Open call for Feature Film Development Fund (New Zealand)

Deadline: 31-Dec-2026

Feature Film Development Funding supports New Zealand filmmakers in developing scripted feature film projects from early-stage concepts through production-ready screenplays. The programme provides funding for script development, creative collaboration, research, packaging, and project preparation, with grants of up to $35,000 per tranche and a maximum of $140,000 per project across all NZFC development funding sources.

Feature Film Development Funding for New Zealand Filmmakers

Feature Film Development Funding is designed to help New Zealand filmmakers develop, refine, and strengthen scripted feature film projects before production. The programme supports creative, cultural, technical, and commercial development activities that improve a project’s readiness for financing, production, distribution, and audience engagement.

Funding is available for live-action and animation projects that demonstrate creative excellence, cultural authenticity, audience potential, and strong development planning.

Programme Overview

The programme supports the development phase of feature filmmaking, allowing creators to strengthen scripts, build creative teams, undertake research, and prepare projects for future production investment.

Projects may pursue a variety of objectives, including:

• Local audience engagement.
• International commercial success.
• Film festival recognition.
• Critical acclaim.
• Storytelling innovation.
• Technological innovation.
• New audience experiences.
• Culturally authentic narratives.

The programme encourages collaboration, diversity, and inclusive storytelling while supporting the growth of New Zealand’s screen industry.

Funding Available

Funding is available for eligible development activities before production begins.

Key funding details include:

• Maximum funding per tranche: $35,000.
• Maximum cumulative funding per project: $140,000.
• Applies across all NZFC development funding sources.
• Funding is contestable and assessed competitively.

Eligible Development Activities

Funding may be used for:

• Scriptwriting and screenplay development.
• Story research and project development.
• Script consultations and assessments.
• Workshops and creative development sessions.
• Legal and rights-related expenses.
• Director preparation activities.
• Casting exploration and talent attachment.
• Location scouting.
• Producer development activities.
• Packaging and market preparation.
• Industry consultancy services.

For animation projects, eligible activities may also include:

• Concept art creation.
• Storyboard development.
• Animatics.
• Character design.
• Visual development.
• Modelling and animation planning.

Key Focus Areas

The programme prioritizes projects that demonstrate:

• Strong screenplay development.
• Creative excellence.
• Commercial potential.
• Audience engagement strategies.
• Cultural authenticity.
• Diversity and inclusion.
• Collaboration among creative teams.
• Innovation in storytelling.
• Innovation in technology and audience experience.
• New Zealand screen sector development.

Why This Funding Matters

Feature film development is one of the most critical stages in filmmaking. Strong development processes improve story quality, audience appeal, production readiness, and financing opportunities.

This funding helps filmmakers:

• Refine scripts before production.
• Strengthen creative vision.
• Build experienced creative teams.
• Test ideas and concepts.
• Improve market readiness.
• Increase production financing opportunities.
• Develop culturally authentic stories.
• Expand New Zealand’s film industry capacity.

For many projects, successful development funding can significantly increase the likelihood of securing production investment.

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident.
• Hold the necessary rights to the project.
• Be attached to the project as a writer, director, producer, or a combination of these roles.

Applicants must also demonstrate professional experience through one or more of the following:

• At least 80 minutes of released scripted screen content.
• Recognized short films screened at established festivals.
• Equivalent professional achievement in narrative storytelling fields.
• Previous NZFC development funding support.
• Significant prior feature film release experience.

Additional eligibility requirements include:

• Individuals may be attached to a maximum of two active applications at one time.
• Māori content projects must demonstrate appropriate Māori participation and engagement relative to the subject matter.
• All paid creative services must be provided by New Zealand citizens or permanent residents.

Eligible Co-Productions

International co-productions are eligible under the programme.

However:

• Funding can only support New Zealand-side development activities.
• Funding cannot be used for development costs incurred outside New Zealand’s eligible contribution.

AI Disclosure Requirements

Applicants may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools during project development.

