Latest news with #NewZealandScreenProductionRebate
Scoop
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Applications For The New Zealand Film Commission's He Kauahi Catalyst Open Today
The New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) has announced they are accepting applications for the latest round of their He Kauahi Catalyst fund today. The He Kauahi Catalyst supports New Zealand filmmakers keen to progress their talents to the next stage and create exceptional narrative short films. Through this initiative up to $90,000 is available for narrative drama and animation short films. The fund's objectives include investing in talent by supporting the progression of local writers, directors, and producers; creating the potential for film festival success or a provocative cinema experience through unique voices, cultural specificity, and artistic excellence; and, enabling innovation and the potential to forge new pathways in film technology, audience experience and filmmaker talent. This current funding round opens today, Friday 30 May, and closes Monday 23 June, 1pm. Further application rounds will open in the second and third quarters of NZFC's financial year. For more information about the He Kauahi Catalyst fund, including how to apply and full guidelines, please visit the NZFC website. About the New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) The New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) is the government agency responsible for supporting and promoting New Zealand's vibrant screen industry. It invests in the development, production, and marketing of New Zealand films, both locally and internationally, and works to grow the country's reputation as a world-class destination for screen production. The NZFC provides production financing for New Zealand feature and short films, offers talent development initiatives, and administers the New Zealand Screen Production Rebate (NZSPR) – a key driver in attracting major international productions. It also supports official co-productions and offers resources to connect New Zealand filmmakers with global partners. Through its dual focus on nurturing local storytelling and bringing international productions to New Zealand's shores, the NZFC plays a vital role in the economic and cultural growth of the screen sector.
Scoop
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
NZFC Strengthens International Partnerships With Plans To Launch International Placement Initiative
Press Release – New Zealand Film Commission The International Placement Initiative is designed for emerging to mid-career writers, directors and producers from Aotearoa, offering applicants the opportunity to develop their overseas industry networks, increase their skills, and gain work experience … The New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) announced today its plan to launch an International Placement Initiative giving local filmmakers the opportunity to apply for internships at selected global film companies in New Zealand, Australia, UK, and Ireland. The International Placement Initiative is designed for emerging to mid-career writers, directors and producers from Aotearoa, offering applicants the opportunity to develop their overseas industry networks, increase their skills, and gain work experience within renowned film focused companies. NZFC Chief Executive, Annie Murray, says the Commission has timed the launch of the new initiative to coincide with their global trade mission across Mumbai, London and Cannes. 'Our global trade mission is designed to connect New Zealand filmmakers with international film companies, enabling them to forge partnerships. The International Placements Initiative is a natural extension of our commitment to supporting, empowering and championing the film sector of Aotearoa. 'Strategic investment in New Zealand talent is essential for ensuring the future success of our film industry. Future proofing the $3.5 billion screen sector is crucial to its continued performance and this initiative is one of the key ways to achieve this.' Internships under the initiative will be offered by: Keeper Pictures (Ireland), Studio Canal (New Zealand), Kismet Distribution / Brouhaha Entertainment (Australia), Good Chaos (UK), Protagonist Pictures (UK), and Misfits Entertainment (UK). 'We're hugely excited to be partnering with such an impressive selection of production companies across key countries. The calibre of the work they produce is incredibly high, giving our emerging New Zealand creatives the opportunity to be mentored by world-leading filmmakers,' says Murray. Further placement opportunities will be confirmed in the coming months. More information on the initiative, including how to apply, will be available on our website soon. About the New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) The New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) is the government agency responsible for supporting and promoting New Zealand's vibrant screen industry. It invests in the development, production, and marketing of New Zealand films, both locally and internationally, and works to grow the country's reputation as a world-class destination for screen production. The NZFC provides production financing for New Zealand feature and short films, offers talent development initiatives, and administers the New Zealand Screen Production Rebate (NZSPR) – a key driver in attracting major international productions. It also supports official co-productions and offers resources to connect New Zealand filmmakers with global partners. Through its dual focus on nurturing local storytelling and bringing international productions to New Zealand's shores, the NZFC plays a vital role in the economic and cultural growth of the screen sector.
