The Advanced Development Fund supports film projects that are at an advanced stage and are almost ready for market.
What we fund
Support to advance feature projects into production, so they will be eligible for production financing. The grant covers the costs of getting your project production-ready, and covers activities such as budgeting and casting.
- Grant of up to $30,000 per application
- Up to a total of $80,000 per project, including any other Film Commission development loans you have already received
Who can apply
- New Zealand producers of a film with significant New Zealand content. The person named as the lead producer in your application cannot be the same person as the writer of director.
- Director attached to the project
- Clear strategy for packaging and financing the film.
How to apply
Please read Feature Film Development Financing Guidelines before registering for an account to apply online at https://funding.nzfilm.co.nz/. The person applying should be your lead producer.
Before you send us your application, discuss your project with our Development and Production team: development@nzfilm.co.nz.
What you need
- Creative material - including a script at a production-ready stage
- Audience engagement notes
- Background – project history and any other Film Commission projects you are currently involved in
- Budget and timeline
- Key personnel – bios of key people
- Rights – evidence that you have the rights to make the film
Other development opportunities
NZFC development funds are just some of the options for development assistance. Other options include the following:
The International Co-Development Fund (ICF) provides support for New Zealand screen practitioners who are working with an overseas partner on developing feature films and series drama.
Seed Grants are funds the NZFC has devolved to the New Zealand Writers Guild as a writer-focused early development fund.
He Ara is a devolved development scheme aimed at assisting established New Zealand writers, producers and directors of Māori and/or Pacific Island heritage to express authentic Māori and Pacific Island film perspectives. Eligible producers and creator teams can apply for support towards developing a slate of projects.
From time to time the NZFC will devolve development funds through schemes such as the Business Development Scheme (BDS), Boost and He Ara. Individual writers and directors may consider contacting successful recipients of these schemes to see if a project is of interest to them.
Script to Screen’s Story Camp Aotearoa is a residential feature film workshop that fosters craft, voice and vision, while FilmUp Mentorship programme supports up to eight talented filmmakers to reach the next stage in their creative careers.