Kōpere Ake - 2024
In 2024, the Kōpere Ake one round with two grants will be available for writers or teams of writers to apply for.
Judges Panel
Steve worked in the Hollywood system for 16 years before transitioning into writing and producing. Recently Steve spent 4 years as the Commissioner of Drama & Scripted Comedy at TVNZ. As a screenplay consultant he has written formal analysis on thousands of screenplays, and lectured at the Screenwriter's Expo, StoryBoard, Scriptwrights, Northwest Writers Guild, and dozens of institutions and industry organisations in America and New Zealand. Steve now spends his time writing and producing and serving the screenwriters of Aotearoa NZ on the Board of NZWG.
Steve worked in the Hollywood system for 16 years before transitioning into writing and producing. Recently Steve spent 4 years as the Commissioner of Drama & Scripted Comedy at TVNZ. As a screenplay consultant he has written formal analysis on thousands of screenplays, and lectured at the Screenwriter's Expo, StoryBoard, Scriptwrights, Northwest Writers Guild, and dozens of institutions and industry organisations in America and New Zealand. Steve now spends his time writing and producing and serving the screenwriters of Aotearoa NZ on the Board of NZWG.
Nicole is a writer and story developer for film and TV. She is known for her deep understanding of story and genre, and has developed projects internationally, working with a wide range of talent. Nicole has held roles as senior creative executive at international companies, including Screen Australia.Nicole is passionate about empowering diverse storytellers, and she has created a new story programme, Elements of Story, which demystifies story principles, breaks free of old models and puts the storyteller at its heart. She designs and presents story workshops and talent labs for international industry organisations, funding bodies and film festivals.
Nicole is a writer and story developer for film and TV. She is known for her deep understanding of story and genre, and has developed projects internationally, working with a wide range of talent. Nicole has held roles as senior creative executive at international companies, including Screen Australia.Nicole is passionate about empowering diverse storytellers, and she has created a new story programme, Elements of Story, which demystifies story principles, breaks free of old models and puts the storyteller at its heart. She designs and presents story workshops and talent labs for international industry organisations, funding bodies and film festivals.
Chair of the Writers' Guild of Ireland since 2020, Jennifer writes for Ireland’s national soap opera, Fair City, having been a core member of the writing team since 2012. A fierce advocate for Irish writers, through her work with the Writers Guild, she has originated and run a wide number of training and development initiatives for new writers. In 2022 she set up her own writer-led production company, HeartFelt Drama.
Chair of the Writers' Guild of Ireland since 2020, Jennifer writes for Ireland’s national soap opera, Fair City, having been a core member of the writing team since 2012. A fierce advocate for Irish writers, through her work with the Writers Guild, she has originated and run a wide number of training and development initiatives for new writers. In 2022 she set up her own writer-led production company, HeartFelt Drama.
Rachel is an award-winning television writer, creator, showrunner and executive producer. She is best known for long running series Outrageous Fortune, Go Girls, Nothing Trivial and The Almighty Johnsons. Her career as a writer started on Shortland Street, where she was the first NZ story editor. Rachel has also worked in development and as a script editor, script consultant and mentor. She’s been a member of NZWG for many years and joined the board to help promote the interests of NZ screenwriters. In 2017, Rachel was made a member of the order of NZ for her services to television.
Rachel is an award-winning television writer, creator, showrunner and executive producer. She is best known for long running series Outrageous Fortune, Go Girls, Nothing Trivial and The Almighty Johnsons. Her career as a writer started on Shortland Street, where she was the first NZ story editor. Rachel has also worked in development and as a script editor, script consultant and mentor. She’s been a member of NZWG for many years and joined the board to help promote the interests of NZ screenwriters. In 2017, Rachel was made a member of the order of NZ for her services to television.
Scott is a playwright, screenwriter and long-time story analyst based in Burbank, California. Scott’s short plays have been produced over 700 times around the world, including at the South Pole. He is a two-time winner of Amazon Studios' screenwriting contest, and wrote the TV movies STALKER, THE SUMMONING, IN BROAD DAYLIGHT, LINE SISTERS and BLOOD ON HER BADGE.
Scott is a playwright, screenwriter and long-time story analyst based in Burbank, California. Scott’s short plays have been produced over 700 times around the world, including at the South Pole. He is a two-time winner of Amazon Studios' screenwriting contest, and wrote the TV movies STALKER, THE SUMMONING, IN BROAD DAYLIGHT, LINE SISTERS and BLOOD ON HER BADGE.
Samoan New Zealander, Dana Youngman is an award-winning content executive and board director, with 25 years of leadership experience in the New Zealand Screen Sector. A respected Television Director, Writer, Producer and Executive Producer, Dana’s also the former head of Production at TVNZ. Most recently she was the network executive and content commissioner at Sky Network television, TVNZ, and Streaming service NEON. Dana currently works as the Strategic Advisor to the Chief Executive at the New Zealand Film Commission.
Samoan New Zealander, Dana Youngman is an award-winning content executive and board director, with 25 years of leadership experience in the New Zealand Screen Sector. A respected Television Director, Writer, Producer and Executive Producer, Dana’s also the former head of Production at TVNZ. Most recently she was the network executive and content commissioner at Sky Network television, TVNZ, and Streaming service NEON. Dana currently works as the Strategic Advisor to the Chief Executive at the New Zealand Film Commission.
Kōpere Ake Results Announcement Date:
September 13, 2024
Grant Recipients
Hello, Stranger follows the story of Katherine Kirkwood, a grieving mother who goes to war with a showrunner when he starts making a TV series about her daughter's killer.
Hello, Stranger follows the story of Katherine Kirkwood, a grieving mother who goes to war with a showrunner when he starts making a TV series about her daughter's killer.
When their niece goes missing, three estranged Island Aunties undertake a mission of vengeance in a retro small town known as the “butthole” of NZ.
When their niece goes missing, three estranged Island Aunties undertake a mission of vengeance in a retro small town known as the “butthole” of NZ.
Join the New Zealand Writers Guild
Become a member and access exclusive benefits and resources.