Scoop
20-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
NZFC Strengthens International Partnerships With Plans To Launch International Placement Initiative
The New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) announced today its plan to launch an International Placement Initiative giving local filmmakers the opportunity to apply for internships at selected global film companies in New Zealand, Australia, UK, and Ireland. The International Placement Initiative is designed for emerging to mid-career writers, directors and producers from Aotearoa, offering applicants the opportunity to develop their overseas industry networks, increase their skills, and gain work experience within renowned film focused companies. NZFC Chief Executive, Annie Murray, says the Commission has timed the launch of the new initiative to coincide with their global trade mission across Mumbai, London and Cannes. 'Our global trade mission is designed to connect New Zealand filmmakers with international film companies, enabling them to forge partnerships. The International Placements Initiative is a natural extension of our commitment to supporting, empowering and championing the film sector of Aotearoa. 'Strategic investment in New Zealand talent is essential for ensuring the future success of our film industry. Future proofing the $3.5 billion screen sector is crucial to its continued performance and this initiative is one of the key ways to achieve this.' Internships under the initiative will be offered by: Keeper Pictures(Ireland), Studio Canal(New Zealand), Kismet Distribution / Brouhaha Entertainment(Australia), Good Chaos(UK), Protagonist Pictures(UK), and Misfits Entertainment(UK). 'We're hugely excited to be partnering with such an impressive selection of production companies across key countries. The calibre of the work they produce is incredibly high, giving our emerging New Zealand creatives the opportunity to be mentored by world-leading filmmakers,' says Murray. Further placement opportunities will be confirmed in the coming months. More information on the initiative, including how to apply, will be available on our website soon. About the New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) The New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) is the government agency responsible for supporting and promoting New Zealand's vibrant screen industry. It invests in the development, production, and marketing of New Zealand films, both locally and internationally, and works to grow the country's reputation as a world-class destination for screen production. The NZFC provides production financing for New Zealand feature and short films, offers talent development initiatives, and administers the New Zealand Screen Production Rebate (NZSPR) – a key driver in attracting major international productions. It also supports official co-productions and offers resources to connect New Zealand filmmakers with global partners. Through its dual focus on nurturing local storytelling and bringing international productions to New Zealand's shores, the NZFC plays a vital role in the economic and cultural growth of the screen sector.
Scoop
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Celebrating New Zealand Film Sector Wins At 2025 Global Production Awards In Cannes
The New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) congratulates the outstanding achievements of the Māoriland Charitable Trust and Craig Gainsborough of Greenlit, recognised at the prestigious 2025 Global Production Awards, held in Cannes this week. Māoriland Charitable Trust took out the Economic and Social Inclusion category, while the Impact Leadership Award went to Craig Gainsborough – showcasing the creativity and innovation Aotearoa is famed for. 'We're delighted for Craig and the Māoriland Charitable Trust. To be recognised at the Global Production Awards demonstrates the reputation Aotearoa has as a leading film sector that celebrates indigenous storytelling and exceptional leaders,' says Annie Murray, NZFC Chief Executive. 'These awards celebrate those behind the scenes of what we see on screen. It's incredibly heartening to see New Zealanders ranked alongside some of the most well-regarded international names in the industry,' she added. Renowned for celebrating excellence in film production around the world, the Global Production Awards recognise the people, places and projects that drive the film industry forward. NZFC representatives attended the Global Production Awards as part of their global trade mission in Cannes. Murray added, 'These awards were made all the more special by the NZFC being in attendance alongside Māoriland Charitable Trust and Craig Gainsborough as they were announced. Our global trade mission is focused on building creative and commercial partnerships to elevate New Zealand within the international screen industry – to be recognised by our peers at these awards solidifies the depth of talent and skills Aotearoa has to offer.' About the New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) The New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) is the government agency responsible for supporting and promoting New Zealand's vibrant screen industry. It invests in the development, production, and marketing of New Zealand films, both locally and internationally, and works to grow the country's reputation as a world-class destination for screen production. The NZFC provides production financing for New Zealand feature and short films, offers talent development initiatives, and administers the New Zealand Screen Production Rebate (NZSPR) – a key driver in attracting major international productions. It also supports official co-productions and offers resources to connect New Zealand filmmakers with global partners. Through its dual focus on nurturing local storytelling and bringing international productions to New Zealand's shores, the NZFC plays a vital role in the economic and cultural growth of the screen sector.
