Contract initiation
If an application for pūtea tautoko is successful, producers must execute a contract with NZ On Air before any funding can be released.
You will be asked to complete a form and execute a contract like the ones below, depending on which type of funding has been approved.
Production funding
If you have had production funding approved, please complete the Production Funding Contract Initiation Form below and send it, along with attachments listed on the last page of the form, to rebeccat@nzonair.govt.nz and luciella@nzonair.govt.nz.
Contracting will begin once you have completed any pre-contracting requirements specified in your Letter of Offer and once NZ On Air has received all the requested pārongo from you and your supporting platform/s. Contracting will take not more than 14 working days from receipt of all necessary information.
Please note: If NZ On Air has provided development pūtea tautoko to this project in the past, whether or not to the successful applicant, we will require that previous funding is included in the full production budget that forms part of the production contract.
Development funding
If you have had development funding approved, please complete the Development Contract Initiation Form below and send it, along with attachments listed on the last page, to rebeccat@nzonair.govt.nz and luciella@nzonair.govt.nz.
Contracting will begin once NZ On Air has received all the requested pārongo from you and your supporting platform/s. Contracting will take not more than 14 working days from receipt of all necessary information.
Digital Signatures Policy
As part of NZ On Air’s move towards becoming a paperless administration, we are now digitally signing NZ On Air Scripted, Non-Fiction and Platform Funding agreements.
Full guidance around this process is available in the pārongo below.
Drawdowns
We release funding in stages, or drawdowns, which are agreed during the contract negotiations (see “Default Drawdown Schedules” in Production above).
After the first payment, kaiwhakaputa must meet agreed milestones and provide reports on progress to receive further drawdowns.
See below for further information on what to include in your reports to NZ On Air.
All invoices and reports should be addressed to Adam at fundingpayments@nzonair.govt.nz and must be received by 5pm Monday in order to be paid by the Thursday of the same working week.
Public Interest Journalism funding recipients have a different recipient and cost reporting template, this can be found on the Journalism page here.
Overview
This document clarifies NZ On Air’s expectations around acceptable pūtea/line-items for funded projects. It should be read in conjunction with the advice given in our resources for producers, particularly the contract initiation form and the producers and cost reporting documents.
This document will be reviewed and updated regularly, so please do refer to it when preparing your application budgets.
NZ On Air tries to limit the number of rules we have around acceptable budget/line-items, as we accept that every project has its own unique situation. However there are some line items we will not accept within any funded budget. There are also some specific expectations around how certain line items should be treated.
NZ On Air’s role is to provide a production subsidy for kaupapa creation, not provide a means for commissioning platforms to defray content acquisition expenses.
Audits
From time to time we carry out financial audits of production companies to ensure taxpayer funds are being spent correctly.
We also have the right to carry out health and safety audits.
More pārongo about our audit process is below.
Sales/Income
When pūtea tautoko is over $200,000, or if the project is co-funded by another government agency (NZ Film Commission, Te Māngai Pāho), it is an equity investment. This means that we are entitled to a share of any income in accordance with our standard recoupment policy.
Producers must complete a sales income return every six months for the first three years after a project is delivered to the broadcaster, then annually for the next two years. If no income has been received we still require producers to file a 'nil' return.
After five years has elapsed we ask producers to report sales income only when it has been received.
Health and safety
Producers must be aware of their requirements under the new Health and Safety at Work Act (2015).
NZ On Air along with the NZ Film Commission, SPADA and industry guilds and organisations has funded the development of the website Screensafe as an industry resource for Health and Safety information.
To ensure the wellbeing and safety of all tamariki and young people in the screen sector, NZ On Air and the NZ Film Commission have provided funding to ScreenSafe to develop the below Screen Industry Child Safety Guidelines.
ScreenSafe Child Safety Guidelines
ScreenSafe Child Safety Code of Conduct
ScreenSafe Child Safety Report Document
These guidelines set minimum recommended standards for the screen sector to create and maintain child safe environments, free from abuse, exploitation and hazards.
