Professional Development Opportunities

The NZ Film Commission supports filmmakers to develop their skills and projects in different ways, including grants for Placements and Project-based Development for Filmmakers.

Placements

NZFC Placement Grants support writers, directors and producers to develop their careers by supporting them to gain experience on an international placement or a significant local placement. This might include working on a New Zealand or international feature film production and/or a placement with a local or international company, gaining insights across all areas of film development, financing, production, post-production, distribution and marketing. 

Rotterdam Lab

International Film Festival Rotterdam and New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) invite filmmakers with features in development with NZFC to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for Rotterdam Lab - a five-day international workshop for emerging film producers and creators, to be held from 31 Jan – 4 Feb 2026. The Lab aims to refine producing craft and expand international networks.

You are eligible to submit an EOI if:

• You are a writer, director or producer who has made short films or a feature debut that has travelled and
• You have received NZFC development funding for a feature film at a second or subsequent draft stage after July 1 2024.

Rotterdam Lab will award one producer and one creator (writer, director) participant a place on the lab, and NZFC will provide travel funding for these filmmakers.

You can also read about the lab here. While the lab is pitched at early-career filmmakers, past participants show a range of experience as you can see from this year’s cohort. Note: the lab has traditionally focused on producers, but this year includes a new strand for creators.

Submission Requirements

Profile:

• A one-paragraph biography
• A filmmorgraphy that lists up to 3 recent film titles, and stipulates (year of release), and (short) or (feature). You can also mention notable awards and festival selections.
• A link to one prior film work that best represents you

Please list and provide a link for only films you have written, directed or produced.

Filmmaker Statement

A 1-2 page statement that includes:

• A personal statement
• What are your expectations from the Rotterdam Lab programme?

To apply, please send the submission requirements in a compiled PDF to development@nzfilm.co.nz by 5pm Thursday 23 October with Rotterdam Lab in the subject line.

International Placements Initiative 2025/2026

The NZ Film Commission has secured six international placements with world-leading film companies for 2025/26. These are open to writers, directors and producers who have received NZFC development funding, or have been through an intensive NZFC funded development programme. Examples of these programme include (but are not limited to) Episode One, Moana Pasifika Women Screenwriters Programme, Story Camp Aotearoa, A Wave in the Ocean, Māoriland Indigenous Co-Lab.  

Successful applicants will receive a one-off grant (Funding) of up to $60,000 NZD + GST (if applicable) towards their placement.

Keeper Pictures (Dublin, Ireland) – Deadline 1pm, 30 June 2025 

Dublin-based production company, Keeper Pictures have an opportunity for a dynamic and ambitious producer to develop their skills during a six-month placement starting in August 2025.  Proudly female owned and led, Keeper cultivates award-winning stories that resonate.  This opportunity will give the participant valuable insights into the production lifecycle, while building networks and gaining an awareness of co-productions and funding opportunities internationally. 

Studiocanal NZ (Auckland, NZ with travel to market) – Deadline 1pm, 7 July 2025 

Auckland based acquisition and distribution company Studiocanal NZ have an opportunity for an emerging filmmaker to develop their skills as a Script Intern across 2025-2026.  Working with the Sales and Acquisitions team, the participant will learn about script evaluation and international market preparation.  They will also accompany and support the team at a major international film market.  

Kismet / Brouhaha Entertainment (Sydney, Australia) – Deadline 1pm, 7 July 2025 

Sydney based companies Brouhaha Entertainment and Kismet Distribution, headed by Troy Lum, have an opportunity for an emerging filmmaker/producer to upskill across their varied slate during a three-month placement from March 2026.  Joining a dynamic team, this placement offers the participant a chance to learn more about film marketing and distribution along with script development and film acquisition.  

Good Chaos (London, UK) – Deadline 1pm, 7 July 2025 

Fast growing London-based production company, Good Chaos, headed by Mike Goodridge has an opportunity for a producer to assist their small, experienced team across all areas of film production.  This is a valuable opportunity for someone who is passionate about film production and eager to gain hands-on experience within a busy and highly respected production company. 

Protagonist Pictures (London, UK) – Deadline 1pm, 7 July 2025 

Commercially minded and creatively spirited, Protagonist Pictures is a prestigious international sales, finance and production company, committed to strong relationships with filmmakers, investors and distributors. They have an opportunity for a filmmaker/producer to develop their skills alongside the Acquisitions and Development team during a six-month placement in London.  The participant will work closely with the company, supporting the team through development, acquisition and creative packaging, with a particular focus on understanding the importance of marrying creativity and commerciality.  

Misfits Entertainment (London, UK) – Deadline 1pm, 7 July 2025 

Award winning London based production company Misfits Entertainment has an opportunity for a documentary filmmaker/producer to develop their skills during a six-month placement.  Working with Head of Docs Lizzie Gillett, the participant will be fully immersed in the world of producing premium international documentaries both independently financed and commissioned, and working across Misfits’ entire nonfiction slate, which encompasses feature docs and series. This role is perfect for someone passionate and skilful at figuring out and communicating the best way to tell stories. 

Please consult our eligibility guidelines and the full position descriptions before applying. 

Apply now on the Tomo Mai Application Portal here.

If you have any further questions about the placements, please contact development@nzfilm.co.nz   

Project-based Development for Filmmakers

We support filmmakers whose NZFC funded feature films have had success at the local Box Office or at International Festivals to build on that achievement. Project-based Development for Filmmakers Fund supports writers, directors and producers who have had significant success with their films in the 23/24 and 24/25 financial years to develop subsequent projects to the stage where they will be able to, if they wish, apply for development funding.