Film New Zealand and the New Zealand Film Commission raise incentive to 20 per cent

The New Zealand Government has announced changes to the structure and level of support for film and television productions, including raising the baseline screen incentive for international film and television production to 20 per cent.

Prime minister John Key, minister for economic development Steven Joyce and minister for arts, culture and heritage Christopher Finlayson announced the changes at the New Zealand Film Commission in Wellington on Monday morning.

The grant on international film and television productions now rises from 15 per cent to 20 per cent. A further 5 per cent will be available for international productions that deliver significant economic benefits to New Zealand. Eligibility will be assessed through a points system to be released in due course.

The New Zealand Government will be introducing a new funding mechanism the New Zealand Screen Production Grant, an uncapped fund that will replace the current Large Budget Screen Production Grant (LBSPG) and the Screen Production Incentive Fund (SPIF).

Film New Zealand and the New Zealand Film Commission welcome the changes.

Says Julian Grimmond, Film New Zealand chair: “This sends a strong message internationally that New Zealand is competitive and that the screen sector is backed by the New Zealand Government. When combined with New Zealand’s reputation for talent, and some significant cost advantages, it makes a convincing argument for international production to come to New Zealand.”

Says Patsy Reddy, NZFC chair: “These changes will enable larger scale New Zealand productions to be made as well as encouraging more New Zealand stories to be seen on screen. The growth in New Zealand’s screen sector will lead to the development of more screen businesses, successful careers and employment.”

The Government will also continue its commitment to New Zealand productions, increasing the rebate level available for television and extending the grant to cover larger-budget screen productions.

Detailed criteria for all grants will be finalised in early 2014.

You can read more about the changes on www.filmnz.com or www.nzfilm.co.nz.