Funding programmes

We want New Zealand films to be seen both here and overseas. We expect all the films that we fund to be seen in New Zealand cinemas but we understand that in a competitive market your film might need help to reach its audience.

We invest in feature films for the big screen that entertain audiences and are recognised and celebrated all over the world.  Our investment in film develops careers and attracts international business to help drive our economy.

If you are an industry guild or some other organisation working in the film industry then the Film Commission has a number of initiatives that can help you develop filmmaking talent and upskill practitioners. 

The New Zealand Film Commission collaborates with the New Zealand Writers’ Guild (NZWG) for early script development under the name Seed Funding.

If you have finished your film and need some help to get it across the finish line, you can apply for post production funding. Depending on the scale of the work needed to finish your film, there are several options.

Production Funding offers production financing for your project.

Our short film funds aim to identify the next generation of New Zealand feature filmmakers by nurturing up-and-coming talent through short film development and production.

The aim of Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga - the New Zealand Film Commission is to work in partnership to achieve mutually agreed aspirations with Iwi Māori in Aotearoa.

We assist producers to travel to key international markets where they can advance the packaging and financing of their film projects.