Last updated:
Tuesday, 5 September 2023
The New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) will keep this page updated with our response to COVID-19. Please click on the headline to read the full information on each release.
NZFC Covid-19 Policy Lifted
In August, the New Zealand Government announced that from 12:01am Tuesday 15 August 2023, the remaining COVID-19 public health rules would be lifted. As a result, certain measures like the seven-day mandatory isolation and the requirement to wear face masks when visiting healthcare facilities are no longer required. In response to these changes in domestic policy, the Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) has revised its COVID-19 Policy for funding, which modified the NZFC’s Terms of Trade and Guidelines.
Effective immediately, the COVID-19 Policy will not be enforced for screen productions seeking funding from the NZFC. Furthermore, screen productions seeking funding are no longer required to include a COVID-19 Contingency plan. However, productions will still need to manage health and safety protocols. It is also worth noting that COVID-19 continues to be excluded from insurance coverage and completion bond protection. Because of this, the NZFC will continue to accept COVID-related expenses as part of the budgets it approves. The NZFC retains the right to re-introduce a COVID-19 policy in the event the NZ Government reinstates COVID-19 public health requirements that directly impact production.
The Extended Screen Production Recovery Fund is now closed to applications.
NZFC Advisories
The NZFC issues regular advisories to provide updated and clear information to the industry about what the NZFC is putting in place to support people and productions until the pandemic situation is resolved.
Support Package for Arts Sector
COVID Advisory #5 - Screen Recovery Package Update
Advisory # 4 Introduced by NZFC Chair, Dame Kerry Prendergast and the Board of the NZFC
Advisory #2 COVID-19 Pandemic as it Affects Production
Advisory #1 Regarding the COVID-19 Situation
NZFC Live Q & A Sessions
Live Webinar on Screen Sector Recovery Package
Q&A on Screen Production Recovery and Capability Funding 20 August
28 October Live Webinar with NZFC, NZ On Air and Te Māngai Pāho
Media
SPADA Co-Presidents interview CEOs of NZOA and NZFC on the impacts of COVID-19 - 4 April 2020
Second SPADA Co-Presidents Q&A with CEOs of NZFC and NZOA - 9 April 2020
Third SPADA, NZFC and NZOA Screen Industry Discussion - 17 April 2020
Annabelle Sheehan: My Covid-19 experience RNZ - 26 April 2020
Could the film industry revive Queenstown Lakes Covid-19 crippled economy?
RNZ - 6 May 2020
International Film Industry Looks to New Zealand for Recovery - Newstalk ZB breakfast 14 May 2020