New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) CEO, Dave Gibson, revealed today the details of the development fund for Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR) and gaming announced at the Big Screen Symposium in Auckland.
Called the Interactive Development Fund, applications are open from now until 24 February 2017.
The funding will be made available primarily for the development of interactive stories and design, with the goal of creating a prototype that can be taken to market for financing.
Speaking at the annual Screen Production and Development Association (SPADA) conference Gibson said, "This pilot programme is designed to develop interactive content with strong story elements and cultural significance to New Zealanders.
We hope the fund will encourage collaboration across sectors and foster the development of new skills.”
Funding of $200,000 has been allocated to the pilot programme, with the expectation that support will be for a maximum $25,000 grant. In exceptional circumstances, the NZFC may consider offering up to $50,000, but this will be treated as equity investment as opposed to a grant.
Full details of the Interactive Development Fund, including guidelines and application forms, can be found on the NZFC website.