Script to Screen in collaboration with Film Dunedin, DCC Creative Partnerships, and the Otago Community Trust presents Screenwriting: What Producers Need to Know a two day workshop delivered by renowned Australian script editor/EP/creative producer Claire Dobbin.

Getting to work with Claire Dobbin is a rare opportunity for those committed to investing in themselves, their creativity, and their future as screen story tellers. Designed for producers, writers, HOD’s and other key creatives, Claire has developed and delivered workshops worldwide.

Effective collaboration is one of the key pillars of a screen storytellers toolkit, and is essential for all crew, whether they be above or below the line. The workshop will cover:

How to build mutually respectful and productive relationships
How to develop confidence to explore creative conversations, and to find a shared vision with collaborators
The function that script development plays in the final production
How to identify story issues, exploring solutions through a questioning process while upholding the creative vision of a script

Advanced preparation of approximately 16-24 hrs is required. Participants will have a curated watch list and script reading to complete. These case studies will form an integral foundation for the analysis and discussion undertaken over the weekend.

This workshop was initiated by Film Dunedin and made possible thanks to generous support from Film Dunedin, Film Otago Southland, University of Otago, and Ara Toi Creative Capabilities to help build creative capability in the Otago and Southland regions.

When and where:
Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd March 2025
9:00am - 5:00pm

University of Otago Centre for Innovation, Seminar Room
87 Saint David Street, Dunedin North, Dunedin 9016

Cost:
Was: ~~$85~~ Now: $20 Total *
On both days morning tea and afternoon tea provided, BYO lunch.

* The unique value of this workshop is recognised by Ara Toi, with subsidised places available thanks to the Ara Toi Arts Capability Fund.

Note: Places are limited. In order to complete the online registration you will be asked a series of short answer questions. You will be notified at least 2 weeks prior, if you have gained a place within the workshop.

ABOUT PROGRAMME MENTOR

CLAIRE DOBBIN
Claire Dobbin is a script editor/EP/creative producer who works globally with development agencies, screenwriters, producers and directors. Claire is also –

Script advisor (since 2005) for the acclaimed international script workshop éQuinoxe Europe.
Jury member of key international film festivals
Devises and runs international screenwriting workshops including Italy, Ukraine,India, Norway, Doha, Dubai, Iran, Germany, NZ.
From 1986 – 2000 Claire was the Senior Executive (Creative) at the Australian Film Commission – (Australia’s then national screen agency) with responsibility for the development and production of many key Australian films and filmmakers. She was instrumental in establishing the Indigenous branch which led to the rise of Australia’s internationally acclaimed Indigenous cinema.
From 2003 – 2019 Claire was Chair of “Australia’s most significant screen event” (International Screen Guide), the Melbourne International Film Festival.

Claire devised, and secured the funds for:

MIFF’s international film finance market MIFF 37 Sth which brings over 50 international sales agents to Melbourne every year to secure films from Australian and NZ producers,
MIFF’s film investment fund, The MIFF Premiere Fund. From 2007 – 19 Claire oversaw MIFF’s investment in over 50 Australian films receiving their world premiere at MIFF – many of which also screened in major international festivals including Cannes, Berlin, Toronto, Sundance and Venice, and launched the international careers of Australian filmmakers.

In 2017 Claire was awarded an AM for Services to the Australian Film Industry and in 2019 Claire received the Jill Robb award for outstanding leadership in the Victorian Screen Industry.

Claire is currently the Executive Producer of a number of films including Shit – a film based on the acclaimed play of the same name. She is also script editing a number of international feature films and TV series in Europe, India and the US.

Script to Screen also receives core funding from Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga New Zealand Film Commission.