The depth of talent in Wellington’s screen sector is once again on the global stage, with four participants joining Screen Canberra’s Accelerator Film Pod 2019, to develop and market-test feature film projects with strong commercial prospects.
Screen Wellington, the New Zealand Film Commission and Screen Canberra are supporting two teams made up of a writer and a producer to join the accelerator for the four-month gateway programme designed to help participants complete a market-driven first draft script within 11 months.
The programme uses a mix of industry panels, masterclasses, project work, pitching and feedback sessions to create a commercially-viable film project.
Alex Clark (Houghton Bay) and Dean Hewison (Berhampore) will be developing a comedy feature during the Accelerator Film Pod.
“As a producer, I want to be able to help shape feature film projects through the development process to ensure they have market appeal,” says Alex.
“There are many fantastic and creative minds in the Wellington film industry and a lot of great film ideas - I’m excited to be involved in developing these ideas into projects through to production and release.”
Kath Akuhata-Brown (Berhampore) and Becs Arahanga (Miramar) will develop their drama, KŌKĀ (mother), that tells the story of an elderly woman’s journey home.
“KŌKĀ is a homage to the ancestress Hamoterangi who is the mother of both Ngati Porou (my tribe) and Kai Tahu,” says Kath.
Screen Wellington’s Alex Glasspool is excited two Wellington teams will make up the New Zealand contingent to Accelerator Film Pod 2019.
“Accelerators like these are great for local IP development and to help our local talent. It’s also a great opportunity to grow our relationship with our sister city, Canberra, and with the Screen Canberra team,” says Alex.
The accelerator begins on 22nd February.
Sister city connections:
Canberra has sister city relationships with both Wellington and Singapore and have run scaled down versions of POD in both cities as part of trade delegations with the ACT Government. Two teams from Singapore are also attending the Accelerator Film Pod 2019.