New Zealand Film Commission | August 2024 Update

From the CEO

Tēnā koutou katoa

I'd like to welcome Graeme Mason as the new NZFC Chair and extend our thanks to Alastair Carruthers as he steps down. We’re so grateful for Alastair’s leadership and dedication, and we’re excited to see how Graeme will bring fresh energy and vision to guide the NZFC Board and organisation forward.

As we transition into a new way of working we’re now focused on bringing our new strategy to life. With a more streamlined setup, we’re better positioned to support our filmmakers and the wider industry more effectively.  Our re-formed teams are working closely to make sure the vision in our Statement of Intent is fully integrated into everything we do. This includes fine-tuning our processes, building stronger partnerships, and aligning our resources with our goals.

We’re also committed to keeping the conversation open with you, our stakeholders. Your feedback has been key in shaping our direction and it will continue to inform us. Over the next couple of months our funding team will be reaching out to filmmakers (see below). Later this year, we’ll be hosting a series of feedback sessions across the country. By working together, we can make sure we meet your needs and work towards securing the future of New Zealand’s screen sector.

Ngā mihi nui,
Taima Annie Murray

Industry Led Talent Development Fund Announcement

NZFC is proud to announce that 'Māoriland Indigenous Co-Lab' and 'A Wave In The Ocean - 2 Deep Dive' will receive funding from the newly established Industry Led Talent Development Fund. The Fund ensures that filmmakers have access to tailored programmes that address current industry needs and foster talent within New Zealand’s screen sector.

We've added more capability...

After refreshing our organisational structure to be more effective, we’re excited to put these changes into action. Our work is now divided into five key areas: Funding, International Attraction & Marketing, Co-Production & Incentives, Legal & Business Affairs, and the Chief Financial Officers' group which handles corporate functions.

With the new structure in place, we've revised several roles and recently welcomed six new kaimahi: three in Funding, two in International Attraction & Marketing, one in the office of the chief executive and one in Legal & Business Affairs. This week we welcomed back Marc Ashton to the Co-Production & Incentives team in Wellington, and we also have a new addition to the Legal team.

New role boosts royalties and rights

Tom Hill is our new Rights, Licensing, and Royalties Executive. His role sits in our Legal and Business Affairs team and focuses on:

• making sure royalties from NZFC-funded films are collected and distributed quickly and accurately,
• improving rights management for NZ Film on Demand, and
• keeping a closer eye on our screen production investments.

By streamlining systems, staying in touch with stakeholders, and keeping up with market trends, Tom helps protect the value of our productions and supports smarter funding decisions. It’s all part of our commitment to better supporting filmmakers and rightsholders while growing New Zealand’s screen industry. You can contact Tom on: Tom.Hill@nzfilm.co.nz.

Terms of Trade changes

NZFC is currently undertaking a thorough review of our Terms of Trade. We have identified a few adjustments that we can implement immediately.  These include removing some delivery and reporting requirements for our Feature Film Production Investments and updating terminology and role titles to reflect our new structure.

We will publish an updated draft shortly with these changes identified in the changelog at the end of the draft. Whilst this is a first step in improving the experience of working with NZFC, there are future enhancements currently in progress. We'll keep you informed on progress.

Simplifying processes for filmmakers

The August Feature Film Production Investment Round for the October Board meeting closed on Monday, 19 August with a large number of applications. With a smaller funding team, it’s both a challenging and exciting time as we navigate the process and look for ways to simplify things for both filmmakers and staff. With the funding cap raised and up to eight films being made each year, we expect this round to be highly competitive.

The portal will reopen for Early Development Funding (EDF) and Documentary Development Funding (DDF) on 1 September, with a deadline of 23 September. We’re currently making changes to the EDF process and included whakaaro from our guilds and industry organisations' hui last week. The goal is to help filmmakers engage in a strong development pathway, giving them the best chance for success.

37°South at the Melbourne International Film Festival

Our CEO, Annie Murray, and Head of Funding, Ainsley Gardiner, attended the 37°South part of the Melbourne International Film Festival earlier this month and met with many of our Australian screen counterparts. There was plenty of kōrero about co-productions and exploring ways for NZ and Australian producers to collaborate. If you have attended in the last three years, please take our quick survey below so we can better respond to participants' needs.

It's back!

He Kauahi Catalyst is designed to help New Zealand filmmakers advance their skills and create high-quality narrative short films that can move their careers to the next level.

• Application round opens: Monday 23 September 2024
• Application round closes: Monday 21 October 2024 (1pm)

COMING SOON: AI and the SCREEN SECTOR

AI is increasingly influencing the film industry. Understanding AI's impact is important for filmmakers as it influences storytelling and raises important ethical questions. The NZFC is creating a series of learning and engagement opportunities, starting with an introductory session on AI, for filmmakers to help navigate the challenges and opportunities it presents. Watch this space!