Early Development Fund

The Early Development Fund supports the development of scripts, that have the potential to make great New Zealand feature films.

What we fund

The early development of feature film scripts.

• Grant up to $25,000 per application
• Up to a total amount of $60,000 per project.

Who can apply

New Zealand producers, writers, directors or writer/directors who meet the EDF Experience Threshold.

Applications can be made either as an individual or as an individual representing a company.

When to apply

Applications close at 1pm on the following deadlines:

• Monday, 20 March 2023
• Tuesday, 29 May 2023
• Monday, 7 August 2023
• Tuesday, 16 October 2023

How to apply

Please read the Early Development Fund Guidelines and the Early Development Fund Submission checklist  before registering for an account to apply online at https://funding.nzfilm.co.nz/. 

Apply now

You can invite team members who also have an account to collaborate on the application.

What you need

• Creative material - including a script or treatment
• Team vision - statements from the key creatives
• Background – history of the project, and any other projects you have with the Film Commission
• Budget and timeline
• Key personnel – bios of key people
• Te Rautaki Māori - If your project has Māori content, provide details of relevant consultation or engagement with Māori.
• Rights – confirmation that you have the rights to develop the script or treatment.