Regional & National Incentives Are Available In Waitaha Canterbury
Producers of screen content have more reason than ever to film their projects in Waitaha Canterbury. The Screen CanterburyNZ Production Grant has been established and will be available for the next three years to productions that meet all eligibility criteria.
The New Zealand Film Commission administers incentive and co-production opportunities for both domestic and international screen projects.
Qualifying productions are able to apply for grants from both funding sources.
The Screen CanterburyNZ Production Grant
The Screen CanterburyNZ Production Grant is the first of its kind in New Zealand, and will provide just under $1.5 million over the next three years to domestic and international productions that meet eligibility requirements.
Currently, productions must have a budget of at least $500,000 or more, have a finance plan in place, and must wrap filming before June 2022 among other criteria.
This first round will be open until 5pm, 20 September 2021. After the first round, we will open additional rounds until all funds are allocated.
We welcome all eligible applicants to apply.
Download the fund overview and application form below.
The New Zealand Film Commission
The New Zealand Film Commission offers cash grants based on various eligibility criteria. Find out more.
International Productions are eligible for a cash grant of
- 20%
- of Qualifying New Zealand Production Expenditure
New Zealand Productions are eligible for a cash grant of
- 40%
- of Qualifying New Zealand Production Expenditure
Grants For International Productions
As well as the cash grant of 20% of Qualifying New Zealand Production Expenditure (QNZPE), international productions that can show that their production will bring significant economic benefits to New Zealand, can also get an extra 5% uplift.
Grants For New Zealand Productions And Co-Productions
New Zealand productions qualify for the 40% QNZPE grant, if your production has significant New Zealand content or is an official co-production.
New Zealand currently has co-production agreements with these countries:
Less Add-On Labour Costs
New Zealand crew are generally self-employed contractors. There are no compulsory union fringe obligations or personal benefits such as holiday pay and health, government levies or union dues.
This is an advantage to filming in New Zealand over other locations such as Australia, Canada and the US, where these add-on costs impact the bottom line.
Taxes
Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a local tax and doesn’t apply to international productions that come into New Zealand to film. GST incurred during international productions is refunded post-shoot on all expenses with receipts.
New Zealand has a simple, low-cost tax system with no regional or state taxes. It is always good practice to speak with a New Zealand tax professional to make sure your production meets New Zealand’s income tax, Goods and Services Tax (GST) and grant requirements.
For further information on New Zealand’s tax guidelines for the screen industry please visit: New Zealand Inland Revenue.
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