Short Film Review

In 2007 the NZFC undertook a review of its short film strategy with the purpose of assessing its success both in terms of the current Statement of Intent (2006 - 2009) and against the targets identified in the 2004 – 2007 Strategic Plan.

Consideration was also given to the value of current strategy and activity within the context of the New Zealand film industry and in relation to the NZFC’s other programmes and infrastructure.

The Review consists of a variety of analyses of data recorded since the advent of the Fund in 1986 (the original Short Film Fund) a survey of 86 of the eligible 197 short filmmakers who have produced shorts in the past ten years (the Short Film EP scheme 1997 – 2007) and a more targeted survey of directors who have progressed from successful shorts to feature films. 

It was determined that:

• Over one third of filmmakers who have made and delivered a short film in the last 10 years have accessed NZFC feature film development funding, and/or have been credited as a writer, producer or director on a feature film

• More than 10% have been credited on a feature film.

• 81% of the Executive Producers contracted to oversee Short Film selection and production have accessed feature development funds

• 16% of the Executive Producers have accessed feature production funding

The short film programme contributes to NZFC’s broad cultural objectives through “market success” and talent development, achieved by the selection of short films for ‘A’ list festival programmes, the consequent film and filmmaker profile generated and the on-going exposure of New Zealand shorts at home and abroad.

Of the 73 films that have completed and delivered to June 2007, 50% have achieved ‘A’ list festival invitations.

Analysis of NZFC records demonstrates that a director who has an ‘A’ list festival success with a short film is more likely to have similar festival success and/or attract international sales and/or impact on the New Zealand market and/or generate significant NZFC Return on Investment (ROI) with a first feature film. This includes filmmakers who have received production finance via an EP, funding through SIPF or the Short Film Post-production Fund.

64% of feature films by directors whose short films have featured in ‘A’ list film festivals achieve at least two of the NZFC published measures of success.  These films represent approximately half of all the films financed since 1996.

Of the other half, only 31.5% achieve at least two of the NZFC published measures of success. 

The identification of, and support for, potential feature film making talent via the short film programme does correlate with feature film success; and the Short Film EP scheme is an effective mechanism for delivering short films that showcase talent.

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