Documentary Features

NZFC will support cinematic documentary projects with clear potential to appeal to New Zealand theatrical audiences.
 
Producers may apply to the Early Development Fund for development funding of up to $5,000 at a time, with a cap of $15,000 development loan per project. Directors who also have a documentary producing track record may apply for an initial amount of up to $5,000 for documentary development. Subsequent applications must have at least one dedicated producer attached.

Please read out FAQ for more information
 
Application checklist
Please send the script (or treatment) in PDF format, and your application in Word or PDF format to jeremy@nzfilm.co.nz in two separate and complete documents. Please include the following in your application and read the notes below. 
 
  • Development Funding coversheet
  • one-page synopsis
  • script / treatment (5–15 pages)
  • one-page CVs
  • DVD of previous work with an explanation of how it supports the application
  • cover letter including detailed statement addressing the criteria listed above
What you can include in your development budget
  • 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)
Criteria
Documentary projects must demonstrate the following:
  • Genuine potential to reach significant cinema audiences at home and overseas, i.e. beyond festival screenings
  • A strongly articulated director’s vision for the final film
  •  Truly cinematic scope, in both story and aesthetic i.e. distinct from television
  •  A uniquely NZ quality
  • At least one of the three following elements:
    •   A compelling dramatic narrative and emotional journey
    •  Access to places or individuals never before seen on the screen
    • A compelling argument / or a view of the world presented by a charismatic and / or famous individual
  • The director must have a track record of high quality documentary production (or have directed a dramatic feature that has had a theatrical release)
 
Application and decision-making process
  • Upon receipt of a formal submission you will receive written confirmation of receipt and the approximate date of the meeting at which the project will be considered.
  • A project previously rejected by the NZFC may only be resubmitted for funding consideration after it has been substantially reworked. Staff will advise applicants in these cases.
  • NZFC staff are unable to provide any indication of the likelihood of success of applications for development or production financing prior to consideration before the appropriate committee.
  •  Decisions are made collectively by consensus. The meeting is chaired by the Head of Development (Early Development Fund), or CEO (Advanced Development Fund). Projects submitted to the Board will be reviewed by staff, who will write a detailed paper and recommendation for consideration by the NZFC Board at the next Board Meeting.
  • A NZFC staff member will contact the applicant directly as soon as possible (usually within 24 hours) after a funding decision has been made. A letter is also written conveying the substance of the decision, outlining any conditions attached to the development financing and, where appropriate, providing suggestions for the next stage of development. Applicants may then contact the development staff member named in the letter for any further discussion.
  • Successful applicants are required to provide a written report on the progress of their project within six months of drawing down their funding.