By Simon de Bruyn
The New Zealand Film Commission today welcomed news that funds from the Screen Production Incentive Fund (SPIF) will be available to
New Zealand
film and television producers from next week.
Inside Film previously reported that the SPIF was part of the country’s 2008 Budget announcement, and was formed to explicitly counter the Australian Producer Offset.
The fund is designed to support the production of New Zealand-driven feature film, television and animation projects that have significant levels of private and/or international finance.
The SPIF will provide a government grant of 40% of qualifying New Zealand production expenditure for eligible New Zealand feature films, and 20% of qualifying
New Zealand
NZFC Chairman David Cullwick says the scheme is essential if New Zealand is to stay competitive with
Australia
.
“The film industry is of huge importance to New Zealanders and is one of our fastest growing, high-value industries. SPIF, which will be administered by the NZFC, is a welcome edition to the suite of financial support mechanisms available to screen producers in
Full guidelines and criteria for the fund are now available on the Film Commission’s website www.nzfilm.co.nz