Screen Innovation Production Fund
A partnership between Creative New Zealand and the New Zealand Film Commission

How to apply | Your proposal

The following is a guideline to the basic elements of a funding proposal. Project needs will vary, however, and applicants are always welcome to discuss their application with the Adviser for the Fund.

Before you start

Please go to Eligibility to check closing dates and that your project is eligible for funding.

Please also see our assessment criteria.

Guidelines

Please supply two unbound copies of both your application and the standard application form. Funding applications must be printed on A4 paper, not supplied on disc. Proposals should be laid out in portrait not landscape format, and printed in black and white.

Five copies of support material are required (eg. DVDs).

Application form

Applicants must completethe standard Creative New Zealand application form. Either download the form or request a copy from a Creative New Zealand Programme Adviser.

Proposal brief

Include basic project information, such as synopsis, length, format, amount requested, and key personnel involved (eg. writer, director, producer, key cast, cinematographer, editor). Providing an "at-a-glance" summary of your project assists panel members who assess an average of 100 applications per funding round.

Project information

Depending on your project needs, some or all of the following will apply:

script (for drama applications) or detailed project description (for non-script based projects such as documentary or experimental work)
director's notes are vitally important for the assessment panel to understand the director's passion and vision - i.e. the motivation behind the project. Why does the filmmaker have to make this moving-image/film?
additional project information including for example, a treatment (for feature films, documentaries), character notes, storyboards etc
describe how your project fulfils the criteria of the Screen Innovation Production Fund (see criteria below) i.e. how is your project innovative?
potential distribution and screening opportunities for your project.
Please note: It is not compulsory to have screening and distribution opportunities arranged prior to application, however some indication of options in this area is useful.
The exception is for proposals for funding duplication costs for festival submissions - details of the number of copies needed and the festivals to which they will be submitted is required.
For more help see festivals below or refer to the New Zealand Film Commission website (www.nzfilm.co.nz) for their publication, "Marketing Your Short Film: A Short Guide".

Screen Innovation Production Fund criteria

Please keep the purpose and criteria of the Fund in mind when making your application. The purpose of the Fund is to provide grants to emerging or experienced moving-image makers for innovative moving-image productions. The Fund will give priority to innovative art projects and production proposals in the following categories:

projects by emerging video and filmmakers of promise that emphasise innovation within or between moving-image genres (eg. drama, documentary, dance, experimental/installation, animation)
projects by experimental or fine art film and video-makers
projects exploring digital technologies which give priority to the moving image arts
exceptional, innovative, non-commercial projects by established film and video makers.

Applicant information

Include background information on key personnel involved (eg. previous work and projects by writer, director, producer, possibly key cast, the cinematographer, editor)

Budget

a general budget check-list is provided which covers more general items, but a more detailed budget may be necessary
applicants should develop the most appropriate budget for their needs. Applicants may create their own budget to suit their project or use our blank budget sheet templates.(Excel 30KB)

Budget notes

Emerging film and video-makers are strongly encouraged to propose low-budget projects (less than $15,000) detailing both production and post-production costs. An emerging filmmaker is one who has not yet produced a substantial body of work, in particular work supported by Creative New Zealand or the New Zealand Film Commission.
Careful, economically planned proposals increase the likelihood of a grant. Applicants are expected to explore the widest possible range of sources of goods and services
for the most economical quotes. See discounts (PDF 266KB) for standard discounts available to grant recipients.
The maximum amount that may be requested for a feature film project is $25,000. Such a proposal must be carefully planned and budgeted, and must illustrate that a feature of good quality is achievable on a limited budget.
In the case of experimental, new media and non-commercial projects, applications should be carefully planned and budgeted. Clearly developed proposals increase the likelihood of a grant
Given the limited funds available, applicants proposing to shoot on film may consider budgeting to finish on a broadcast-quality video format. The New Zealand Film Commission's Post Production Fund allocates finance for delivery requirements on films that will be showcased at a significant festival or achieve a cinema release. Projects supported by the Screen Innovation Production Fund and meeting the Post Production Fund criteria are eligible to apply to that Fund.

Video/DVD support material

It is strongly recommended that video/DVD support material also be submitted. This material must be of good quality, and be relevant to the proposed project, or alternatively it should illustrate the quality of production the applicant is capable of. Please indicate the relevance of the support material to the application. Eg. Is it a sample of the director's recent work or is the footage relevant to the project currently being assessed for funding?

Five copies of video/DVD support material must be provided. The contents must be clearly stated on the label.

Sample Label:

Applicant's Name:________________________
Project Title:_____________________________
Year of Release:_________________________
Running Time:____________________________
Highlights*_______________________________

*Notes on Highlights: Due to the large number of VHS/DVDs submitted, the assessment panel is unable to view all of the footage. The Fund's Adviser will ensure the panel views the most important sequences if the applicant indicates "highlights" (3 to 5 minutes) using time-code (in/out points) to guide the Adviser. Otherwise, the applicant should assume that only the first few minutes of footage will be viewed by the assessment panel.

Note for DVDs: Please ensure tha the volume has been normalised.

Letters of reference/support

Please include recent letters from previous employers, tutors, or industry professionals in support of the applicant's proposed project, and/or their skills and quality of work.