Television
Apply For Funding
NZ On Air funds programmes that reflect and develop New Zealand identity and culture. We make decisions based on our strategy and the Broadcasting Act.
Below you'll find information on how to apply for production and development funding. Find out about regional television programme applications in our Community Broadcasting section.
Television Funding Process
Step one
Broadcaster support
Any programme funded by NZ On Air must be transmitted on a national, free-to-air channel - TV One, TV2, TV3, C4, Maori Television, or Prime. So you must get a letter of commitment from a broadcaster before submitting your application.
Step two
Production or development?
Development funding is for researching or writing scripts or treatments. We mostly contribute to drama; and occasionally to documentary development. Production funding is for shooting and completing a programme.
Production
Step three
Apply for production funding
You will need to include a range of supporting material with your application. To find out more, download the guidelines.
Production Funding
Guidelines (PDF 164 KB)
Production Funding Application Form (PDF 181 KB)
Platinum Fund Guidelines (PDF 355 KB)
Platinum Fund Application Form (PDF 172 KB)
Step four
Decision
We notify all applicants within 48 hours of the Board meeting. If your application is successful, you will be asked to complete a form and execute a contract like the one below.
Production Funding Contract Initiation form - Independent Producer (PDF 585 KB)
Production
Funding Contract Initiation form -
Producer-Broadcaster (PDF 577 KB)
Example
Production Funding Contract (PDF 119
KB)
Step five
Drawdowns
We release your funding in stages, or drawdowns, which are agreed during the contract negotiations. After the first payment, you'll need to provide regular reports to receive further drawdowns. See the guidelines below for more information on what to include.
Producer and Cost Report guidelines (PDF 618 KB)
How to get paid (PDF 36 KB)
Step six
Sales
NZ On Air funding is an equity investment; this means that if NZ On Air provides $200,000 or more of funding we are entitled to a share of any income in accordance with our standard recoupment policy.
Recoupment Policy (PDF 22 KB)
Sales Income Report (PDF 53 KB)
Development
Step three
Apply for development funding
You'll need to include a range of supporting material with your application, including confirmed financial contribution from a broadcaster. To find out more download the guidelines.
Development Funding Guidelines (PDF 355 KB)
Development Funding Application Form (PDF 598 KB)
Step four
Decision
We notify all applicants within 48 hours of the Board meeting. If your application is successful, you will be asked to complete a form and execute a contract like the ones below.
Example Development Funding Contract (PDF 42 KB)
Development Contract Initiation form (PDF 574 KB)