Call for Participants: Feature Film Production Investment (New Zealand)

Deadline: 13-Jul-2026

The Feature Film Production Investment Program supports experienced New Zealand filmmakers in producing or completing feature films for local and international audiences. Administered by the New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC), the program provides up to NZ$2.5 million in production funding and up to NZ$500,000 in post-production support for projects that demonstrate creative excellence, audience appeal, and strong New Zealand storytelling.

The program prioritizes commercially viable, culturally significant, and innovative films while supporting industry growth, diversity, inclusion, and Māori participation within New Zealand’s screen sector.

About the Feature Film Production Investment Program

The Feature Film Production Investment Program is a competitive funding initiative designed to help experienced filmmakers produce high-quality feature films that can succeed both in New Zealand and international markets.

The program supports:

• Scripted feature films
• Documentary feature films
• Official international co-productions
• Films with significant New Zealand content
• Innovative film projects using emerging storytelling or production technologies

Projects should typically be between 75 and 110 minutes in duration.

Funding Available

The NZFC offers several funding streams depending on project scope and objectives.

Production Funding

• Up to NZ$2.5 million for feature film production
• Up to NZ$1.5 million for projects where innovation is the primary objective

Post-Production Funding

• Up to NZ$500,000 for post-production activities

Grant vs Equity Investment

• Projects with budgets of NZ$1 million or less requesting NZ$500,000 or less receive funding as a grant
• Larger funding requests are generally provided as equity investments

Development funding previously received is not included within production investment allocations.

Program Priorities

The NZFC seeks projects that align with key strategic objectives.

Priority areas include:

• Creative excellence
• Strong audience engagement
• New Zealand stories and perspectives
• Commercial viability
• International market potential
• Festival and critical success
• Innovation in filmmaking and storytelling
• Cultural, social, and political impact
• Industry capability development
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Collaboration across the screen sector

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements.

Applicant Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
• Act as the lead New Zealand producer
• Demonstrate relevant filmmaking experience
• Hold all necessary intellectual property and production rights
• Complete a mandatory pre-application hui with NZFC

Project Eligibility

Projects must:

• Be a feature-length film
• Typically run between 75–110 minutes
• Be scripted or documentary
• Have significant New Zealand content or qualify as an official co-production
• Demonstrate production readiness
• Include a realistic financing strategy
• Have New Zealand distribution commitment
• Include an international sales agent where appropriate

Māori Content Requirements

Projects containing significant Māori content must demonstrate meaningful Māori participation and cultural leadership.

Requirements may include:

• Appropriate Māori creative leadership
• Māori producers, writers, directors, or advisors
• Respect for Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles
• Fair ownership and benefit-sharing arrangements
• Māori capacity-building opportunities
• Authentic representation of Māori stories and communities

Additional assessment consideration is given to projects that strengthen Māori participation in the screen industry.

Why This Funding Matters

The program plays a critical role in strengthening New Zealand’s film industry by:

• Supporting local filmmakers
• Increasing international visibility of New Zealand stories
• Creating employment opportunities within the screen sector
• Encouraging innovation and new filmmaking approaches
• Promoting cultural diversity and representation
• Building sustainable production capability across Aotearoa

It also helps New Zealand films compete in international markets while maintaining strong local relevance.

What Funding Can Be Used For?

Funding may support:

• Film production activities
• Principal photography
• Crew and talent costs
• Equipment and technical services
• Production management
• Post-production editing
• Visual effects
• Sound design and mixing
• Color grading
• Delivery and completion activities

Projects must demonstrate how funding contributes directly to successful completion and audience reach.

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Review NZFC requirements to ensure both the applicant and project qualify.

Step 2: Schedule a Pre-Application Hui

Applicants must participate in a consultation meeting with NZFC before submitting an application.

Step 3: Prepare Production Materials

Develop and organize:

• Production plan
• Script or documentary treatment
• Financing plan
• Rights documentation
• Distribution strategy
• Sales strategy (if applicable)
• Production schedule
• Budget and cash flow projections

Step 4: Address Māori Requirements

Projects involving Māori content should clearly demonstrate compliance with cultural and participation requirements.

Step 5: Submit Application

Complete the application process and provide all required supporting materials before the deadline.

Step 6: Participate in Assessment

Applicants may be invited to respond to questions or provide clarification during evaluation.

Assessment Criteria

Applications are evaluated based on:

• Creative quality
• Story strength
• Audience appeal
• Production feasibility
• Team experience and capability
• Cultural significance
• Commercial potential
• Distribution strategy
• Industry contribution
• Alignment with NZFC strategic priorities

Funding Decision Process

The program follows a two-stage assessment process.

Stage 1

Applications are reviewed by:

• NZFC staff
• Independent industry assessors

Stage 2

Shortlisted projects receive further evaluation and due diligence review.

Final Approval

• Funding above NZ$1 million is approved by the NZFC Board
• Funding below NZ$1 million is approved by the NZFC CEO

All decisions are discretionary and final.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Applying without production readiness
• Incomplete financing plans
• Weak distribution strategies
• Insufficient audience development planning
• Missing rights documentation
• Failing to address Māori content requirements
• Unrealistic budgets and schedules
• Lack of market or sales strategy

Strong preparation significantly improves funding competitiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply for Feature Film Production Investment?

New Zealand citizens or permanent residents serving as lead New Zealand producers may apply.

2. How much funding is available?

Projects can receive up to NZ$2.5 million for production and up to NZ$500,000 for post-production.

3. Are documentary films eligible?

Yes. Both documentary and scripted feature films are eligible.

4. Is a pre-application meeting required?

Yes. A pre-application hui with NZFC is mandatory before submission.

5. What is considered a feature film?

Generally, eligible films run between 75 and 110 minutes.

6. Can international co-productions apply?

Yes. Official co-productions are eligible if they meet NZFC requirements.

7. How are projects assessed?

Projects are evaluated on creative quality, audience reach, production viability, cultural value, commercial potential, and industry contribution.

Key Takeaways

• Funding supports feature film production and completion.
• Up to NZ$2.5 million available for production.
• Up to NZ$500,000 available for post-production.
• Open to experienced New Zealand filmmakers.
• Supports scripted films, documentaries, and official co-productions.
• Mandatory pre-application hui required.
• Strong emphasis on audience engagement, creative excellence, and New Zealand storytelling.
• Additional consideration given to Māori participation and cultural outcomes.

Conclusion

The Feature Film Production Investment Program is one of New Zealand’s leading film funding opportunities, helping experienced producers bring ambitious feature films to audiences at home and abroad. By supporting creative excellence, cultural storytelling, innovation, and industry development, the program strengthens New Zealand’s screen sector while enabling filmmakers to create impactful and globally competitive films.

For more information, visit New Zealand Film Commission.