Big Screen Symposium & Script to Screen
🎞️ Podcasts recorded at the annual Big Screen Symposium & TALKS series recorded by Script to Screen at various regional events in Aotearoa, NZ. 🎞️ These podcasts are shared to help develop the craft and culture of storytelling for the screen in Aotearoa and beyond.
Episodes

Wednesday Aug 15, 2018
Big Screen Symposium 2017: In Conversation with Luke Davies and David Michôd
Wednesday Aug 15, 2018
Wednesday Aug 15, 2018
Moderated by Brita McVeigh.
David Michôd and Luke Davies have been in Los Angeles, living and working in close proximity a lot of the time for nigh on 10 years.
They talk to Brita McVeigh about their quite different respective experiences of this Hollywood chapter of their lives, their observation of each other’s individual working processes, and their feedback loops on each other’s projects.
They are now working together as co-showrunners of the TV adaptation of CATCH 22, in development. They explore how the collaboration is taking shape: how they have been writing together, how they attempt to create flow, how they try to be efficient, and how they are dividing the labour.
This session took place on Sunday 1st October, 2:40pm at the Big Screen Symposium 2017 in Auckland, NZ.
The Big Screen Symposium is New Zealand's annual premiere film event, proudly brought to you by Script to Screen and J&A Productions.

Wednesday Aug 15, 2018
Big Screen Symposium 2017: Directing with So Yong Kim
Wednesday Aug 15, 2018
Wednesday Aug 15, 2018
Moderated by Brita McVeigh.
“An exquisite, beautifully shot meditation on love clouded by fear and doubt.” LOVESONG REVIEW, New York Times, Stephen Holden
Experienced independent director So Yong Kim is known for creating intimacy and atmosphere in her critically acclaimed films IN BETWEEN DAYS, TREELESS MOUNTAIN, FOR ELLEN and LOVESONG. In this session she talks about working with the actors to create this mood, and cultivating an individual voice when directing feature films.
As a sought after episodic director for leading series TRANSPARENT, AMERICAN CRIME, QUEEN SUGAR and ROOM 104, So Yong will contrast her feature film experience to directing episodic television using someone else’s blueprint.
So Yong Kim's session took place on Sunday 1st October, 11:10am at the Big Screen Symposium 2017 in Auckland, NZ.
The Big Screen Symposium is New Zealand's annual premiere film event, proudly brought to you by Script to Screen and J&A Productions.
Presented by Images and Sound

Wednesday Aug 15, 2018
Big Screen Symposium 2017: Distribution Masterclass with Peter Broderick
Wednesday Aug 15, 2018
Wednesday Aug 15, 2018
Leading distribution strategist Peter Broderick gives an up-to-the-minute overview of the lay of the land, the opportunities, and the perils of distribution. This session is designed to empower filmmakers to design the best roadmaps for their projects.
In this masterclass Peter reviews possible destinations, and explains the importance of starting with clearly defined goals. He demonstrates how traditional routes often turn into dead ends including wide theatrical distribution; highlights promising new paths such as semi-theatrical campaigns; and addresses how essential windows are in marking the legs of the journey. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how you can reach your potential audience in today’s world.
Presented by Loading Docs
Peter's session took place on Sunday October 1st, 11:10am at the Big Screen Symposium 2017 in Auckland, NZ.
The Big Screen Symposium is New Zealand's annual premiere film event, proudly brought to you by Script to Screen and J&A Productions.

Wednesday Aug 15, 2018
Big Screen Symposium 2017: Directing with David Michôd
Wednesday Aug 15, 2018
Wednesday Aug 15, 2018
Moderated by Shuchi Kothari.
During this in-depth craft focused session, David Michôd delves into his directorial process and approach with moderator Shuchi Kothari.
Find out how David develops his vision for the look and feel of a film, and ensures it translates on to the screen. David will share his aesthetic preparation including the way he collaborates with DoPs, production designers and actors in pre-production and on set.
Having moved from gritty debut breakout ANIMAL KINGDOM to THE ROVER that was in official selection at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival then big budget Netflix WAR MACHINE, David addresses how scale has impacted his directorial vision and process.
David's session took place on Saturday 30th September, 3:00pm at the Big Screen Symposium 2017 in Auckland, NZ.
The Big Screen Symposium is New Zealand's annual premiere film event, proudly brought to you by Script to Screen and J&A Productions.

