This new NZFC initiative intends to offer up to 10 Professional Development Awards per year to filmmakers and film professionals across the industry. Applicants who have feature film credits in their chosen field may apply for up to $5,000 to help cover the costs of a significant professional development opportunity in their area of expertise.

Applicants must demonstrate how their nominated activity or attachment will help them develop their skills. Producers may apply, but not if their application falls within Producer Market Assistance funding parameters. Please note also that while these Awards may be used to cover international master-classes and workshops, the funds are not intended to pay for general tertiary training costs.

NZFC will be making 2 calls for applications for these awards each year; one in summer and one in winter. Each call will give applicants around 3 months before the deadline to properly investigate and document their nominated opportunities.

Application requirements
Applicants should provide a proposal that contains:

             • A completed cover sheet

             • A personal statement

             • A description of the specific opportunity for which they are applying for support

             • A letter of acceptance in relation to applications to attend a workshop or master-class

             • A letter of commitment from the organisation or individual concerned in relation to an attachment with a
               professional mentor or company

             • A budget

             • A one-page CV

Successful applicants will be required to provide a cost report and a written report of their experiences on completion of their activity.

Funding specifications
Successful applicants will receive a grant of up $5000 to assist with direct costs, travel and accommodation expenses.

Application deadline & contact
Applications must be made via email to the NZFC by 5pm on Friday 27 August 2010. Please send your application in a single document to Development Coordinator Faith Dennis at faith@nzfilm.co.nz.
For further information please email Faith or call (04) 382 7690.

Please note that a summer call will also be made in December 2010 with an application deadline for the end of February 2011.