Workshop with James Napier Robertson: How to Write a Great Film Script

Spend a day with James Napier Robertson (The Dark Horse, Whina) as he guides participants through his approach to screenwriting and developing story ideas for film.

Throughout the day James will look at what makes a great story, discuss the stages of development, the fundamentals of character creation and connecting character to story. He’ll also explore structure and how this can continue to take shape throughout development and how all these elements combine and contribute to ‘the larger truth’ of your story. James will also devote some time to talk about career progression and approaches to developing your own work.

Promising to be both interactive and engaging, this is a terrific opportunity to spend a day focusing on your craft as a writer. Bring a notebook or device and be ready to take notes.

Who is it for: Anyone 17+ with a story idea they want to develop into a film script. 

When:  Saturday 21st October, 9am - 5pm
Where: Grey Lynn Library Hall, 474 Great North Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland 1021
Wheelchair access is available. If you require special assistance, please let us know. 

Cost: General Admission $28.00 (incl. GST) via Humanitix.

What to bring: Notebook & pen or note-taking device, water bottle and lunch. Snacks, tea and coffee will be provided. 1hr lunch break - cafes within walking distance. 

Parking: Limited parking is available, allow adequate time to find a park; using public transport is recommended. 

Post Workshop: After the workshop, you are invited to relocate (location TBC) to socialise. Snacks are provided by Script to Screen, and buy your own drinks. 

ABOUT: JAMES NAPIER ROBERTSON

James Napier Robertson is a New Zealand filmmaker.  His 2014 film The Dark Horse was nominated for over 50 awards around the world and won over 30, Variety stating it “exceptional...the most deserving cinematic export to emerge from New Zealand in years” and the RNZ Film Review declaring it “one of the greatest New Zealand films ever made.”  The Dark Horse won Best Picture, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor and Best Score at the 2014 New Zealand Film Awards. It was released theatrically in the United States in 2016, where it was presented by James Cameron, and in late 2016 was formally screened at the White House for then-President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. In 2018, Napier Robertson wrote and directed two episodes of Australian mini-series Romper Stomper, which won Most Outstanding Miniseries at the 2018 Logie Awards. In 2019 he worked on BBC mini-series The Luminaries, and in 2020 worked on Dame Whina Cooper biopic, Whina. His latest film, Joika, a ballet drama set in Russia starring Talia Ryder and Diane Kruger, premiered as the Closing Film for the prestigious Festival du cinéma Américain de Deauville in France and is set to be released in theatres globally in early 2024.

This workshop is made possible thanks to generous support from Creative Communities and New Zealand Film Commission.