Wednesday Aug 15, 2018
Big Screen Symposium 2017: Adaptation with writer Luke Davies
Wednesday Aug 15, 2018
Wednesday Aug 15, 2018
Los Angeles based Luke Davies is one of Australia’s most sought after writers. In this session, he delves into the challenges of adapting source material for the screen.
Luke adapted his own novel Candy for the screen, and the book A Long Way Home by Saroo Brierley into LION, which went on to be nominated for 2017 Academy Awards Best Adapted Screenplay and to win a BAFTA in this same category.
His current work includes BEAUTIFUL BOY, an adaptation of a memoir chronicling meth addiction and recovery through the eyes of a father, produced by Brad Pitt’s Plan B, directed by Academy Award nominated Felix van Groeningen and starring Steve Carrell; and a six-part limited series adaptation for television of the beloved Joseph Heller novel CATCH 22.
Luke talks about his creative process when working with existing material to create blueprints for compelling film and television. This includes tough decisions he has made, and craft problems he has solved.
Presented by South Pacific Pictures.
Luke's session took place on Saturday 30th September, 11:40am at the Big Screen Symposium 2017 in Auckland, NZ.
The Big Screen Symposium is New Zealand's annual premiere film event, proudly brought to you by Script to Screen and J&A Productions.

Wednesday Aug 15, 2018
Big Screen Symposium 2017: In Conversation with UTA Agent Bec Smith
Wednesday Aug 15, 2018
Wednesday Aug 15, 2018
Bec Smith is an agent at United Talent Agency, one of the biggest talent agencies in the world. Originally from Australia, Bec has worked at UTA in Los Angeles for 10 years and her client list includes many acclaimed fellow Australians.
The agency system in the US plays an integral part in the packaging of film and high-end television projects, and Bec’s work as an agent goes beyond the representation of filmmakers.
Connecting talent, seeking finance and representing sales for her clients’ independent films are key parts of her job.
In this special conversation with Jill Macnab, Bec demystifies the US agency system and gives you her take on the current film and television market informed by her recent attendance at festivals and markets including Sundance, Berlin, Cannes, Venice, Toronto and the American Film Market.
Presented by Department of Post
Bec's session took place on Sunday 1st October, 1:20pm at the Big Screen Symposium 2017 in Auckland, NZ.
The Big Screen Symposium is New Zealand's annual premiere film event, proudly brought to you by Script to Screen and J&A Productions.
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Wednesday Aug 15, 2018
Big Screen Symposium 2017: Keynote Address Day 2 - Authenticity and Pretence
Wednesday Aug 15, 2018
Wednesday Aug 15, 2018
Michael Bennett, Miriama McDowell, Jessica Hansell, and Todd Karehana each give their take on our theme Authenticity & Pretence in the context of their recent projects, working practice, and view of the world.
Presented by NZ On Air
This session took place on Sunday 1 October, 9.30am at the Big Screen Symposium 2017 in Auckland, NZ.
The Big Screen Symposium is New Zealand's annual premiere film event, proudly brought to you by Script to Screen and J&A Productions.
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Wednesday Aug 15, 2018
NZIFF TALKS 2017: Francis Lee on GOD'S OWN COUNTRY with Shuchi Kothari
Wednesday Aug 15, 2018
Wednesday Aug 15, 2018
This session is moderated by Shuchi Kothari.
Francis Lee joins us from the UK to share stories about the making of his first feature, GOD’S OWN COUNTRY, winner of Best British Feature Film at this year’s Edinburgh International Film Festival, Best Director prize in Sundance’s World Cinema Dramatic Competition and the Männer Jury Award for Best Film at Berlin Film Festival. BFI describes the film as “one of the most assured, fully-formed British debuts of recent years”. Tune in to hear from Francis who started his directing career at 40 when he quit acting to make three self-financed short films.
This talk took place on 3 August, 2017 after the 1:00pm screening at the Wintergarden at the Civic Theatre in Auckland, New Zealand.

