ABOUT SHORT CUTS
Short Cuts is an initiative funded by the New Zealand Film Commission specifically for Pan-Asian practitioners. Short Cuts is designed to deliver a series of workshops and discussions over 2.5 days to nurture and strengthen Pan-Asian projects and/or teams.
WHAT:
Short Cuts development lab
WHO:
Two out of three key creatives must be of Asian Heritage
WHEN:
Workshops 24-26 May 2024
WHERE:
Auckland
Applications closed
The Pan-Asian Screen Collective is proud to announce the fourth iteration of Short Cuts, a development lab for scripted short films under 10 minutes in length. Designed specifically to improve Pan-Asian representation in the short film space, the development lab will invite up to nine teams in May 2024 for robust development of their projects.
The objective is to empower new and emerging Pan-Asian filmmakers to develop their scripted short films for independent production, and to significantly advance applications for production grants from other initiatives such as NZFC/Script to Screen’ Fresh Shorts, Outlook for Someday, NZ On Air; and strengthen projects to pursue independent funding. Scheduled on the final weekend of May 2024, the Auckland-based lab will address topics relevant to writers, directors and producers of short films. PASC aims to support teams to take on leadership roles, initiate content, and contribute to the growth of Pan-Asian representation in the screen industry.
PASC welcomes aspiring writers, directors, and producers to apply. We are eager to discover the upcoming wave of talent within our community. PASC Executive and Short Cuts Convenor, Dr Shuchi Kothari, will be joined by other senior practitioners to deliver the syllabus.
“In its fourth iteration Short Cuts has not only become a PASC staple in terms of strategic training initiatives but has been able to demonstrate its impact via high quality projects and teams that continue to make creative work together. The initiative has always focused on developing Asian practitioners and the stories they most want to tell. We’ll be better poised in February to announce whether or not this iteration is accompanied by funding for production but in the meantime, our commitment to develop new and emerging teams and their projects in a culturally safe and pedagogically rigorous environment remains resolute.” says Dr Kothari.
“At the end of Short Cuts everyone should minimally have a well-workshopped project for pitching to other initiatives or to produce themselves via crowdfunding.”
Starting this year, a nominal application fee of $10 has been introduced for the Short Cuts Development Lab.
To be considered for the lab, please submit your application along with a non-refundable application fee of $10. Payment can be made via bank transfer. It's important to note that the application fee does not guarantee a spot in the lab. The selection process will involve narrowing down applicants to nine teams based on the evaluation of submitted applications.
For those residing outside Auckland, PASC may provide a travel subsidy up to $250 for North Island participants and up to $500 for participants from the South Island.
PASC thanks the New Zealand Film Commission for supporting the Short Cuts Development Lab.
DOWNLOAD THE UPDATED SHORT CUTS CHECKLIST AND DECLARATION FORM HERE
**ANNOUNCMENT - 12 FEBRUARY**
Due to the number of teams that have expressed difficulty finding a producer, we are opening submissions to writer/director teams who intend on finding a producer as they progress their projects. Priority will be given to teams with all three roles filled but we encourage writer/director teams to apply if you have a project you want to develop.
Q&A Webinar
Tuesday 13 February 2024
An introduction and Q&A for Short Cuts 2024 Development Lab with designer and convenor, Shuchi Kothari, and PASC general manager, Megan Blackwell.
SPADA have kindly shared their resources to assist new and emerging producers applying to Short Cuts:
To form teams, we encourage applicants to reach out to other practitioners on Emerging Screen Alliance Aotearoa Facebook Group or reach out directly to SPADA at comms@spada.co.nz.
Participants of the Short Cuts 2023 lab
Short Cuts development lab 2023
Short Cuts development lab 2023
SHORT CUTS LAB
PARTICIPANTS
Short Cuts FAQ
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We’ll be better position in February to announce if PASC has been successful in securing funding for production. In the meantime, we are committed to the development of new and emerging teams and their projects.
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Your budget summary should demonstrate consideration of key costs and planning around securing funding.
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No. But in consideration of PASC’s kaupapa to promote Pan-Asian practitioners and projects, at least two out of the three key creative roles must be performed by practitioners of Pan-Asian Heritage - especially the director and the writer, if the story is Asian focussed.
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No key creative can be attached to more than two projects, whether as a team or as individuals. An individual may perform the same role in two projects, OR different roles on two projects; but no more than two projects.
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Directors attached to the project may not have received more than one round of NZFC short film production funding.
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Yes. Your project must have a producer who can ensure the project’s full delivery.
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Yes. All three key creatives must attend the entirety of the lab to be considered to receive PASC production funding.
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With apologies to documentary makers, this particular lab is designed for scripted fiction.
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Either is fine but, if it is adapted, we require a clear chain of title as part of your application.