SCRIPT DEVELOPMENT
Playmarket has been committed to the development of New Zealand plays and playwrights since 1973. Our aim is to help ensure that plays are at an optimum level of development when they go into production.
Not all scripts need to go through a development process; many are ready for production with little more than a slightly more intensive rehearsal schedule. However many scripts can derive enormous benefit from this sort of attention, and we do our best to identify the best development process for your play, and to design an approach appropriate to its needs.
To talk about your script development needs or ideas contact Scripts.
Unsolicited scripts - Please note that we are NOT able to accept unsolicited scripts; other than those from clients, those submitted for competitions, or for consideration for script development resources. In every case we only accept scripts that have reached at least first draft stage, or equivalent.
We encourage new writers to use our assessment service and/or to enter their plays in one or more of our competitions (see OPPORTUNITIES) which will ensure that it is read carefully by a panel of practitioners.
However, if your play has been successfully performed already, you are welcome to apply to the AGENT directly for client status and representation.
SCRIPT ASSESSMENTS
Script assessment is a straightforward resource open to anyone, and is often our first contact with new writers. Once we have received the script (email preferred) and assessment fee it is sent to one of our assessors and returned within four weeks.
The fee is $190 (GST inclusive). We also offer a service for $260 (GST inclusive) providing an assessment and a one hour script consultation, either in person, or via phone or email if we are unable to find someone in their area. We make it clear that the writer does not have permission to quote from their assessment for publicity purposes, or to use it as a reference for funding applications, etc.
Payment can be made by cheque, or by direct credit to:
Playmarket
Bank of New Zealand
02-0568-0020573-00.
Our assessor considers the professional potential of the play, and as appropriate, offers expert advice that will help towards the next draft. We far prefer submissions to be emailed. Writers are asked to include a legibly prepared script (with page numbers), cast list, a brief synopsis and a covering letter addressing the following questions:-
- Briefly – what is your play about?
- Is there a particular issue you would like us to focus our feedback on?
- What do you think are the play's strengths and weakness?
- Has your play had a reading or been performed?
- Are there plans for a production in the pipeline?
- and of course please provide any other information you think may be relevant.
We welcome re-submissions of further drafts of the same script (for a further fee).
A favourable assessment and/or the completion of suggested revisions does not automatically lead to Playmarket representation or client status.
Under the general heading of 'Clinics', Playmarket offers a range of script advice services. The options on offer are those that playwrights have told us they have found most useful.
All clinics are playwright driven. We work with the playwright to devise a programme that best suits the play's needs, and will do our best to hire their preferred cast and crew.
(We have abandoned the terms ‘workshop’ and ‘dramaturg’ because of the widely differing range of definitions, which often leads to confusion or unrealistic expectations.)
Eligibility
- While we accept applications for assistance from any New Zealander or permanent resident, our limited budget means that we are more likely to support scripts that have a firm production date, scripts from clients, and those plays submitted through our competitions that have done well.
- Applications must come directly from the playwright; not the producer, agent or other representative.
- We can only accept scripts for development consideration that have reached first draft stage, or equivalent.
PRIVATE READINGS
Playwrights have made it clear that being able to observe a rehearsal and reading of their script is one of the most valuable resources we can offer. Therefore the most common assistance we offer for scripts on their way to professional production is a private rehearsed reading, plus a feedback session if the playwright would like. These are usually one-day readings, or sometimes two separate days (divided by a new draft). The playwright is welcome to invite a small audience if they want.
All clinics are playwright driven. We will work with you to sort out a programme that best suits your play's needs, and will do our best to hire your preferred cast and crew. You may invite a private audience to a final reading if you want. We pay actors' fees, director and script advisor's fees, and venue and other costs as agreed.
A day's reading typically comprises a couple of straightforward readthroughs on the rehearsal floor guided by a director/script advisor interspersed with discussion, which involves only those the playwright would like it to. This usually provides all the stimulation needed for you to prepare your next draft.
Although two consecutive days are useful for devising groups or when preparing for a public reading, for a private reading two one-dayers separated by as much time as you need to prepare a new draft has proved much more helpful. After one day playwrights often just long to get away and rewrite, overwhelmed with new ideas and quite incapable of absorbing, or offering, any more.
We strongly recommend a 'moved' reading - i.e. not just actors sitting in a circle, but an attempt at a rough, active staging. This helps ensure that actors give a more rounded and committed performance, and an attempt at physicality gives you a much better chance to gauge the 'look' and feel of an actual production.
We pay actors' fees of $150 a day (or $100 a half day); director and script advisor's fees of $200 a day; playwright’s remuneration of $150 per day, and venue and other costs as agreed.
SCRIPT ADVICE SESSIONS
Script advice, one-to-one with an experienced mentor, can be provided for plays at any stage of development (post first draft). These can be in person, or via an online arrangement. We will do our best to engage your preferred advisor, or recommend someone appropriate.
This can range from one hour to several days' worth of time spread over a long period. Script Advisor fees are based on a daily rate of $200.
Group devised work
We can pay an advisor to provide dramaturgical oversight for groups involved in a collaborative writing process. Please note though as explained above that we can only consider assisting work that has reached first draft status or equivalent. If you are confused about what this might mean in your case, please get in touch with us for clarification.
We also need to be satisfied that copyright and credit issues have been settled, and offer help to devising groups to negotiate this, if necessary.
Public rehearsed readings
These are usually granted as part of a prize for one of our competitions (for instance, the Adam NZ Play Award winner). The playwright takes part in all rehearsals, and every attempt is made to hire your preferred cast and crew.
If a Script Advisor is deemed to have been significantly helpful we will consider negotiating an acknowledgement of this on the script.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Playmarket requires acknowledgement in publicity for any development resources given.
If a Script Advisor is deemed to have been significantly helpful we will consider negotiating an acknowledgement of this on the script.
If any script advisors or other collaborators feel their input amounts effectively to co-writing, we ensure that appropriate credit and royalty shares are negotiated.
