Reflecting a major focus on international co-production and market partnerships, the New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) today announced a boost to financial support for New Zealand producers co-developing feature film and series drama projects for international audiences.
Launching July 1, the new International Co-Development Fund (ICF) expands the current Co-Production Development Fund for official feature film co-productions to include the development and/or packaging of series drama official co-productions or series drama projects with market partners such as a sales agent, streaming platform or broadcaster.
“SeeSaw and Jane Campion’s acclaimed Top of the Lake (BBC/SundanceTV) and more recent series such as the The Dead Lands produced by Matthew Metcalfe’s GFC Films for AMC, as well as Straight Forward (Viaplay/Acorn Media Enterprises) produced by Philly de Lacey for Screentime, all showcase New Zealand’s ability to deliver world-class and distinctive drama; and in line with global trends, we want to support more content at this level,” says NZFC CEO Annabelle Sheehan.
“Developing film and series projects and taking them to market is an expensive and complex process. NZFC’s International Co-Development Fund responds directly to this by giving experienced producers a flexible, matched development finance that’s available as and when needed.”
New Zealand producers can apply for matched development funding from the ICF for a feature film or series drama project. The Fund has an annual allocation of NZ$400,000 available on a contestable basis at any time.
New Zealand has 18 official co-production treaties, encompassing key film and television industries in Asia and Europe, along with Australia, Canada, Israel and South Africa. In addition to approving official co-productions, the NZFC also administers the New Zealand Screen Production Grant (NZSPG) for domestic/official co-production film and television projects (40% cash grant) and international film and television projects (20% cash grant).
Guidelines for the ICF will be available on the NZFC website in June with applications accepted from 1 July 2019.