September 2024
Tēnā koe, Mālō le soifua, Nǐ hǎo, Hello.
We’ve been quiet, we know. However, we’ve been busy behind the scenes fighting for screenwriters’ rights & protections, building a new website, and making sure the doors stay open.
Like many organisations around Aotearoa, we are facing the challenge of maintaining and diversifying our operational funding. Simply put, finding money to keep NZWG going. This ensures screenwriters have a place of their own, to assist with contracting, minimum rates, troubleshooting, working relationships, and building professional skills.
Scroll down to the end of this bulletin for the latest news, events, competitions, and funding opportunities.
Already an NZWG member? Sign in here
Tēnā koe, Mālō le soifua, Nǐ hǎo, Hello.
We’ve been quiet, we know. However, we’ve been busy behind the scenes fighting for screenwriters’ rights & protections, building a new website, and making sure the doors stay open.
Like many organisations around Aotearoa, we are facing the challenge of maintaining and diversifying our operational funding. Simply put, finding money to keep NZWG going. This ensures screenwriters have a place of their own, to assist with contracting, minimum rates, troubleshooting, working relationships, and building professional skills.
Scroll down to the end of this bulletin for the latest news, events, competitions, and funding opportunities.
By writers, for writers. Since 1976.
In the absence of information, we make things up! And that’s exactly what’s been happening in the local opinion rags and Facebook groups recently. But, before we launch into the real update, check out this Writer’s 101 on the Screen Industry Workers Act 2022 (SIWA).
Let’s set the record straight about the progress of collective bargaining under SIWA. Since January 2023, NZWG has been in active conversations with SPADA about the commencement date for collective bargaining. SPADA has been unable to commit to registering as an Engager Organisation for varying reasons over this period.
In mid-2024, NZWG, Equity NZ, and DEGANZ (Worker Organisations) commenced more active conversations with SPADA on how to assist them in “getting to the table.” We met as a group, we have exchanged letters, we have offered timing commitments, and we have continued to agree on the sequencing of bargaining, as follows:
1. New Zealand Writers Guild (NZWG) | The Writers
2. Equity NZ | The Performers
3. Directors & Editors Guild of Aotearoa NZ (DEGANZ) | The Directors & Editors
4. Screen Industry Guild of Aotearoa (SIGANZ) | The Technicians (Production)
As registered Worker Organisations, we have also petitioned to ensure that SPADA, and ourselves, had financial support from the Government to commence bargaining; sadly, this was taken away under the current coalition government. We have been incredibly supportive! Check out our combined message HERE from last week.
What next? We wait until early October for SPADA to have another Board meeting, discuss amongst themselves, and then they will let us know when they can register as an Engager Organisation; then bargaining can commence.
This year, NZWG has been working with Trigger Digital to create a new website to protect and promote the screenwriters of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Within the coming month, we will be in contact with all members to ensure your details are up to date and ready to be part of the action… but what does that mean for you, dear screenwriter?
The new website has a whole new world of opportunities to get yourself seen, connected, and upskill. The following services will be available only to paid members:
- Find A Writer – Dynamic and searchable screenwriter database, for co-writers & producers seeking writers!
- Call for Writers – An online service for Producers to list jobs that screenwriters can apply for!
- Producers List – Direct access for writers to producers seeking new & commissioned works!
- Member-only access - Information, resources, and events for members only!
Members, keep an eye on your inbox for instructions from NZWG about updating your details, and being ready for the new website launch… it’s coming soon!
With thanks to our incredible sponsors: Auckland Council Regional Arts and Culture Grant, and Four Winds Foundation.
FEATURED
Know Your Worth with Dr. Jo Cribb
Been talked over in a meeting? Struggled to negotiate your contract? Feel undervalued? Hate conflict?
In this hands-on workshop, Dr Jo Cribb will share practical negotiation and conflict resolution strategies, as well as important insights on attitudes to money and pay gaps. You will leave with practical tips and tricks for tackling your next contract negotiations. Wellington Event.
Script to Screen Story Camp Aotearoa
Story Camp Aotearoa is a residential feature film lab run by Script to Screen that cultivates writers and their projects by fostering voice, honing craft, clarifying vision and kaupapa through in-depth story sessions between international and local advisors and the selected filmmakers.
AWG Welcomes Guardrails for AI
The Australian Writers’ Guild welcomes the Government’s proposed guardrails for the safe and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence in high-risk settings, which would include mandatory transparency around the provenance of data and how datasets are used in AI systems.
WRITE ROOM - Toi Poneke Residency
Write Room Wellington is a screenwriter residency programme offered in partnership with Toi Pōneke Arts Centre, POP Film, and the Wellington City Council Aho Tini 2030 Arts, Culture & Creativity Strategy.
EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
Screenwriting Lecturer Position in Canterbury
Teach and provide leadership into the Screenwriting Major of the Bachelor of Digital Screen (Honours) at University of Canterbury.
Rainmakers Aotearoa
Script to Screen is excited to offer a new innovative mentorship programme that will continue to nourish the screen sector in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Strength in Numbers
Through this programme, practitioners will develop the tools they need to build a sustainable and profitable business in the screen industry.
Māoriland Film Festival 2025
Māoriland Film Festival and the Māoriland Hub is based in Ōtaki, Aotearoa. The 12th Māoriland Film Festival – MFF25 will take place from March 26 – 30, 2025.
NZSPR Producers Masterclass
This screen production rebate masterclass will cover: What elements DO and DO NOT meet the NZSPR Criteria for Market and Non-Government financing + more!
Contract Enforcement with the Guilds
A group of guilds (incl. NZWG) met and discussed sector-wide education and enforcement issues relating to the Screen Industry Workers Act (SIWA).
Film Pipeline Short Script Competition
The 7th Annual Film Pipeline Short Script Competition provides an opportunity for writers to get their project financed and produced.
He Kauahi Catalyst is Back!
He Kauahi Catalyst supports filmmakers to progress their talents to the next stage and make exceptional, high-end narrative short films.
Bluecat Screenplay Competition
Bluecat reads every screenplay and provides written notes on all submissions to develop you and support your growth into professional storytellers.
Celebrating Te Wiki o te Reo Māori
Te Wiki o te Reo Māori | Māori Language Week from 14 – 21 September, NZ On Screen takes a look at a few bilingual titles that might get te reo flowing!
Berlinale Co-Production Market
The 22nd edition of the Berlinale Co-Production Market will take place from Saturday to Wednesday, Feb 15-19, 2025. Submit features and co-production series.
Meet the Guilds - Auckland Event
Learn about how these guilds support the screen industry, and the diverse range of resources and opportunities available from each guild, for their members + free drinks!
World Conference of Screenwriters - Ireland
WCOS 2024 is for all writers and Guilds who are members of the International Affiliation of Writers Guilds (IAWG) and/or the Federation of Screenwriters in Europe (FSE).
Join the New Zealand Writers Guild
Become a member and access exclusive benefits and resources.
