New Zealand Film Commission COVID-19 Update
The ongoing COVID-19 crisis is a threat to the entire economy of New Zealand, and of particular concern to the New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) is the disruption and upheaval to the screen sector, and the impact this has had on the livelihood of cast, crew, and other businesses associated with the screen industry.
The NZFC welcomes the Government’s $12.1 billion economic rescue package which includes support to screen businesses and contractors affected by the suspension of production activity nationwide, alongside other businesses and employees facing economic hardship as a result of the pandemic. The NZFC continues to work with Government agencies on recommendations which will support production to commence as quickly as possible, once the Government advises it is safe to do so.
It is heartening that the Screen Sector COVID-19 Action Group has formed so quickly to address this issue and to collaborate across all parts of the sector. This pan-sector organization is made up of representatives from key guilds and organizations as well as major industry stakeholders and has arisen out of the Screen Sector Strategy 2030 Facilitation Group. To assist the Action Group in addressing the impact of the pandemic on the industry, we ask that you complete this brief survey to tell them how you are affected, and what is important to you.
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The NZFC itself is systematically working through potential variations to our Terms of Trade and processes that can support new approaches to production advances and cash-flowing for productions that have a letter of offer and are working through the closing process. We want to ensure that projects are poised to go into production as soon as it is possible and safe to do so. We are also currently reviewing how we can expand our project development, talent development, and company support programs to put more funds into the development of projects, people, and companies during these difficult times.
Once again this is part of our strategy to have a wealth of projects ready to go when productions are cleared to move forward again. Apart from international travel grants and some on-the-job career development opportunities, all NZFC funding opportunities are open and available as usual.
On 23 March we issued Advisory #2 for Productions which outlines the ways in which the NZFC is dealing with productions affected by COVID-19 and for those wishing to apply for NZFC production financing. You can read Advisories 1 and 2 here. These Advisories will be a key way for the NZFC to communicate with the industry on the programs we offer and any changes we are making in response to COVID-19. If you would like to be added to the subscriber list for these Advisories, please send your email to katel@nzfilm.co.nz.
We also have set up an email address, covid19impact@nzfilm.co.nz which you can use to send any feedback, comments, or suggestions for us to consider. We will also continue to update the NZFC website as per usual when new funding programmes, initiatives, and opportunities are launched.
Like all of you, the NZFC wants the industry up and running again and we are committed to working with industry to achieve that. We look forward to cinemas opening and audiences returning. In the meantime, we will continue to collaborate with guilds and government in decision-making about the future strength of the screen industry. At the forefront of all our discussions will be the health and safety of all those who work in the New Zealand film industry and the ongoing sustainability of the wider screen sector.
