Creative New Zealand and the New Zealand Film Commission are pleased to announce a new fund for filmmakers called the Independent Filmmakers Fund (IFF).
Statistical information from previous funding rounds and feedback from the sector prompted us to examine the barriers and opportunities within the industry. This also presented an opportunity to align the fund with Creative New Zealand's new Project Funding model and the New Zealand Film Commission's investment in filmmaking in New Zealand.
The new criteria and assessment process for the Independent Filmmakers Fund will be implemented in June 2009.
Independent Filmmakers Fund (IFF)
The purpose of the fund is to invest in exceptional, innovative, high quality, non commercial projects by experienced film and moving image makers striving to engage audiences throughout New Zealand and beyond. Annually this fund will award grants for production and/or post-production proposals in two categories and in the following filmmaking genre:
(Moving image encompasses visual arts projects which draw upon filmmaking practice. This may include fine art video projects, installations and experimental multi-disciplinary projects which are intended for presentation/exhibition within a visual arts context)
Category One
Category One applications must demonstrate that they have achieved a high degree of success in their field to be eligible for a grant of up to $70,000 :
- International and national distribution/exhibition of previous film and moving image projects (e.g. to have exhibited work at film festivals/exhibitions, to have work presented at recognised commercial and/or non-commercial venues)
- International and national recognition (e.g. reviews, awards, references)
- A substantial professional body of film and moving image work
Each project should have:
- A senior adviser (e.g. executive producer, kai whakahaere, curator, gallery director, senior mentor) who will be responsible for ensuring the project is delivered on time, on budget and is of high quality.
- Key recognised head of departments attached (if relevant)
Category Two
Category Two applicants are eligible to grants of up to $30,000 per project for film and moving image makers, who must demonstrate that they have a significant track record and that they have achieved:
- National distribution/exhibition of previous film and moving image projects (e.g. to have exhibited work at film festivals/exhibitions, to have work presented at recognised commercial and/or non-commercial venues)
- National recognition (e.g. reviews, references)
- A body of work
- Achieved success in their field independent of a training institution
Each project must have:
- A senior adviser/mentor attached to the project
All applications for Category One and Category Two must have significant New Zealand content, as defined by Section 18 of the New Zealand Film Commission Act 1978.
Funding is not available for:
- music videos
- educational videos
- commercial and/or made-for-television programmes
- work or projects to be assessed as part of the course work for tertiary study
Assessment process
There will be one funding round per year. The closing date for the 2009 funding round is Friday 12 June 2009, with applicants informed of funding decisions by 11 September 2009. Recommendations for funding will be made on the basis of providing support for projects assessed as being artistically strong and which exhibit the strongest potential to realise the purpose of the Fund.
The Independent Filmmakers Fund has its own set of application guidelines. These are available to download from this website. If you have any queries about the Fund, please contact iff@creativenz.govt.nz