MA scriptwiting profiles 2022

These are brief paragraphs about themselves written by each member of this year's class and emailed to the IIML at the start of the year. The intention is that they can read about each other before they meet face to face. We also hope these informal snapshots will make interesting reading in future years.

Alex Backhouse

I'm a writer and director, originally from Hamilton / Kirikiriroa but a long-time resident of Pōneke. Besides studying filmmaking I spent a lot of time in hardcore bands, one of which I'm still proud to say was described as 'actually dangerous'.

My favourite kind of film usually takes place in a very specific world, is mysterious and maybe even frustrating, but afterwards is hard to forget.

Writing has always been a bit of a head game, so I'm hoping to develop some good habits, be a less precious writer, and hopefully a generous critic.

Delaney Klever

Heya, I'm Del - sort of like the laptop. I was born in Auckland, but grew up in Dubai and pretty much completed all my education there. I studied film production at SAE Institute Dubai and graduated in late 2020. I briefly entertained a career in art and illustration, but couldn't deny the strong part of me that just loves film and screenwriting. Film fills me with such momentum and inspiration that I can't help but be drawn to it, and the creative process behind it. I look forward to meeting and learning from you all!

Teherenui Koteka

I was born and raised on the island of Rarotonga in the Cook Islands. Through my veins flows the blood of my Kuki Airani ancestors, lineage that stretches from Penrhyn in the North to Mangaia in the South.

I am a graduate of Theatre, Film, and Media Studies at Te Herenga Waka, Victoria University of Wellington. As an aspiring scriptwriter, I see theatre and film as platforms to magnify the under-represented voice of Pasifika peoples. I bring into my work the perspective of a young Pasifika woman.

I aim to weave the traditions of my ancestors, with the experiences of modern Pasifika youth, to create work that encourages my people to generate and engage in conversations surrounding current issues.

Kyan Krumdieck

Kia ora, can't wait to meet you all in person!

I'm a US born, Chch raised, Vic undergrad, Bay Area 'radicalized', Chch broadcasting schooled and, until last year, Auckland based writer/director. I've crewed in a lot of random roles (eg, I shoveled gravel on a home reno show & story produced on House of Drag). In 2018 my short Repugnant did well, won some awards. It has a gay pug in it. Then in 2020 I was one of the writer/directors of Sextortion on TVNZ OD and starred Tom Sainsbury.

My New Year's resolution for about five years has been to write my first feature, so thank you for helping me achieve my failed dreams this year!

Gin Mabey

Back in Wellington (Theatre undergrad at Vic a decade ago) after ten years in Tauranga pottering about the theatre as an actor and gathering some pretty good fodder from various random jobs. Have finally found the bravery to take the next step in my playwriting life. Beyond grateful for this opportunity and I cannot wait to meet you all! P.S leaving my dog behind so please excuse me if I weep while forcing photos on you.

Indigo Paul

Kia ora, I am Indigo, a long-time theatre nerd from Tāmaki Makaurau. My pronouns are she/her and you can call me Indie once we're mates. I trained as an actor at AADA in a pre-plague New York, then came back to Aotearoa and lived in an urban commune for a few years and in the bush for a few more. I am interested in the mind/body relationship, 90s hip hop, fermentation, and regenerative agriculture, and am supremely stoked to get to spend a year with you all getting better at the thing we love to do.

Ka kite!

Marshall Rankin

I'll start with a 'Hi!'

Or should it be a haiku?

Nah, 'Hi!' is just fine

Hi!

My name is Marshall and I write stuff. Sometimes it's funny stuff and sometimes it's serious stuff, but it's always stuff and I'm always writing it.

Well not always. I also sleep, eat, worry about money, vape, watch vine compilations and have back pain just like everybody else.

I have a tendency to waffle.

I'm interested in political theatre and how we can use the theatre/live performance space to open up conversations that we desperately need to have as a society.

We don't have to take ourselves too seriously while we do that either.

Tunui Wano

Kia Ora,

My name is Tunui Wano and I just finished my undergraduate degree at the University of Otago where I majored in Media / Communication studies and minored in Theatre / Māori studies. During my time at University I fell in love with script and creative writing. I'm looking forward to learning more through this course and I'm feeling excited for what the future holds. Peace.

Amy Wright

My name is Amy Wright and I am a theatre jack-of-all-trades from Ōtepoti, Dunedin. After graduating from the University of Otago with my BA Honours in Theatre Studies in 2018, I have worked mostly as a stage manager, but also as a producer, a tutor and even occasionally an actor (not to mention the many out of necessity non-arts jobs). Whilst I love my backstage work, I do often find myself wishing to be part of the creativity, so the opportunities I have had with playwriting are some of the most special to me. Theatre is my home, but I love storytelling of all kinds, so I'm looking forward to immersing myself in new forms and learning from the unique creativity of other writers.

Ella Yiannett

Hello hello, I'm Ella. I'm an Otago Uni Theatre and English Literature graduate (2020), who has been working as a theatre practitioner throughout uni and this past year, acting, writing and directing. My first play, Kouros, was shortlisted for the Playmarket B4 25 playwriting competition, and I'm super excitedly producing it for the Dunedin Fringe this year. The past six months I've also been busy working full time in a library, which confirmed I'd much rather be writing the books than cataloguing them, so I've made my graceful excuses and shall be fleeing shortly to this programme, where I'm very excited to meet you all!