TV Production Funding
The following information is provided to people intending to apply for television production funding.
1. It is essential that you get the complete proposal to our office before the published deadline.
NZ On Air's board meeting dates and application deadlines are listed here . If the application arrives late it may be held over until the next meeting date.
2. Meetings are held every two months.
Applicants are contacted by fax within three days following the meeting with details of the decision.
3. The following details must be included in the covering letter or in documents accompanying each application.
If it is not included, your application may have to be deferred until the next meeting. If any of the following details are missing, your covering letter should explain why.
- A completed Production Funding Application Form .
- A completed Budget Summary Sheet .
- Written confirmation from a New Zealand broadcaster that the programme will be screened, including intended timeslot and details of the broadcaster's financial contribution.
- A clear explanation of the nature of the programme, including synopsis, script and/or treatment where appropriate.
- A brief description of how the programme helps NZ On Air achieve its objectives under the Broadcasting Act. (For more information on this, see the section on this website describing our Statutory Functions) .
- For production of all relevant series, numerical targets must be specified to quantify the episodes planned to feature Maori stories or material, and material featuring New Zealand's ethnic and regional diversity. State if this is not relevant, and why.
- Names of key personnel involved in the production, with brief CV's.
- A full production budget supporting the Budget Summary Sheet.
- The extent to which funding (or resources) has been sought from other sources; including which sources have been approached and the extent of assistance which has been obtained.
- A timetable for both production and broadcast of the programme.
4. Decisions on applications are made considering a combination of factors:
NZ On Air's priorities for funding. In setting budgets at the beginning of each financial year, NZ On Air establishes funding objectives. Ultimately choices will have to be made between some programmes, and NZ On Air's priorities will help determine those choices.
- How well the programme reflects the diverse nature of the New Zealand population and its culture, in accordance with the Broadcasting Act.
- The intended timeslot. This will dictate, to a large extent, the audience size and consequent benefit to viewers.
- The production budget (is it realistic? is it too expensive?) and the funding being requested from NZ On Air (is it affordable?). Obviously, to ensure the best use of funds, NZ On Air is interested in competitive budgets.
- The funding offered from the broadcaster. Financial support from a broadcaster is generally considered very important.
- The level of funding being contributed from other sources.
- The key personnel. The experience of the producer and the key production team is an important consideration to help ensure responsible allocation of NZ On Air funds. This includes both creative and management abilities of the team.
- The supporting documentation. Any research or supporting documents are carefully analysed.
- The history of the programme, where appropriate. Any available research is taken into account, including ratings information.
- The idea. You can't beat a good one!
5. When funding proposals are approved by NZ On Air a contract must be entered into before any funds are made available.
- The contract will cover such matters as:
- Accountability for use of funds, including production and finance reporting.
- Delivery requirements and compliance with the original proposal.
- NZ On Air's rights in the event of default.
- Covenants that all necessary copyright and other authorities in relation to the programme have been obtained.
- A requirement that a credit for NZ On Air be included in the credits of the programme.
- NZ On Air's right as an investor to participate in revenue upon sale of the programme.
- An undertaking relating to programme standards.
Forms
To download forms, click the following:
Production Funding Application Form [PDF DOWNLOAD 23KB]
For further information
Please contact our Television Manager Glenn Usmar, if you have any questions regarding policy or the detail of your proposal.
If your query is centred around the mechanics of your application (application forms, deadlines etc.) please contact Teresa Tito.
