India doesn’t just produce the most films of any country annually—it’s also one of the fastest-growing, with a massive appetite for international partnerships, cutting-edge post-production, and fresh storytelling.
Our Head of Co-Production and Incentives, Chris Payne attended the NFDC (National Film Development Corporation) Film Bazaar, held last November in Goa, India. As an invited guest, Chris met with India Cine Hub, Invest India, and key Indian producers—over the course of 50 meetings—strengthening ties that will help New Zealand filmmakers, production companies and post-production companies access these opportunities.
“With a clear push for international partnerships—on both Indian and foreign IP—the doors are open. We just need to walk through them,” says Chris.
His presence in Goa included supporting NZ producers and industry professionals at the NFDC Film Bazaar—Philippa Campbell, Shuchi Kothari, Marten Rabarts, and Arran Birchenough, many of whom have attended Film Bazaar regularly, and hold long established relationships in the Indian film industry.
Co-Productions Are on the Rise
“I saw firsthand just how much opportunity there is for New Zealand filmmakers, post-production houses, and production companies. The demand is there, there’s strong political support, and New Zealand is perfectly positioned to make its mark.”
Insights from Film Bazaar reveal that Indian producers are actively seeking global partners, and the NZ-India Co-Production Treaty gives Kiwi filmmakers a huge advantage.
The treaty allows access to funding in both countries, helping make projects financially viable while expanding distribution networks. With Bollywood and regional Indian cinema looking to tap into international markets, now is the time to team up and tell stories that resonate across cultures.
Post-Production and VFX Demand is Skyrocketing
Chris says that post-production demand in India is skyrocketing. India’s film and TV industry is booming, and there’s a real need for world-class post-production and VFX vendors.
“There’s a huge demand for high-quality dubbing, finishing services, and visual effects work, and New Zealand’s reputation for world-class post makes it an obvious go-to partner.”
“We’ve seen interest from Indian production companies looking to outsource post-production, giving NZ companies a direct entry point into this high-volume industry.”
Bollywood has always loved grand storytelling, says Chris, and right now, sports dramas, action thrillers, and fantasy epics are among the big genres in Indian cinema.
“The Indian audience’s passion for cricket, in particular, provides huge opportunities for collaboration. Given our shared love of the sport, along with NZ’s deep expertise in sports cinematography and action filmmaking, we’re in a prime position to contribute.”
“Whether it's high-energy action sequences, stylised VFX, or immersive sports storytelling, Indian studios are looking for expertise that New Zealand can provide.”
India’s streaming market is one of the fastest growing in the world, with platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+ Hotstar, and JioCinema investing heavily in original content. These platforms are actively seeking fresh stories with international appeal, making now the perfect time for Kiwi filmmakers to pitch projects that bridge both cultures.
What Next?
“India wants international partnerships, and we have the talent, tech, and treaty to make it happen. Whether you’re a producer looking for funding, a post-production house wanting to expand into a high-demand market, or a storyteller with a vision that could captivate Indian audiences”, adds Chris.
“Now is the time to connect.”
Contact us at co-productions@nzfilm.co.nz