Publicity resources
The Aotearoa Screen Publicists Collective (ASPC) is a voice for publicists, social media and audience engagement experts in the screen industry. Established in 2021, ASPC exists to ensure Aotearoa’s stories are seen by their audiences both at home and abroad.
NZ On Air has commissioned ASPC to produce a variety of rauemi for New Zealand screen producers.
These include:
- ASPC Publicity Planning Toolkit - a comprehensive outline of all aspects of screen publicity, invaluable for producers and everyone wanting audiences to discover your story.
- ASPC Contact Book - an online database of everyone working in the screen publicity and marketing space.
- ASPC Publicity Task Matrix - a detailed how-to guide drawing on the combined experience of ASPC interim komiti members.
- ASPC 1:1 Kawhe Fund - a free two-hour consultation with a publicist or other publicity services provider at the outset of a production.
These resources are all available on the ASPC website, where you can also join ASPC and sign-up to receive newsletters.
Promoting kids' video content on platforms such as Facebook and Instagram demands a thoughtful strategy to captivate your target audience effectively. Implementing the provided strategies can significantly enhance your outreach and engagement on those platforms. By understanding your audience and crafting tailored messages, you can effectively capture their attention and drive meaningful interactions. Incorporating engaging visuals, storytelling elements and clear calls to action not only fosters audience connection but also boosts the likelihood of content sharing and organic reach. Whether your aim is to engage parents, teachers, or the kids themselves, understanding their preferences is key.
Here are some expert tips, along with sample copy, tailored for different audiences:
- Understand Your Audience: Before crafting your copy, understand the age group and interests of your target audience. This will help you tailor your message accordingly. This may vary depending on whether you are looking to reach parents, teachers or kids themselves.
- Create Engaging Visuals: Use colourful and eye-catching visuals that appeal to kids and their parents. Consider using animation or bright images to capture attention.
- Incorporate Storytelling: Children love stories. Craft your copy in a storytelling format that resonates with them. Use simple language and vivid descriptions to draw them in.
- Highlight Benefits: Clearly communicate the benefits or educational value of your video content. Parents are more likely to engage with content that they feel adds value to their child's life.
- Include Calls to Action (CTAs): Encourage engagement by including clear CTAs in your copy. Whether it's asking them to watch the video, like, comment or share, make sure it's easy for them to take action.
- Use Emojis: Emojis can add a playful touch to your copy and make it more appealing to kids. Just make sure to use them appropriately and sparingly.
- Keep it Short and Sweet: Attention spans are short, especially among younger audiences. Keep your copy concise.
- Leverage User-Generated Content: If you have user-generated content, or testimonials from kids or parents who enjoyed your content, incorporate them into your copy to build trust and credibility.
- Utilise Hashtags: Use relevant hashtags to increase the visibility of your content and reach a wider audience. Research popular hashtags related to kids' content and incorporate them into your copy.
- Test and Iterate: Don't be afraid to experiment with different copy and visual elements to see what resonates best with your audience. Analyse the performance of your posts and base future posts on what you learned.
Example Copy for Targeting Kids 10+:
🚀 Hey, adventurers! Ready for an epic journey? Our latest video series is packed with thrilling challenges, mind-bending puzzles and awesome discoveries! 🌟 Gather your friends and stream now! #AdventureTime #EpicQuests
🎮 Calling all gamers! Ready for an epic quest? Explore mystical realms, solve puzzles and uncover ancient secrets under the stars of Matariki. 🌌 Play now by tapping here. #MatarikiAdventures #GamerLife
🌟 Calling all Kiwi kids! Are you ready to put your skills to the ultimate test? 🧠💥 Do you have what it takes to emerge victorious? Stream “Show” now! #GameShowFun
These examples use language and themes that are likely to resonate with kids aged 10 and above, such as adventure and gaming. They also include relevant hashtags to increase visibility and engagement.