However:

• AI usage must be disclosed.
• Applications are assessed on transparency regarding AI use.
• Reviewers evaluate impacts on creative integrity.
• Cultural authenticity considerations remain important.
• Ethical implications of AI-assisted content may be assessed.

Projects that use AI should clearly explain:

• How AI was used.
• Which creative elements were AI-assisted.
• How originality and authorship were maintained.

Assessment Criteria

Applications are reviewed by NZFC staff and external industry professionals.

Assessment focuses on:

• Creative quality.
• Story strength.
• Commercial potential.
• Audience potential.
• Cultural authenticity.
• Diversity outcomes.
• Collaboration quality.
• Strategic alignment with NZFC priorities.
• Team capability and experience.
• Overall development strategy.

Funding decisions are competitive and based on available resources.

How to Apply

Step 1: Schedule the Required Pre-Application Hui

Applicants must participate in a pre-application hui before submitting an application.

This discussion helps:

• Confirm eligibility.
• Clarify project readiness.
• Identify appropriate development pathways.
• Strengthen application preparation.

Step 2: Confirm Project Rights

Ensure that all intellectual property and development rights are secured and documented.

Step 3: Prepare Development Materials

Gather and prepare:

• Screenplay materials.
• Story synopsis.
• Creative vision documents.
• Development plans.
• Team biographies.
• Rights documentation.
• Budget information.
• Development timeline.

Step 4: Prepare Funding Request

Clearly explain:

• Activities to be funded.
• Development objectives.
• Expected outcomes.
• Budget allocations.
• Future production goals.

Step 5: Disclose AI Usage

If AI tools have been used, provide transparent disclosure and explain their role within the project.

Step 6: Submit Application

Complete and submit all required materials according to programme requirements.

Step 7: Assessment Process

Applications are evaluated by NZFC staff and external reviewers.

Step 8: Funding Decision

Decisions are generally communicated within approximately eight weeks of submission.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying without completing the required pre-application hui.
• Submitting underdeveloped screenplay materials.
• Failing to demonstrate audience potential.
• Providing weak development plans.
• Ignoring cultural authenticity considerations.
• Insufficient Māori involvement for Māori-focused content.
• Exceeding funding caps.
• Failing to disclose AI use.
• Submitting incomplete rights documentation.
• Applying without a clear production pathway.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Present a compelling and well-developed story concept.
• Demonstrate clear audience potential.
• Provide realistic development milestones.
• Show how funding will improve project readiness.
• Highlight the experience of the creative team.
• Include meaningful cultural consultation where appropriate.
• Explain market positioning and future production plans.
• Demonstrate both creative and commercial thinking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the purpose of Feature Film Development Funding?

The programme helps filmmakers develop scripted feature film projects and prepare them for production through script development, research, packaging, and creative planning.

How much funding can a project receive?

Projects can receive up to $35,000 per funding tranche and a maximum of $140,000 in cumulative NZFC development funding.

Who can apply?

New Zealand citizens or permanent residents who hold project rights and meet the programme’s professional experience requirements.

Are animation projects eligible?

Yes. Animation projects are eligible and may receive support for activities such as concept art, storyboards, animatics, modelling, and visual development.

Can international co-productions apply?

Yes. Co-productions are eligible, but funding can only support New Zealand-side development activities.

Is AI use allowed?

Yes. However, all AI use must be disclosed and may be assessed for transparency, cultural authenticity, ethical considerations, and creative integrity.

How long does the assessment process take?

Funding decisions are typically made within approximately eight weeks after submission.

Conclusion

Feature Film Development Funding provides critical support for New Zealand filmmakers seeking to transform strong ideas into production-ready feature films. By funding screenplay development, creative collaboration, research, packaging, and project planning, the programme helps creators strengthen both the artistic and commercial foundations of their projects. With support for diverse storytelling, cultural authenticity, innovation, and audience development, the funding plays an important role in advancing New Zealand’s feature film sector and preparing projects for future production success.

For more information, visit New Zealand Film Commission.