Fresh Shorts

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  Q & A
1. Where can I get some inspiration for my short film idea?
• Watch as many short films as you can – New Zealand or International; either online (i.e.
YouTube Screening Room), at the NZ website NZonScreen or at the NZ Film Archive.
We encourage you to see what is being made, what is possible and also what has been
done before.
• Think of stories that only you can tell and that could define you as a new storytelling
voice. Look around at your life. Are you immersed in worlds that could be the setting for
a short film idea? The best short film ideas can often be very simple!
2. Is there an age limit to apply for Fresh Shorts?
We anticipate that applicants will be 18 and over; however, if a filmmaker between 16 and 18
years of age would like to apply they will need to have a suitable adult mentor attached to the
project.
3. Can I put in more than one application to Fresh Shorts?
You are able to submit more than one application to Fresh Shorts; however you cannot submit
the same application to both Fresh Shorts $10,000 and Fresh Shorts $30,000 – you must decide
which funding level is suitable for you and for the project. This will be determined by your
experience level as a director and also the nature of the project. We would encourage you to
submit only the projects you are truly passionate about, that are original and can demonstrate
your unique voice - projects that you have put your heart into and that only you could make.
4. I am not sure whether to apply for Fresh Shorts $10,000 or Fresh Shorts $30,000. What
should I do?
It is your decision as to what level of funding to apply for; however, please consider carefully your
experience as a director as this is a determining factor, as well as the nature of the project. Each
level of funding will be competitive, so please think carefully about your proposal, and submit the
best application that you can to the appropriate fund.
5. Can I submit the same project to both Fresh Shorts and Premiere Shorts?
You can submit a project to both Fresh Shorts and Premiere Shorts; however Premiere Shorts is
for experienced directors and the Executive Producers may not accept your application if they
think it is more suitable for Fresh Shorts. You cannot be funded by both Fresh Shorts and
Premiere Shorts for the same project. If you would like more information about this, please
contact Lauren at freshshorts@nzfilm.co.nz
6. When will I find out about my Fresh Shorts application?
All applicants will be notified in November.
7. If I am successful, how will the Fresh Shorts funds be offered to me and when?
Each successful project – at both $10,000 and $30,000 funding levels – will be offered funds as a
grant. For both $10,000 and $30,000 projects, the filmmakers will receive funds in two
installments, the first upon receipt of required documents including signed contracts and chain of
title, and the second after the NZ Film Commission has viewed an edit of the film and had the
opportunity to give feedback to the filmmakers.
8. If I am successful, who in my team will be paid the grant? And how will the installments
be allocated?
For $10,000 if the application is successful, the grant will be distributed in two installments to the
Applicant.
For $30,000 if the application is successful, the grant will be distributed in two installments to the
Producer.
The first installment of 70% will be paid once the filmmaker delivers the script, budget, chain of
title; writer’s agreement, director’s and producer’s agreement (talk to the NZFC Short Film team
for help with accessing agreements). The second installment of 30% will be paid once the NZFC
Short Film team has had a chance to view an edit and offer feedback to the filmmakers.
The successful Applicant or Producer will need to send invoices with nominated account details,
in order to access a drawdown. Invoices should be sent to the NZFC Short Film team for
approval.
9. Can I get additional funding from other sources as well as the $10,000 or $30,000 Fresh
Shorts grant?
Yes, you can secure additional funding from other sources to enhance the budget of your film,
however, in your application to the NZ Film Commission you must provide a budget which shows
that you can complete and deliver the film for the amount you are asking for – either $10,000 or
$30,000 – regardless of whether you hope to secure additional funding. Extra funding could then
be used to enhance the film’s budget, as opposed to meeting core elements. The reason for this
is that we would need to be sure that you can finish the film for the amount granted.
10. Can I get sponsorship from other sources?
Yes, you can get sponsorship from other sources such as companies or individuals, but these
would need to be discussed and approved by the NZ Film Commission, so please let us know
what types of sponsorship you are hoping for when you apply to us. If you have any questions
please feel free to contact Lauren: freshshorts@nzfilm.co.nz.
11. Once I have received funding and made my film, what will NZ Film Commission expect
from me?
Each $10,000 project will need to deliver the following to the NZ Film Commission:

• Uncompressed QuickTime delivered on a hard drive (NB this has changed from original
requirements!)
• High quality authored DVD
• Press kit
• 3 key film stills in jpeg format

