He Kauahi Catalyst aims to support New Zealand filmmakers to progress their talents to the next stage and make exceptional, high end narrative short films that will ignite the flame and be the catalyst for change in their career.
What we fund
He Kauahi Catalyst aims to support New Zealand filmmakers to progress their talents to the next stage and make exceptional, high end narrative short films that will ignite the flame and be the catalyst for change in their career.
- Narrative drama and animation short films - not documentary
- Short films must be tonally or thematically linked to feature films and/or long-form content
- Up to $90,000 is available for the development and production of the short film
- An additional $10,000 will be made available for the development of the feature film/long-form project linked to the short
Who can apply
- He Kauahi Catalyst is open to filmmaking teams (writers, directors, producers). Each member of the team must be emerging or mid-career level in the role they are listed under in the application.
- Find out more about talent eligibility criteria definition for "Emerging" and "mid-career" levels.
- The lead applicant must be the producer. The lead producer cannot also assume the role of director.
- All team members must be New Zealand citizens or permanent residents.
The film must have significant New Zealand content. Please read the New Zealand content information sheet for more detail
How to apply
Read the Guidelines Document before registering for an account to apply online at https://funding.nzfilm.co.nz/.
You can invite team members who also have an account to collaborate on the application.
Deadline for the December 2022 Round is February 12 2023 at 1:00pm.
He Kauahi Catalyst funding deadline extension
This funds original deadline was 13th Feb, due to the recent adverse weather in Auckland and around the country, and the upcoming weather events forecast, we have extended the deadline to the 20th Feb at 1pm.
Stay safe film whānau.
NZFC TD team.
Announcements will be made within ten weeks after deadline close.
You can invite team members who also have an account to collaborate on the application.
What you need
- Story – creative materials including a logline, synopsis and developed script. Long form synopsis for feature/long form concept.
- Vision – information from the director about the short film and the linked feature and/or long-form content. Include visual reference material.
- Producer – statement and plans for the short film and linked feature and/or long-form content. Include Health and Safety and COVID-19 planning.
- Chain of title.
- Audience engagement plan - including proposed festival strategy.
- Budget – budget notes and financial plan for the short film and development of the linked feature and/or long-form content. Include Health and Safety costs to plan for and mitigate COVID-19.
- Details of any other NZFC projects in active development or outstanding reports.
- Team – bios of key people.