NZ On Air and the Canada Media Fund (CMF) announced today a financing package of CDN $1 million for three digital media co-production projects under the Canada-New Zealand Digital Media Fund.

Now in its second year, this partnership between NZ On Air and the Canada Media Fund (CMF) supports eligible digital media co-productions between producers from the two countries. By funding projects that use new technologies to tell culturally-relevant stories, the programme is designed to encourage creative producers from each country to collaborate on digital media productions.

“This collaboration between NZ and Canada is a fascinating way to explore common areas of interest. We are particularly pleased that the three projects chosen this time are all for children and young people, an audience eager to engage with dynamic online content,” said NZ On Air Chief Executive Jane Wrightson.

“Through this programme, we foster creative alliances to enable projects that tell stories and provide digital media experiences that resonate with international audiences,” said Valerie Creighton, President and CEO, CMF. “Thanks to our historical ties, coproduction between Canada and New Zealand can facilitate the development of high-quality media products that carry cultural relevance beyond our two countries. We are delighted to support three innovative productions that achieve just that.”

Projects were evaluated and chosen by a selection committee composed of representatives from both funding organisations. Funded projects involve at least one eligible Canadian producer and at least one New Zealand resident producer. Both organisations contributed an equal share in the total funding.

Funding details

Curious Critters, NZ: Yoozoo Ltd $228,994 NZD / Canada: La Boite a Pitons $196,000 CDN

Mythical Creatures, NZ: Kiwa Digital Limited $144,174 NZD / Canada: Arcana Studio Inc.$170,000 CDN

Fierce Girls, NZ: Awatea Tech Limited $228,984 NZD / Canada: Mamaoo Pictures Limited $200,000 CDN

About the Canada Media Fund
The Canada Media Fund (CMF) fosters, promotes, develops and finances the production of Canadian content and relevant applications for all audiovisual media platforms. The CMF guides Canadian content towards a competitive global environment through fostering industry innovation, rewarding success, enabling a diversity of voice and promoting access to content through industry and private sector partnerships. To learn more, please visit cmf-fmc.ca.