Big Screen Symposium & Script to Screen

Big Screen Symposium 2017: Directing with David Michôd

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.
            

Big Screen Symposium 2017: Adaptation with writer Luke Davies

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.
               

Big Screen Symposium 2017: In Conversation with UTA Agent Bec Smith

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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Big Screen Symposium 2017: Keynote Address Day 2 - Authenticity and Pretence

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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NZIFF TALKS 2017: Francis Lee on GOD'S OWN COUNTRY with Shuchi Kothari

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. 
          

NZIFF TALKS 2017: Jennifer Peedom on MOUNTAIN

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.
 
 
 

NZIFF TALKS 2017: Gaylene Preston on MY YEAR WITH HELEN

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. 
          
 

NZIFF TALKS 2017: Francis Lee on GOD'S OWN COUNTRY with Max Currie

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. 
 
         

Big Screen Symposium 2016: In Conversation with Jonathan Raymond

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.
                            

Big Screen Symposium 2016: Making Great TV Drama with Cate Shortland and Tony Krawitz

Moderated by Max Currie.
Recent years have seen exceptional television drama out of Australia. Like in the US and Europe, much of the most sought after acting, writing and directing talent is working across both film and TV.
Amongst her lauded film credits, writer/director Cate Shortland (SOMERSAULT, LORE) has written on the esteemed award-winning Australian dramas THE SLAP, DEVIL’S PLAYGROUND, DEADLINE GALLIPOLI and THE KETTERING INCIDENT. Currently she has her own show in development with Matchbox Pictures.Celebrated film writer/director Tony Krawitz (DEAD EUROPE) has also been lured into the invigorating world of television, his many impressive credits include directing DEVIL’S PLAYGROUND, A PLACE TO CALL HOME, and most recently atmospheric mystery THE KETTERING INCIDENT.
Join Cate & Tony as they provide us a writer’s and director’s behind the scenes perspective on the crafting of high-end television across the ditch.
Sun 25 Sept, Big Screen Symposium 2016, 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.
                            

Big Screen Symposium 2016: In Conversation with Cliff Curtis

Moderated by Bailey Mackey.
In this intimate conversation with Bailey Mackey, esteemed actor Cliff Curtis shares his process when preparing for each role, his approach to risk-taking, his experiences at home and beyond, and what makes him tick.
Homegrown star and greatly respected actor Cliff Curtis has starred in many of NZ’s most celebrated films including THE PIANO, ONCE WERE WARRIORS, WHALE RIDER and THE DARK HORSE, whilst also carving a career as a chameleon character actor in Hollywood. He has also produced films including BOY and EAGLE VS SHARK with producer Ainsley Gardiner.
He currently stars in AMC’s FEAR THE WALKING DEAD alongside Kim Dickens. The show premiered on August 23, 2015, and was the most watched series premiere in U.S cable TV history.
This session took place on Sunday 25th September, 3.25pm 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.
                            

Big Screen Symposium 2016: Screenwriting Masterclass with Cate Shortland - Image and the Subconscious

Moderated by Brita McVeigh.
“When writing, drawing from the subconscious is slower and more arduous, difficult to find – but perhaps in the end the pain creates something beautiful and idiosyncratic, and this is often the part that the viewer takes away and remembers, the part that gets under our skin.”
Cate Shortland is the acclaimed writer/director of the award-winning and profoundly memorable features SOMERSAULT and LORE, as well as a screenwriter on some of Australia’s most renowned television drama.
Cate uses examples from her film work to chart her writing process: from the genesis of an idea, to taking risks with character, to building scenes from the page up with actors and choreographers – and the vital role of imagery, landscape, and the subconscious.
Cate's session took place on Saturday 24th September, 2:45pm at the Big Screen Symposium 2016, 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.