Early Development Fund
About
Teams with a producer attached may receive up to a cumulative total of $40,000 via EDF (including any historic Writer Development Loan or existing SDF funding). Individual applications are generally for tranches of no more than $20,000. In the 2011/2012 financial year we are looking to fund 12 new EDF projects, so there will be roughly one new feature project moving into development every month.
Teams should be aware that an initial investment in a project marks recognition of potential and doesn’t imply continued support. The script will need to make significant advances at each stage if the project is to continue NZFC-funded progress towards advanced development.
Eligibility
1. Producers working with first time feature film writers are eligible to apply with a draft screenplay.
2. Producers working with writers with at least one credit on a feature film that has been released theatrically by a distributor, or who
have significant experience writing for another dramatic medium (e.g. stage, radio or television) can apply with a treatment
(20-25 pages).
3. Writers and directors with at least one credit on a feature film that has been released theatrically by a distributor, or who have
significant experience writing for another dramatic medium (e.g. stage, radio or television) can apply to EDF for first tranche
funding without a producer attached. These applicants can provide either a treatment (20-25 pages) or a draft screenplay (in
principle 80-120 pages).
Please consult the Development Coordinator for further guidance if required.
Application requirements
Applications should be made using the Early Development Fund Coversheet (see below) and include all relevant supporting materials listed in the checklist on that form. Applicants should discuss their application with the Development Team prior to lodging to get guidance on what materials are required.
How we decide
EDF applications are considered by the Development Executives and the CEO. Decisions are made collectively by consensus. Meetings to consider EDF applications are chaired by the CEO or, in their absence, the Deputy CEO or Head of Sales and Marketing.
When we review first-tranche EDF applications, we’ll assess your short documents in the first instance and, if these are compelling, only then do we read your draft screenplay or treatment to reach a final decision.
Application deadlines
The deadline for EDF applications is 5pm on the 20th of every month. Applicants will be notified of the outcome within four weeks of each deadline.