Big Screen Symposium & Script to Screen

Alexander Swords: Getting On The Same Page | BSS2024

Getting on the Same Page is a method devised by Alexander Swords, a designer, a director, and a game runner, to get key creatives working together towards the same outcome. His “one page” of six instruments are taken from a range of creative processes to act as a source of truth. It holds intention, facilitates clearer communication, and helps teams hold themselves to account. During development it acts as prompts for all the important questions, and in production it helps teams understand the relationship between the many elements that come together for screen magic. 

Mana Whenua: Navigating Māori concepts in western contexts | BSS2024

Screen industry practitioners Piripi Curtis, Te Kohe Tuhaka, Angela Cudd, and Tihini Grant discuss the diverse strategies Māori producers employ within their unique productions, with the aim of creating a greater awareness of Māori values, practices and perspectives when it comes to filming on iwi and hapu owned land.  
This session shares respectful engagement practices and nuances of engaging with mana whenua. 

Writing Methodology | BSS2024

Three leading screenwriters, Michael Bennett, Dianne Taylor and Lulu Wang share their experiences on the craft of writing for film and series, from the first idea being conceptualised through to the final draft for production based on examples from their own acclaimed work.
This session is moderated by Marc Laureano and presented by South Pacific Pictures.  

Directing Masterclass with James Napier Robertson | BSS2024

James Napier Robertson has established himself as one of New Zealand’s most successful filmmakers over the last ten years with acclaimed films I’m Not Harry Jenson, The Dark Horse, Whina and Joika. Delving into the craft of directing, James’s masterclass offers insights into how a story can be told with visual choices and clarity of meaning.
This session is presented by the Department of Post.  
 

Cliff Curtis | Stepping into the Unknown Keynote Address | BSS2024

 Celebrating New Zealand talent the 2024 BSS Keynote address included seven New Zealand acting practitioners with unique stories and outlooks. In this podcast Cliff Curtis shares his thoughts on the BSS 2024 theme Stepping into the Unknown.  
 
This session, was presented by Te Mangai Paho. 

Pax Assadi | Stepping into the Unknown Keynote Address | BSS2024

Celebrating New Zealand talent the 2024 BSS Keynote address included seven New Zealand acting practitioners with unique stories and outlooks. In this podcast Pax Assadi shares his thoughts on the BSS 2024 theme Stepping into the Unknown.  
 
This session, was presented by Te Mangai Paho. 

Jess Hong | Stepping into the Unknown Keynote Address | BSS2024

Celebrating New Zealand talent the 2024 BSS Keynote address included seven New Zealand acting practitioners with unique stories and outlooks. In this podcast Jess Hong shares her thoughts on the BSS 2024 theme Stepping into the Unknown.  
 
This session, was presented by Te Mangai Paho. 

Shane Rangi | Stepping into the Unknown Keynote Address | BSS2024

Celebrating New Zealand talent the 2024 BSS Keynote address included seven New Zealand acting practitioners with unique stories and outlooks. In this podcast Shane Rangi shares his thoughts on the BSS 2024 theme Stepping into the Unknown.  
This session, was presented by Te Mangai Paho. 

Lucy Lawless | Stepping into the Unknown Keynote Address | BSS2024

Celebrating New Zealand talent the 2024 BSS Keynote address included seven New Zealand acting practitioners with unique stories and outlooks. In this podcast Lucy Lawless shares her thoughts on the BSS 2024 theme Stepping into the Unknown.  
This session, was presented by Te Mangai Paho. 
 

Beulah Koale | Stepping into the Unknown Keynote Address | BSS2024

Celebrating New Zealand talent the 2024 BSS Keynote address included seven New Zealand acting practitioners with unique stories and outlooks. In this podcast Beulah Koale shares his thoughts on the BSS 2024 theme Stepping into the Unknown.  
This session, was presented by Te Mangai Paho. 

Robyn Malcolm | Stepping into the Unknown Keynote Address | BSS2024

Celebrating New Zealand talent the 2024 BSS Keynote address included seven New Zealand acting practitioners with unique stories and outlooks. In this podcast Robyn Malcolm shares her thoughts on the BSS 2024 theme Stepping into the Unknown.  
 
This session, was presented by Te Mangai Paho.  

Lulu Wang In Conversation with Shuchi Kothari | BSS2024

American writer, director and showrunner Lulu Wang speaks with NZ-based screenwriter Shuchi Kothari about her adaption process of the book The Expatriates, her journey finding her voice as a writer and her directing work. They touch on her feature film The Farewell which draws on a personal story for her, and more recently her six-episode drama series Expats which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and quickly became one of the most highly rated shows of the year. This session is presented by Images & Sound.