The resurgence of COVID-19 in Auckland this week, shifting the Auckland region to Alert Level 3 and the rest of the country to Alert Level 2 until midnight Friday 14 August, has created uncertainty for all filmmakers living and working here.
We recognise the stress many are facing and want to reassure you that we continue to work closely with Government officials on the SCREEN RECOVERY PACKAGE announced by the Government in July.
SCREEN PRODUCTION FUND $13.4M
The NZFC is pleased to advise that the application guidelines for the Screen Production Fund will be published on the NZFC’s website on Monday 17 August at 5pm with applications being accepted through the NZFC’s online portal from mid-week onwards.
This funding is to allow planned productions that have been shut down, delayed, or constrained by COVID-19 restrictions to complete. The funding is for individual domestic screen productions which are either funded by the NZFC or the NZ Screen Production Grant for local productions only.
If you have any questions about this funding, ahead of the above dates, you may direct queries to screenrecovery@nzfilm.co.nz
The NZFC will host a live webinar on the Screen Production Fund, on Thursday, 20 August from 5 – 6pm. Details for the webinar will be posted on our website and social pages on Tuesday morning.
CULTURAL SECTOR CAPABILITY FUND $2M
The NZFC has secured $2M across two years to ensure the screen industry has necessary industry, technical and business capability to meet the challenges of a post-COVID-19 environment. Funding will be used to support screen sector guilds and organisations including their strategic training programmes. Funding will also be used to revamp the NZFC’s current professional development programme to expand and offer online support for New Zealand screen talent. This will include online mentorships, masterclasses, training and resources; creating an opportunity to motivate creative endeavour, build capacity and inspire screen talent to develop their skills and projects. If you are not already registered for this programme, you can do so here.
The guidelines for this funding, will be available from September.
INSURANCE INDEMNITY UPDATE
We understand that a decision on this critical issue is imminent, as we continue to work closely with Government to progress a COVID-19 insurance solution for independent screen projects filming in New Zealand.
FUNDING INITIATIVES OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS
The following existing funding initiatives remain open for applications:
Big Screen Symposium Scholarships closes 17 August
Short Film Post Production funding open (on a rolling basis throughout the year)
On the Job Development open (on a rolling basis)
Catalyst He Kauahi short film funding opens 24 August
Feature Film Finishing Grant
Advanced Development Fund
Early Development Fund
Documentary Development Fund
International Co-development Fund
Funds which have rounds that are currently closed, but are still open for the remainder of the year/due to open imminently:
Feature Film Production Investment
Feature Film Post-Production Investment
Interactive Development Fund
Fresh Shorts