Script to Screen TALK 2023: Kickstart your Screenwriting Career

Explore the roots of accomplished New Zealand writers Briar Grace-Smith, Michael Bennett, and Pip Hall, and how they have each paved their way for a successful career in the screen industry. Jackie Dennis probes into their screenwriting process and seeks their advice for aspiring screenwriters including navigating writer's block and special tips. 

This talk was held in August 2023, at the Christchurch Screen Canterbury offices. 

Pip Hall writes for television and theatre and has won awards in both mediums. Pip’s most recent works are Jonah and One Lane Bridge.  

Briar Grace Smith – Writes for feature films and tv series. Most recently, Briar wrote and co-directed the Feature film Cousins and was a writer for  Season 2 of Rurangi. 

Michael Bennett – writes across many mediums, including novels, Tv series and feature films. His most recent release is The Gone, but our audience will also know mini-series In Dark Places and the feature film Matariki.   His novel Better the Blood is currently being adapted for the screen. 

Jackie Dennis, Executive Director of Script to Screen, moderated the conversation held in August of 2023 at the Screen CanterburyNZ offices.

This podcast is brought to you thanks to generous support from the New Zealand Film Commission, Te Puna Matarau, Screen CanterburyNZ, Images & Sound and South Island Media.

The voice-over was recorded by Jamie Irvine, and the music is by Podington Bear.  

You can read more about these speakers at our website www.script-to-screen.co.nz