Example Copy for Targeting Parents:
🌟 Dive into a world of fun and learning with our latest episode of “Show”! 🎉 Join us on an exciting adventure where your little ones will laugh, learn and explore. Stream now! #ShowName #LearningIsFun
🚀 Calling all young explorers! Embark on a magical journey with our new “Show” series. 🌈 Spark their imagination and curiosity today! Click to stream now and let the adventure begin. #KidsContent #AdventureAwaits
🎨 Get ready for creativity overload! “Show” is packed with fun DIY crafts and activities that will keep your little ones entertained for hours. Stream now to unleash their inner artist! 🖌️ #CreativeKids #DIYFun
Remember to always comply with Facebook and Instagram's advertising policies and guidelines when promoting content on their platforms.
Example Copy for Targeting Teachers:
🍎 Calling all educators! Simplify your lesson prep with our FREE teacher resources. 📚 Download now and unlock a treasure trove of educational materials to engage and inspire your students! #TeacherResources #EducationMatters
✏️ Attention teachers! Simplify your lesson prep with our exclusive teacher resources. From worksheets to lesson plans, we've got you covered. Click below to download and make teaching a breeze! #TeacherLife #EducatorResources
🌟 Teachers, rejoice! Access our collection of teacher resources designed to ignite creativity and enhance learning in your classroom. 💡 Download now! #TeachingTools #EmpowerEducators
📝 Ready to take your teaching to the next level? Dive into our curated collection of teacher resources and discover new ways to engage and inspire your students. Click to download! #TeacherInspiration #TeachBetter
🔍 Calling all educators! Unlock a world of possibilities with our FREE teacher resources. From lesson plans to interactive activities, we've got everything you need to spark curiosity in your students. Download now! #TeacherTools #TeachingResources
Remember to provide a clear and visible link or button for teachers to click and download the resources. Additionally, ensure that the resources you're offering are valuable and relevant to teachers' needs.
When utilising images, it's paramount to prioritise quality, relevance and clarity while also strategically placing your brand's logo at the top for visibility. Incorporate engaging visuals that capture attention through vibrant colours, compelling compositions or captivating storytelling. Ensure the subject matter is relevant to your content and resonates with your target audience.
When incorporating logos, be mindful of where they are placed to avoid obstructing important elements such as call to action (CTA) buttons. Examples of effective logo placement include the top corner of the image or within a non-distracting area that complements the composition. For example, in the image below, the Facebook profile logo appears in the top left and clashes with the NZ On Air logo. Please refrain from including any logos in this area when creating 9:16 assets (static or video). You will also want to ensure that your logo is placed in a position where it won't be covered by the 'Watch Now' button.
See the image below for more logo placement ideas:
Reinforce the CTA from the video/end frame in the social copy to encourage audience engagement and action. By adhering to these best practices, and strategically placing your logo at the top of the image, you can effectively enhance your content, engage your audience, and reinforce brand identity seamlessly.
Crediting NZ On Air
Video Content Under One Minute:
If you have video content under one minute, such as TikTok videos, Instagram reels or Facebook videos, you may omit the NZ On Air logo bug so as not to detract from the short-form content. But NZ On Air would require you, in this instance, to acknowledge funding in a manner suitable to your content. This could be the inclusion of the phrase “Made with support from NZ On Air” in the caption of the content, the use of the NZ On Air logo on the thumbnail of the content, and/or the use of the NZ On Air animated credit sequence.
Social Media Requirements
All posts about funded content must tag NZ On Air social media accounts. And all social media pages created to promote funded content must acknowledge NZ On Air funding. This could be tagging NZ On Air and including the phrase “Made with support from NZ On Air” in posts, in page bios/About sections, including the NZ On Air logo on the cover image, etc.