Each $30,000 project will be required to deliver the following to the NZ Film Commission:
• HD Cam master of the film
• High quality authored DVD
• Press kit
• 3 key film stills in jpeg format
12. What format should I shoot my film on?
There is no restriction on shooting formats except we recommend you shoot at the following
frame rate: 23.98. All $30,000 films must be finished to HD Cam and DVD.
13. Where can I find out more information and contact other potential applicants?
If you’re looking for more information or other filmmakers to work with, look for Lauren Fresh-
Shorts on facebook, feel free to post messages and connect with others. Also contact the Short
Film team as we may be able to suggest others who you could team up with.
Email Lauren: freshshorts@nzfilm.co.nz
14. How long can my film be?
We anticipate the duration of your film will be between 4-25 minutes.
15. I’ve already shot my film. Can I still apply to Fresh Shorts for the money that I’ve
already spent?
The NZ Film Commission is not able to retrospectively fund projects.
16. I’ve already shot my film. Can I still apply to Fresh Shorts for post production funding
of my film?
Fresh Shorts is a production fund, and films must be completed to the required specifications
within the funds granted. If you are hoping to secure post production funds as an extra amount to
Fresh Shorts, please check our website for the Short Film Post Production Fund guidelines.
17. If my short film is funded by Fresh Shorts, will the NZ Film Commission submit the film
to festivals once it’s completed?
The NZFC Short Film team will view all short films funded by Fresh Shorts. The team will select
some films for festivals and sales representation – and this option will be presented to the
filmmakers at the time. Unfortunately the NZFC Short Film team will not able to represent all the
films funded by Fresh Shorts, but will help filmmakers formulate festival strategies and offer
advice as required.
18. What is a press kit?
A press kit is a document that promotes your film. It includes the following:
• Name of the film
• Key image still for the front cover
• Filmmaker contact details
• Key filmmaker names including writer, director, producer, key crew and key cast
• Screening formats, length, completion date
• One sentence describing the plot of the film
• A synopsis of the story (one paragraph describing the plot of the film)
• Director and/or Producers notes
• Director and/or Producers film biographies
• Full cast and crew list
19. Can you explain what significant NZ content is?
Please follow the link to view section 18 of the NZ Film Commission Act
http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1978/0061/latest/DLM22640.html which outlines
significant NZ content. If you need more help with this please email freshshorts@nzfilm.co.nz
20. I’m not from New Zealand, can I apply?
The director, writer and producer need to be New Zealand citizens or permanent residents.
21. I am working on my application. How do I account for GST in my budget? Can you
explain how this works?
If you (or the company that you plan to use for the production) are GST registered then you do
not include GST in your budget. If you are not GST registered then you will need to allow for
GST within your budget. So for GST registered filmmakers, your budget will need to be either
$10,000 + GST or $30,000 + GST, which you claim for, and then pay on to IRD as usual. For
non-GST registered filmmakers, your budget will need to include GST within the total amount of
funding - either $10,000 or $30,000.
You will need to remember that most quotes do NOT include GST. So check for this when looking
at prices. Also, don’t forget that GST is increasing to 15% in October so remember to account for
this.
22. If my grant is successful, can I buy film equipment with the funds, rather than hiring it?
No, you are not able to buy assets with the grant funding.
23. If my grant is successful, how do I account for the funds? Do I need to keep receipts?
You will need to provide a cost report on delivery of the film, which outlines your expenses. You
will need to keep all your receipts and provide them if an audit is required.
24. If my grant is successful, how much control will the NZ Film Commission have over my
story?
The panel may give you notes and feedback regarding the draft you submit for funding, however
the onus is on the filmmaker once the grant is offered and you do not need final script approval
from the NZFC. However, you are welcome and encouraged to seek as much advice and
feedback on the script from the NZFC Short Film team as you like before moving into production.
The NZFC Short Film team will require successful filmmakers to provide an edit of the film for
feedback and advice, before approval of the second (and final) drawdown.
So the NZFC Short Film team is really keen to give you feedback and advice regarding your
script and edit (and anything else you need help with), to ensure that the film is the best that it
can be, but ultimately it is your story and your film.

If you have any other questions regarding Fresh Shorts, please email Lauren Granshaw at freshshorts@nzfilm.co.nz