Feature Development

Do you have rounds of funding with submissions required by a certain date?
Applications to Early and Advanced Development Funds can be submitted at any time. The former will typically be considered within a month, the latter once two or more applications have been received. Writer Development Loan applications are accepted any time but will be considered every two months. Applications to the Board are subject to bi-monthly deadlines.
There are 6 scheduled Board meetings per year with deadlines for submissions.
2009 Board dates are available for download here: http://www.nzfilm.co.nz/AboutUs/Board.aspx

Is there someone at the Film Commission that looks at ideas for films and passes them onto film makers?
There is no one at the Film Commission specifically allocated to look at film ideas; the best option is to start with filmmakers, who then come to us

What counts as an "experienced producer"?
Producers who have a level of experience appropriate to the nature and scale of their project in film drama production, development, acquisition, distribution and/or exhibition may apply for funding.

How do I find a producer?
We have publicly available contact details for many New Zealand producers. Please email Reception (reception@nzfilm.co.nz) to request a list.

How much money can I apply for?
The CEO and Head of Development have delegated authority from the NZFC Board to approve funding of up to $60,000 for any project via the Early Development Fund (formerly Staff Committee). The Advanced Development Fund (formerly Development Committee) supports projects in advanced development. Any two of the CEO, Head of Development and Deputy CEO to have delegated authority to approve funding up to $150,000 (including any funds advanced from the Early Development Fund). The NZFC Board will consider applications for advanced development for projects that have already received $150,000 in development funding. The CEO may at any stage advance up to $20,000 to a project up to the $150,000 ceiling. This is called a CEO Delegation.

What costs can I apply for?
All dramatic feature applications to the Early Development Fund (including for Writer Development Loans) may apply for the following costs:  writer fees, script consultant fees, producer fees (except for Writer Development Loans), workshop costs, script assessments, director fees, script-related research costs, limited travel costs (e.g. where all team members do not live in the same city), legal costs, extensions to rights costs, direct script costs eg: duplication, typing, project-related overheads and office expenses. Advanced Development Fund applications: in addition to the above costs, if it is appropriate to the stage of development, producers may also apply for: budgeting, storyboarding, overseas travel to package projects, packaging, financing, marketing and other related professional consulting expenses, including travel, preliminary casting, location scouting costs, preparation of budget and schedule. 

Is there a form I need to fill in?
Yes. An application cover sheet must be provided with each application. It can be downloaded from the Development Financing section.

Are there any template applications I can use?
There are no templates for development funding to use; however the following should be included in your application:
  • cover letter
  • Development Funding cover sheet*
  • one-page synopsis*
  • script or treatment (5-15 pages)*
  • notes from the writer on directions for future development of the script*
  • a statement about the target audience for the film
  • a statement about the genre of the film
  • detailed development budget
  • proposed development timetable
  • notes on the director’s intentions for the film’s style (up to two pages)
  • details about key personnel attached to the project including one-page CVs, and written expression of interest (not needed if the person has supplied notes).
  • a breakdown of all development expenditure to date (where the project has previously received NZFC development finance or, in the case of a proposed co-production, money from another funding body)
Can all funding go to one area eg: research and travel?
The development funding may cover:
  • Research and travel costs
  • Treatment and script development
  • Strategic attendance at documentary finance markets (i.e. where this is likely to materially advance the packaging and/or financing of the project)
This can be any combination of each section, as long as your selections are explained.

Is there any way I can apply for full funding without having to make 3 separate applications?
Yes, you just need to make a case for why you’re doing so. The project also needs a producer attached (who is not the director).

When will I be notified of the result?
Producers are notified within 24 hours of a decision being made.

If I receive funding do I have to pay back the funds?
Script Development funding is given in the form of loans against the project which are paid back to the NZFC upon the first day of principal photography. If the project fails to reach production status the producer can apply to the NZFC for the loan to be forgiven. If the loan is used for purposes other than those intended the producer will be required to pay back the loan.

Specific requirements, criteria and helpful suggestions are provided in the application pack guidelines. Applications should not be made without reading the full guidelines.