Issue date: 
Tuesday, 7 February 2017

One-off, targeted and tailored, this is the course you need to take your film career to the next level.  

The New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC), in conjunction with the Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS), is offering a select group of industry practitioners a chance to step up and learn everything there is to know about producing feature films. From April – December this year, the successful candidates will participate in intensive workshops, supported by ongoing mentoring and online learning. Candidates will develop a slate of their own, market-ready projects – culminating in an opportunity to pitch for high-value project and business development funding. Applications are now open and will close on 28 February 2017.

Places are limited. 

What is The A - Z of Producing?

A comprehensive, multi-stage course designed to teach you what you need to know to produce a feature film, and enable you to build a production slate ready to take to market. You will learn:

  • Development
  • Financing
  • Legals
  • Effective collaboration
  • Co-productions
  • Budgeting, cash-flow, business planning and financial management
  • Crew hiring and casting
  • Pre and post production
  • Health and safety
  • Audience trends
  • Festivals and distribution
  • Taking your feature film to market

How will it be delivered?

The course is delivered through 5 x three-day workshops in Wellington and Auckland from April – December, 2017. In addition, you will have reading and online video lectures to supplement your learning throughout the year.

We call it an intensive and it is!

Participants are expected to be actively developing their own projects, and there will milestones set for development deliverables. In-class involvement and pitching will be mandatory.

Who is behind the course?

The NZFC in conjunction with the AFTRS. The main course lecturer will be the highly successful, award-winning feature film producer, Sue Maslin (The Dressmaker, Japanese Story, Road to Nhill). Sue will be joined by experienced and expert guests from New Zealand and Australia

Why would you apply?

If you are a New Zealand screen practitioner and serious about developing a career and business producing feature films, this course will provide you with the knowledge, the access and the resources you’ll need to step up. You will be encouraged, coached and coerced into developing a marketable slate of projects.

And then, on completion, you will get to pitch for a combination of available Boost and development grants to help your slate progress.

Is it free?

No. But the cost is only $350 per person. Incredibly cheap for a course of this calibre. And, if required, travel assistance is available to attend the five workshops which are likely to be split between Auckland and Wellington. So South Island people, don't hold back!

Who should apply?

Screen practitioners who have at least one feature film project in development and have a good level of knowledge about, and some experience in, production. If you want to fast track to be completely match-ready to get a feature happening, including financing, deal-making and legals this is an unmissable opportunity.

Please note: 

You must be a New Zealand resident to apply.

You must be available to attend all the course workshops in April, May, July, October and December which will typically be Fri-Sun or Sat- Mon.

Course numbers will be around 10 to 12.

How do I apply?

Email your CV and a covering letter explaining why you would like to be considered to AtoZ@nzfilm.co.nz with the subject line 'The A - Z of Producing' .Please include information about the project(s) you have in development including a synopsis and any information about the project’s market appeal, and how you think the course will benefit you.

Applications close 28 February 2017.

What happens then?

Applications will be assessed on merit by a panel of senior NZFC staff. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed and offers made the Week Starting 13th March. The first workshop is 8/9/10 April. Save that date.

Last updated: 
Tuesday, 7 February 2017