Accessing the 5% Uplift

International productions which qualify for the International Grant and offer significant economic benefits to New Zealand may be invited to apply for the 5% Uplift.

In addition to being invited to apply, to be eligible for the 5% Uplift, applicants must:

• meet the QNZPE thresholds (NZ$30million QNZPE on the current production and NZ$100million QNZPE in the previous five years);
• pass the Significant Economic Benefits Test; and
• provide value to New Zealand that meets or exceeds the size of the 5% Uplift applied for.

The Significant Economic Benefits Test is set out in Appendix 3 of the NZSPG Criteria for International Productions. The test considers:

• the amount of expenditure on current production
• New Zealand production activity
• use of New Zealand personnel
• wider economic benefits

A verification panel consisting of government representatives and individuals from the commercial and screen sectors decides whether a production is eligible for the 5% Uplift.

Successful productions enter into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the New Zealand Film Commission on behalf of the New Zealand Government.

Five productions to date have received the 5% Uplift: Power Rangers Dino Charge, Pete's Dragon, Ghost in the Shell, The Meg and Mortal Engines.

PDV Productions are not eligible for the 5% Uplift.

If you wish to discuss whether your production could be invited to apply for the 5% Uplift, please contact the Head of Incentives in the first instance via nzspg@nzfilm.co.nz