DEGANZ runs a highly regarded and comprehensive range of professional development workshops, events and programmes, helping directors, editors and assistant editors to upskill.
DEGANZ members can access most of our programmes FREE of charge and are the first to know about our latest workshops and initiatives.
Keep an eye out on our social media platforms for event and workshop announcements.
A two-day practical guide for new and emerging directors that offers a comprehensive overview of the entire director’s process. It covers understanding the script, telling the story visually, inspiring great performances, running a creative set, collaborating in post-production, and more. It also explores the details of the shoot, such as pre-production, blocking, choosing shots and lenses, pacing, and structuring a day. Actors also come in to allow the facilitator and participants to explore what has been covered.
Past facilitators include Robyn Grace, Peter Burger, Rob Sarkies, Josh Frizzell, and Caroline Bell-Booth.
A hands-on programme of moderated workshops, each with a highly experienced New Zealand director, actor or actor/director.
Each session provides both directors and actors with an opportunity to practise their craft, improve director-actor communication, forge new networks, and take creative risks without consequence. Suitable for film school graduates (or equivalent) to mid-career directors.
Past tutors include Michelle Ang, Lucy Wigmore, and Simon Bennett.
A one-day masterclass with a renowned drama and/or documentary director. Past presenters have included acclaimed Australian screen producer, director and writer Robert Connolly, comedy director Jonathan Brough, Australian director Jocelyn Moorhouse, Australian feature film and TV drama director Rachel Perkins, and US-based UK documentary filmmaker Lucy Walker.
Made possible thanks to the support from the NZ Film Commission and the Australian Screen Directors Authorship Collection Society (ASDACS).
A two-day workshop with an acclaimed editor covering philosophical and practical approaches to documentary or drama editing, including hands-on exercises and review.
Past tutors have included Martin Brinkler ACE, Annie Collins, Eric de Beus, UK-based Justine Wright, US-based David Coulson, Australian Dany Cooper, and US documentary editor Doug Blush.
A special networking event giving DEGANZ members the opportunity to network with members from one or two other guilds or associations over drinks and nibbles. A speaker, usually from the screen sector, presents on a topic of interest.
A monthly, online event series exclusive to DEGANZ members, Check-In Tuesdays allows members to check in with the Guild and their peers in a short, sharp, snappy, one-hour session. Hosted by a DEGANZ board member, each of these events is themed around a topic for discussion, as well as provides an opportunity to question, comment and get or give feedback about issues at hand. Check-In Tuesdays provide an opportunity to learn, stay in touch and share thoughts about your mahi with colleagues.
A series of events with a mission to inform and inspire younger or emerging directors and editors to build successful, sustainable careers in the screen industry.
Presented on an ad hoc basis, usually with a renowned screen practitioner. Previous guests include Japanese anime director Kenji Kamiyama, New Zealand editor Tom Eagles, Australian director Garth Davis, director Niki Caro and US director Paul Haggis.
Hosted by the New Zealand Writers Guild, supported by DEGANZ and Equity, Table Reads brings writers, directors, and actors together for a virtual table read of a feature film script.
A series of film screenings celebrating the latest in New Zealand cinema in association with Rialto Cinemas Newmarket, Auckland, with the Guild moderating a Q & A after with the filmmaker(s). $14.50 member discount tickets are available for select sessions.
An ongoing paid attachment scheme with the financial support of NZ On Air and the NZ Film Commission. Our TV Drama Director Attachments pairs one emerging director with a highly experienced drama director to shadow on a telefeature or TV drama series. Previous productions have included Westside, Shortland Street and Ash vs Evil Dead.
The selected attachment gets to attend pre-production meetings, shoots and editing. At the discretion of the drama director and production company, the attachment may also direct for the production either one or more scenes, 2nd unit and/or pickups.
An ongoing DEGANZ initiative that sees one emerging drama editor per iteration shadow a highly experienced practitioner on a telefeature or feature film. The attachment can be expected to attend rough cut, fine cut and screenings for the director/producer/broadcaster/funder, with the opportunity to edit on the production at the sole discretion of the production team.
Intended for emerging editors who want to progress on to a career as a feature film editor. The initiative allows quality learning time between editor and attachment, and at the interface where feedback and approvals occur.
Made possible thanks to the support from the NZ Film Commission.
An ongoing DEGANZ initiative that sees one emerging drama editor of Māori heritage per iteration shadow a highly experienced practitioner on a telefeature or feature film. The attachment can be expected to attend rough cut, fine cut and screenings for the director/producer/broadcaster/funder, with the opportunity to edit on the production at the sole discretion of the production team.
Intended for emerging editors of Māori heritage who want to progress on to a career as a feature film editor. The initiative allows quality learning time between editor and attachment, and at the interface where feedback and approvals occur.
Made possible thanks to the support from the NZ Film Commission.