New Zealand Film Commission | September 2024 Update

FROM OUR CEO: FUNDING EDITION

Tēnā koutou katoa

Our Funding Team has had a productive month.

Earlier this month, we hosted a successful morning tea at our Tāmaki Makaurau office, providing an opportunity to connect with local filmmakers. The Funding team is looking forward to afternoon tea in Pōneke scheduled for October 9th (see below for the invite).

We’re currently reviewing our Terms of Trade (TOT) and consulting with the industry throughout the next month. We're also exploring the way Development Funding works, and we plan to hold a consultation in late November to gather your thoughts on future directions.

In terms of feature film production, we’re assessing a round of Feature Film Production Investment (FFPI) for consideration at the October NZFC Board meeting, with another round closing on October 7th for the December NZFC Board meeting. This will be the final FFPI round for the year, with the next deadline anticipated in February. No further EDF/DDF rounds are scheduled for this year. 

While managing a significant workload, we remain committed to supporting your queries and ensuring our processes are streamlined to better assist filmmakers in creating exceptional films. With only eight films set to be funded this financial year, we face some difficult decisions, and we appreciate your continued patience.

Ngā mihi, 

Annie Murray
Chief Executive Officer

Terms of Trade Consultation

We are running wānanga to discuss possible changes to the Terms of Trade (TOT) with producers and lawyers who have been through the funding process in the past four financial years. This is to ensure the discussion is relevant and contemporary. If you have closed a feature film in that timeframe, please email consultation@nzfilm.co.nz if you wish to attend.

A summary of discussion points will be circulated more widely for feedback ahead of the consultation and suggested changes to the TOT will be signalled in early 2025.

AUCKLAND

Producers:  2 October 2024 - 9.30am to 12.30pm
Entertainment Lawyers:  15 October 2024 - 2pm to 5pm 
Venue: NZFC Auckland Office - Level 1, 14 Maidstone Street, Grey Lynn, Auckland 1021 

WELLINGTON

Producers + Entertainment Lawyers:  9 October 2024 – 9.30am to 12.30pm
Venue: NZFC Wellington Office - Level 3, 119 Ghuznee Street, Wellington 6011 

CHRISTCHURCH

Producers + Entertainment Lawyers:  8 October 2024 – 10am to 1pm
Venue: Christchurch, BNZ Centre, L3, 101 Cashel Street, Christchurch 

ONLINE FOR REGIONAL PRODUCERS

3 October 2024 
5.30pm to 7.30pm (link will be sent)

Submission Deadlines

NZFC FUNDING

• Advanced Development: Applications accepted at any time
   
• International Co-Development Fund: Applications accepted at any time
   
• Early Development Fund: No further rounds for 2024
   
• Documentary Development Fund No further rounds for 2024
   
• Feature Film Production Investment: 7 Oct 1pm deadline
   
• Feature Film Post Production Investment: 7 Oct 1pm deadline
   
• Feature Film Finishing Grant: Applications accepted at any time
   
• He Kauahi Catalyst: 21 Oct 1pm deadline
   
• Filmmaker International Travel: Applications accepted at any time

• He Pounamu Te Reo Māori Feature Film Initiative: To register interest email rautaki@nzfilm.co.nz

INDUSTRY LED TALENT DEVELOPMENT FUND

• A Wave in the Ocean Part 2: Open for applications through their website.
   
• Māoriland Indigenous Co-Lab has selected six participants. The cohort will be announced on 1 October.  

37°South at the Melbourne International Film Festival survey

Thank you for those that participated in our 37°South (MIFF) survey. The results will help us better support ongoing participation.