The New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) is pleased to share highlights from the 2023/24 year, a period marked by significant change and progress. Detailed in the NZFC’s Annual Report, this year’s achievements position the Crown entity to introduce transformative funding initiatives designed to spark growth and drive innovation within New Zealand’s screen industry.
"We are proud of the progress made this year and the strong foundation we have laid for the future,” says the NZFC Chief Executive Annie Murray.
"With a challenging few years now behind us, the NZFC has undertaken a step-change in strategic thinking and managing our resources. Our focus is firmly on growing exceptional creatives and funding films that demonstrate both commercial and creative excellence."
“At the same time, we have an economic remit to deliver on core business, innovation, and employment objectives by supporting inward investment through international production activity in New Zealand. Last year alone, this contributed $1.3 billion to our economy.”
Murray says that NZFC is prioritising business sustainability, upscaling innovation, and driving economic growth for New Zealand by ensuring it remains a top choice for international film and TV production.
She says the global screen industry landscape is facing rapid changes, driven by shifting audience consumption patterns and technological advancement – and that these changes position the sector for a dynamic and innovative future that New Zealand can capitalise on.
“The NZFC recently completed a comprehensive restructure, focused on streamlining operations to ensure we take a sharper focus on our core purpose. This restructure has seen headcount reductions and staff travel costs reduced by 26%.”
“Efficiencies in overhead and back-office spending have generated nearly $2 million in savings. These funds will be directed toward industry initiatives and will help mitigate cost pressures beyond 2025, allowing NZFC to better support the future of New Zealand filmmaking.”
Murray adds that the agency is focused on delivering on Government ambitions, by funding projects and creating opportunities to enhance the value of creative professionals’ work. The NZFC’s strategic goal to position film as a key export industry will be an essential driver to increase the arts’ GDP contribution.
In 2023/24, a range of factors allowed the NZFC to adjust its expenditures, including fewer films being funded and the reallocation of funding from a project that did not progress. This strong result enables the NZFC to reinvest resources into critical areas from 2025 onwards, including:
- Script development
- Business development
- Industry support
- Innovative filmmaking
- International talent development placements
The NZFC is now strongly positioned to drive new initiatives shaping the future of New Zealand filmmaking.
media@nzfilm.co.nz