Funding
Short Film Pod Fund
©Lea Tupu'anga/Mother Tongue
This reboot of a previous NZFC initiative aims to produce distinctive short films that help talented filmmakers move toward a debut feature. It is also intended to strengthen producer-led development, production discipline, and filmmaker capability across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Each Pod will be run by an Executive Producer or Executive Producing team and must include at least one experienced producer. Each Pod will select a slate of three or more short film projects and guide those projects through call-out, selection, production, post-production and delivery.
What we fund
A grant of $50,000 to administer the process and support filmmakers from project selection through to production delivery; and $270,000 of production funding to allocate to at least three short film projects.
- Support a diverse range of talented filmmakers to develop and produce high quality short films;
- Produce quality short films across a range of forms (including scripted, documentary and animation) and genres that help build a pathway to feature film for talented filmmakers; and
- Support the Executive Producers to develop their skills in creative development support, mentorship and relationship-building.
Application Process
One
Before applying
Before applying, please read the Short Film Pod Fund Guidelines.
Applicants should then prepare a two-page Expression of Interest outlining their experience, previous work, approach to developing talent, and why they would like to run a Pod.
Two
Three
If shortlisted
A small number of shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit a more detailed proposal outlining their Pod model, selection process, support approach and delivery plan.
Supporting resources and guidelines
Application info
Application info
- Experienced filmmakers or teams (of whom at least one must be an experienced producer) with a strong track record, who want to develop their skills as Executive Producers;
- Proposals that demonstrate clear creative leadership and practical delivery capability to design and manage a fair and transparent process to call for, assess and select short film projects for the Pod; and
- A demonstrated commitment to Te Rautaki Māori, diversity, accessibility and culturally safe practice.
You are eligible for this Fund if you :
- are New Zealand citizen or permanent resident; and
- you or one of your team have made at least one feature film that has achieved a recognised release pathway, including theatrical, festival, or platform distribution
Applicants should submit a two-page EOI that gives us a strong sense of who you and/or your team are, the types of projects and filmmakers you want to champion, and how you would create a supportive, creatively rigorous pod environment. Please address the areas below:
- Applicant or team profile: Tell us about your relevant experience, key credits, creative and production strengths, and the capability you would bring to leading a short film pod.
- Prior work: Provide links to previous screen work that best demonstrates your creative judgement and production craft.
- Philosophy: Describe your approach to developing and supporting talent, including the kinds of filmmakers, genres, forms or communities you are excited to champion.
- Personal statement: Share why you want to run a pod now, what you hope to learn through the process, and how the opportunity would extend your practice.