Opportunity for Southern Screenwriters in China

By Dunedin City Council | Posted:

Local screenwriters are being sought for a two-month residency in Shanghai as part of a new joint initiative of the Dunedin City Council (DCC), New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) and the New Zealand Writers Guild (NZWG).

The Dunedin Shanghai Screenwriters Exchange is intended to provide experienced screenwriters the opportunity to develop work and build new professional relationships. The hope is the work developed in the exchange will lead to new content for film and television projects produced in New Zealand, China or both.

The project is funded by NZFC, Shanghai Art Film Federation (SAFF) and DCC and arose from an agreement signed between Enterprise Dunedin (ED) and SAFF in 2017 to build on the Sister City relationship between Dunedin and Shanghai which will celebrate 25 years in 2019. The project is also one of the first New Zealand screen related projects to become part of the Belt and Road Initiative with China.

We will therefore favour applicants from Dunedin or with strong connections to Dunedin – which could include that they have studied in Dunedin or have worked here for significant periods of time.

A panel will select an applicant based on the strength of their screenwriting experience, the strength of the projects they intend to develop during the residency and on evidence of their ability to engage openly in the development of ideas with a range of partners. Preference will be given to applicants with projects likely to lead to business outcomes such as new productions or work for the writer.

The successful applicant will be provided flights, accommodation (serviced apartment), per diem and hosting support for the duration of their time in Shanghai.

Enterprise Dunedin will provide advice, support and introductions for the writer so that they arrive well prepared and organised to make the most of an exciting opportunity. This will include introductions to staff at the NZ Consulate in Shanghai and the excellent NZ Trade and Enterprise-operated shared office facility, Te Kawenga New Zealand Central where the writer could work or find support. Our partners in the exchange, SAFF will organise meetings and host the writer to events and opportunities in Shanghai.

ED will also provide the applicant access to an experienced Content Developer and script mentor prior to leaving. Our goal is to maximise the opportunities of success for the writer and so if required we can support the successful applicant to develop or strengthen relationships in Shanghai or elsewhere.

To Apply

The applicants must provide:

• Logline, Synopsis, Potential Audience for their main project
• Treatment
• 10 Page Script Sample in PDF format (from the same project as in the application) - or 11 pages if a cover sheet is included.

They will provide their professional CV or bio

Up to 500 words in total describing the ideas and projects they hope to develop in Shanghai including a description about their ideal process to develop these projects.

A panel will shortlist the applicants for an interview.

Enquiries to Antony Deaker at Enterprise Dunedin 03 474 3585 or antony.deaker@dcc.govt.nz

• Applications close August 17th 2018

Residency Planned for October/November 2018