If you have any questions around how to acknowledge NZ On Air funding in an appropriate way, please don’t hesitate to get in touch withcommunications@nzonair.govt.nz
Link to Guidelines: NZ On Air Brand Guidelines
In today's digital age, the success of Scripted content on YouTube is not just about the quality but also about strategic optimisation for discoverability. With millions of videos competing for attention, creators must employ tailored strategies to ensure their content stands out and reaches their target audience effectively. By implementing techniques such as keyword research, optimised titles, engaging thumbnails and consistent publishing schedules, creators can significantly enhance the discoverability of their content, attracting more viewers and fostering a loyal audience base. Let's explore how these strategies can make a difference in maximising the visibility and impact of Scripted content on YouTube:
Keyword Research
Conducting thorough keyword research helps to understand the language and terms our target audience uses to search for content. By identifying popular keywords related to genre, themes and the target demographic, we can optimise content for maximum visibility and relevance.
Here is a downloadable step-by-step guide on how to conduct keyword research
Optimised Consistent Titles
Crafting compelling titles that incorporate relevant keywords is essential for attracting viewers' attention and improving searchability. Well-crafted titles accurately represent the content while enticing viewers to click and watch.
Engaging Thumbnails
Designing visually appealing thumbnails that effectively convey the essence of content is crucial for grabbing viewers' attention amidst the sea of content on YouTube. Eye-catching thumbnails increase the likelihood of clicks and contribute to higher engagement rates.
Strategic Tags
Utilising strategic tags that describe the themes, characters and educational aspects of Scripted kids' shows helps improve their visibility in search results and related videos. Thoughtfully chosen tags enhance YouTube's understanding of the content, making it more likely to be recommended to relevant audiences.
Detailed Descriptions
Writing informative and engaging descriptions provides additional context about your show/content, helping viewers understand what to expect. Including relevant keywords naturally throughout the description improves searchability and enhances the overall discoverability of the content.
Consistent Publishing Schedule
Establishing a consistent publishing schedule helps to build anticipation among viewers and encourages regular return visits to the channel. Consistency fosters audience loyalty and strengthens the connection between content and audience.
Curated Playlists
Organising content into curated playlists improves the viewer experience by providing a structured and easy-to-navigate way to explore your channel. Playlists help keep viewers engaged for longer periods as they can easily find and watch related videos in succession. This increased watch time not only boosts the likelihood of subscriptions but also enhances YouTube’s algorithmic recommendations, making it more likely that your content will be suggested to new viewers.
Behind-the-Scenes Content
Offering behind-the-scenes content provides viewers with a glimpse into the production process and showcases a different side of the show. From rehearsals to set design, costume fittings and cast interviews, behind-the-scenes footage offers insight and adds value to the viewer experience. By sharing the creative process and storytelling journey, shows can foster a deeper connection with viewers, enhancing loyalty and engagement.
PLUS…Importance of Shorts for Reach and Discoverability
In addition to full-length episodes, leveraging YouTube Shorts can significantly enhance reach and discoverability for Scripted kids' shows. Shorts, which are vertical videos of up to 60 seconds in length, are highly engaging and often appear in the YouTube Shorts shelf, reaching a broader audience. Producers can repurpose content from their full length content into Shorts, offering bite-sized previews or highlights to capture viewers' attention and drive traffic to their channel. Incorporating Shorts into the content strategy not only diversifies the content offering but also increases visibility and engagement, ultimately expanding the audience reach and driving growth for Scripted kids' shows on YouTube.
By integrating these strategies, creators can significantly boost the discoverability and viewer engagement of their content on YouTube, fostering a growing and loyal audience base.
Want to learn more? Here are some useful links:
Understand the algorithm https://www.youtube.com/creators/top-questions/
Search and Discovery https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fApg7tzlLjY&t=1s
Things to consider when creating content – Consistency is key! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RoNnKA5kkbM&t=143s
Applying our logo
It is important New Zealanders know what their taxpayer dollars have funded. Consistent accreditation also helps reinforce the cultural value of this funding to Aotearoa.
There are specific requirements for the accreditation of funded content when it is broadcast or uploaded/published, and in publicity and promotional material. These accreditation requirements form part of the contract for pūtea tautoko. There are different accreditation assets and requirements for general content and content for tamariki. Please see further details below.
Should you have further queries relating to these requirements or the NZ On Air brand, please contact: communications@nzonair.govt.nz