NZ Herald
06-05-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
Donald Trump film tariff threat: World media spotlight New Zealand industry, Paul Goldsmith says ‘concerning'
Trump on Monday posted on social media that he authorised officials to begin the process of instituting a 100% tariff on any films coming into the country that were produced elsewhere. He said other countries were providing incentives to draw filmmakers away from Hollywood, something he considered a 'national security threat'. 'They are supporting them financially. So that is a sort of threat to our country,' Trump later added. The US President's post put Hollywood and international film hubs into a tailspin, but the White House has since said it is still working through different options and no final decisions have been made. New Zealand's reaction The Kiwi film sector generates about $3.5 billion annually, with roughly a third of that coming from US productions. New Zealand has put significant effort into attempting to lure international studios to film here, including with its New Zealand Screen Production Rebate (NZSPR). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on Monday wouldn't directly criticise the tariff prospect or say what the potential effect could be on economic growth here, noting there was little detail available about how the tariffs would work. Asked for his thoughts on Tuesday morning, Goldsmith said 'it would be concerning' for New Zealand, 'but we've got to wait and see what the details are'. The minister said the Government was seeking information on the tariffs, but he hadn't seen anything yet from the US administration. Goldsmith said it could be appropriate at some point to get modelling done on the tariff's economic impact. 'The film industry is very important economically as well as culturally. We're very supportive of it and New Zealand, both on domestic production and international production, has offered subsidies,' Goldsmith said. 'We have a huge impact globally and so we are very much in favour of the current regime.' Asked if New Zealand's rebate scheme was a national security threat, Goldsmith said 'I wouldn't put it that way'. Upston, the Tourism Minister, said her ministerial colleagues would be having conversations about the tariff threat and acknowledged that the film industry is connected to tourism. 'I know recently in India, for example, [there was] lots of interest from Bollywood. They looked at one of the movies that was made in New Zealand over 20 years ago and the impact that had on the number of people from India wanting to visit. Advertise with NZME. 'So definitely it's connected, but we're really focused on emerging markets like India, getting the numbers back from China, which is currently only sitting at 60%, and our big campaign straight into Australia. 'We've got to make sure that we are attracting visitors from across the globe and not putting all our focus on one market.' Chris Bishop, the National MP for Hutt South, said he was a 'big supporter' of the film industry, noting that Wellington was a key base for it. 'It is what it is. But I back films being made here and I think all Wellingtonians are proud of Wētā and [Sir] Peter Jackson and what he's been able to accomplish over the years.' Labour's Reuben Davidson was part of the screen industry prior to entering Parliament, having helped produce TV shows. Davidson said tariffs 'could be disastrous' to a 'really important' sector for New Zealand. He said he had seen little from the minister to support the film industry over the past year. New Zealand Film Commission chief executive Annie Murray told the Herald on Monday that officials were aware of Trump's post. 'We're in the process of speaking with our international partners about what the implications could be,' she said. 'We're mindful, however, this is an evolving situation and it's too early to speculate on what this could mean.' International media reaction Numerous international media outlets have highlighted the potential impacts on productions in New Zealand in their reporting on the Trump tariff threat. The Guardian called New Zealand a major production hub, highlighting global franchises such as The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit and Marvel films that have been produced here. Bloomberg noted responses from Luxon and local screen producers guild president Irene Gardiner, while also noting New Zealand had served as a filming location 'due to its dramatic landscapes and production incentives'. The Hollywood Reporter wrote about how famed film director James Cameron had 'spent the better part of two decades building up his bespoke production hub in New Zealand to make his Avatar movies'. Even China's Global Times, part of the Chinese state media network, mentioned the Prime Minister's comments. A film producer it cited is reported as saying the uncertainty caused by the proposed tariffs could negatively impact New Zealand and Australia's local film industries. Jamie Ensor is a political reporter in the NZ Herald Press Gallery team based at Parliament. He was previously a TV reporter and digital producer in the Newshub Press Gallery office.