Wednesday Aug 15, 2018
NZIFF TALKS 2017: Jennifer Peedom on MOUNTAIN
Wednesday Aug 15, 2018
Wednesday Aug 15, 2018
MOUNTAIN is described by The Guardian as“a 70-minute rush of adrenaline; a safari into the sublime; a vertiginous voyage to the top of the world”. Director, Jennifer Peedom (SHERPA) visits Auckland to share stories about her experience working for the second time with high altitude cinematographer Renan Ozturk; her collaborations with writer Robert Macfarlane and narrator Willem Defoe; creating an atmospheric score with the Australian Chamber Orchestra and wrangling more than 2,000 hours of footage shot in 15 countries to make her spectacular new movie.
This Q&A took place on 1 August, 2017 after a 6:30pm screening of the film at Wintergarden at the Civic Theatre in Auckland.

Wednesday Aug 15, 2018
NZIFF TALKS 2017: Gaylene Preston on MY YEAR WITH HELEN
Wednesday Aug 15, 2018
Wednesday Aug 15, 2018
This session is moderated by Helene Wong.
Fresh from the World Premiere in Sydney, legendary filmmaker Gaylene Preston reveals what she discovered about Helen Clark, and the challenges she faced when making a documentary across multiple continents with a high profile subject.
“Preston’s cameras explore the cracks between the diplomats, the embedded press and feminist activists as they push for change, (at the U.N.), while caught up in a power process as secretive and patriarchal as the selection of the Pope.” Kip Brook (makelemonade.nz)
This discussion took place on 25 July, 2017 after an 11:00am screening at Wintergarden at the Civic Theatre in Auckland.

Wednesday Aug 15, 2018
NZIFF TALKS 2017: Francis Lee on GOD'S OWN COUNTRY with Max Currie
Wednesday Aug 15, 2018
Wednesday Aug 15, 2018
This session is moderated by Max Currie.
Francis Lee joins us from the UK to share stories about the making of his first feature, GOD’S OWN COUNTRY, winner of Best British Feature Film at this year’s Edinburgh International Film Festival, Best Director prize in Sundance’s World Cinema Dramatic Competition and the Männer Jury Award for Best Film at Berlin Film Festival. BFI describes the film as “one of the most assured, fully-formed British debuts of recent years”. Tune in to hear from Francis who started his directing career at 40 when he quit acting to make three self-financed short films.
This TALK took place on 2 August, 2017 after a 6:30pm screening at the Wintergarden at the Civic Theater in Auckland, New Zealand.

Tuesday Jun 27, 2017
Big Screen Symposium 2016: In Conversation with Jonathan Raymond
Tuesday Jun 27, 2017
Tuesday Jun 27, 2017
Moderated by Emily Perkins.
An acclaimed author, Jonathan Raymond is also the award-winning screenwriter behind the courageously minimalistic festival hits WENDY AND LUCY, MEEK’S CUTOFF, OLD JOY and NIGHT MOVES – on which he collaborated with revered indie director Kelly Reichardt. Jonathan also co-wrote the HBO miniseries MILDRED PIERCE, winner of five Emmy Awards, with legendary director Todd Haynes.
In this conversation Emily Perkins talks to Jonathan about what risk means to him within the creative process, remaining open to new possibilities while searching for the heart of the material, and finding and investing yourself in the work while truly sharing the vision with your collaborators – in Jonathan’s case two of the boldest auteurs in independent cinema today.
Jon's session took place on Sat 24th September, 11am at the Big Screen Symposium 2016 in Auckland, New Zealand.
The Big Screen Symposium is New Zealand's annual premiere film event, proudly brought to you by Script to Screen and J&A Productions.