand.
“Globally, this century has seen an explosion of television storytelling. In New
Zealand we have diverse talent coming through in the web sphere and the question
is, where next? The Episodic Lab will increase the number of New Zealand writers
- and the types of writers - creating longer form work that reaches the screen” says
Script to Screen’s Executive Director Esther Cahill-Chiaroni.
“NZ On Air is supporting the Episodic Lab initiative as a way
to encourage writers with fresh ideas that add to the range of television
storytelling options. Better options for development was a key theme that came
through the industry drama day we hosted last year,” says NZ On Air Chief
Executive Jane Wrightson.
“We hope to see great New Zealand
stories come through this initiative that win platform and financing support.”
Writers and/or teams with a track record will compete for 8 places in the pilot Episodic
Lab, where they will workshop their concepts with experienced television writer
advisors from New Zealand, Australia and beyond. The programme starts with
five immersive days working on story after which participants go on to receive
follow up mentoring and support, including introductions to the executives of
episodic television platforms, production houses and funders.
NZ streaming service Lightbox, announced earlier this year, their commitment to invest
in local content and continued support of homegrown talent. Lightbox Head of
Content Charlotte Hill commented, "As fellow lovers of TV storytelling, Lightbox is
delighted to play a part in cultivating the next generation of New
Zealand writing talent and fostering the important growth of NZ voices on screen.
We are proud to support the inaugural Episodic Lab and applaud Script to
Screen for developing this groundbreaking initiative."
Script to Screen is a charitable trust with a strong track record providing
high quality talent development for screenwriters, directors and producers. Esteemed
international and local Episodic Lab advisors will be announced over the coming
months. Applications will be open from late March until the end of April, and
the five-day lab takes place in Auckland July 23-27. The EPIDOSIC LAB
AOTEAROA is made possible thanks to generous support from NZ On Air,
Lightbox, the New Zealand Film Commission and Images and Sound.