Open Call for Industry Development Fund (New Zealand)

Deadline: 30-Jun-2026

The Industry Development Fund provides financial support for programmes that strengthen filmmaking skills and professional development across New Zealand’s screen industry. The fund supports script development, director and producer training, filmmaker collaboration, and initiatives that develop new storytellers from Māori and diverse communities, helping create high-quality and distinctive film content.

Program Overview

The Industry Development Fund is designed to strengthen the capability of New Zealand’s screen sector by supporting programmes that develop creative, technical, and professional filmmaking skills.

The fund focuses on helping filmmakers improve their craft, build sustainable careers, and create compelling screen content that contributes to the growth and international recognition of New Zealand’s film industry.

Through targeted training, mentorship, collaboration, and development initiatives, the programme seeks to strengthen the talent pipeline for writers, directors, producers, and emerging storytellers.

Funding Available

The fund offers support through two funding strands:

• Strand 1: Funding requests up to $350,000.
• Strand 2: Funding requests under $30,000.

Funding levels are intended to accommodate both large-scale industry development programmes and smaller targeted initiatives.

Program Objectives

The Industry Development Fund aims to:

• Strengthen filmmaking skills across the screen sector.
• Support professional development for writers, directors, and producers.
• Encourage collaboration among filmmakers.
• Develop high-quality feature film projects.
• Increase industry capability and sustainability.
• Support diverse voices and storytelling perspectives.
• Create pathways for emerging filmmakers.
• Strengthen New Zealand’s screen production ecosystem.

Priority Areas

The fund prioritizes programmes that address key skill gaps and support industry growth.

Script Development

Supported initiatives may focus on:

• Feature film screenplay development.
• Story structure and narrative design.
• Script workshops and mentorship.
• Advanced writing programmes.
• Development of distinctive and market-ready scripts.

The goal is to help writers create strong, original, and compelling feature film screenplays.

Director Development

The fund supports programmes that help directors:

• Build a distinctive directorial voice.
• Develop creative leadership skills.
• Strengthen visual storytelling techniques.
• Prepare for first feature films.
• Advance toward second feature film opportunities.

Director-focused programmes should help participants move from emerging talent to professional feature film production.

Producer Development

Producer development initiatives may include:

• Production planning.
• Financing and budgeting.
• Market and distribution strategies.
• Team leadership and project management.
• Preparing producers for first and second feature films.

The objective is to develop capable producers who can successfully lead feature film projects.

Filmmaker Collaboration

The fund encourages collaborative programmes that:

• Bring writers, directors, and producers together.
• Support practical production experiences.
• Lead to completed screen projects.
• Foster long-term industry partnerships.
• Encourage peer learning and mentorship.

Produced outcomes, including short films, are strongly encouraged.

Māori and Diverse Storyteller Development

Special priority is given to programmes that:

• Identify emerging Māori storytellers.
• Support Indigenous storytelling practices.
• Increase diversity across the screen sector.
• Create opportunities for underrepresented communities.
• Strengthen culturally authentic storytelling.

These initiatives help ensure that New Zealand’s screen industry reflects the diversity of its communities.

Why This Fund Matters

A strong screen industry depends on continuous talent development and professional growth.

This fund helps:

• Build the next generation of filmmakers.
• Strengthen New Zealand’s creative economy.
• Improve the quality of locally produced films.
• Support cultural storytelling and representation.
• Increase international competitiveness.
• Foster innovation in filmmaking.
• Create sustainable industry career pathways.

By investing in skills and professional development, the programme contributes to the long-term success of New Zealand’s film sector.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Screen sector organizations.
• Film industry companies.
• Registered collectives.
• Industry development providers.
• Training organizations operating within the screen sector.

Applicants must:

• Be registered in New Zealand.
• Demonstrate relevant industry experience.
• Show capacity to deliver proposed activities.
• Align proposed programmes with fund objectives.

Eligible Activities

Examples of eligible activities include:

• Screenwriting programmes.
• Script labs and workshops.
• Director training initiatives.
• Producer development programmes.
• Mentorship schemes.
• Industry networking events.
• Filmmaker collaboration projects.
• Short film production initiatives.
• Indigenous storytelling programmes.
• Diversity and inclusion initiatives.
• Professional development workshops.
• Industry capability-building activities.

How the Fund Works

The programme supports organizations that design and deliver initiatives benefiting filmmakers and the wider screen industry.

Successful projects typically:

• Address identified industry skill needs.
• Provide structured learning opportunities.
• Encourage collaboration and mentorship.
• Deliver measurable industry outcomes.
• Support participant career progression.
• Contribute to stronger screen content development.

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure your organization, company, or collective is registered in New Zealand and meets all programme requirements.

Step 2: Identify Industry Needs

Clearly define the skill gaps, opportunities, or industry challenges your programme will address.

Step 3: Design the Programme

Develop a detailed programme plan that outlines:

• Objectives.
• Activities.
• Participants.
• Timeline.
• Expected outcomes.

Step 4: Prepare the Budget

Select the appropriate funding strand and prepare a realistic budget aligned with programme activities.

Step 5: Demonstrate Industry Impact

Explain how the initiative will:

• Improve filmmaking skills.
• Strengthen industry capability.
• Support career development.
• Contribute to quality screen production outcomes.

Step 6: Submit the Application

Complete and submit all required application materials according to programme guidelines.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications are likely to be assessed based on:

• Alignment with programme priorities.
• Industry relevance.
• Quality of programme design.
• Potential impact on participants.
• Contribution to sector development.
• Support for diversity and inclusion.
• Feasibility and implementation capacity.
• Value for money.
• Expected long-term benefits.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly identify the industry challenge being addressed.
• Demonstrate strong sector knowledge.
• Include experienced mentors or facilitators.
• Show measurable outcomes and success indicators.
• Prioritize collaboration and practical learning.
• Include pathways for participant progression.
• Highlight diversity and inclusion strategies.
• Demonstrate industry demand for the programme.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting vague programme objectives.
• Failing to demonstrate industry impact.
• Providing unrealistic budgets.
• Weak participant development plans.
• Limited evidence of delivery capability.
• Insufficient diversity and inclusion considerations.
• Lack of measurable outcomes.
• Poor alignment with fund priorities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the purpose of the Industry Development Fund?

The fund supports programmes that strengthen filmmaking skills, professional development, and industry capability across New Zealand’s screen sector.

Who can apply?

Registered New Zealand screen sector organizations, companies, and collectives are eligible to apply.

How much funding is available?

The fund offers two strands: up to $350,000 under Strand 1 and under $30,000 under Strand 2.

Does the fund support script development?

Yes. Script development is a key priority area, particularly initiatives that help create strong and distinctive feature film scripts.

Are director and producer training programmes eligible?

Yes. The fund specifically supports programmes that prepare directors and producers for their first and second feature films.

Does the programme support Māori storytellers?

Yes. Supporting Māori storytellers and diverse communities is a major priority of the fund.

Can programmes include film production activities?

Yes. Collaborative initiatives that lead to produced outcomes, including short films, are encouraged.

Conclusion

The Industry Development Fund provides an important opportunity for organizations across New Zealand’s screen sector to strengthen filmmaking talent, foster collaboration, and support the next generation of writers, directors, producers, and storytellers. By investing in professional development, script creation, industry capability, and diverse voices, the fund helps build a stronger, more innovative, and globally competitive film industry for New Zealand.

For more information, visit NZ Film Commission.