EXPERIMENTAL FILM

Experimental films and the moving-image components of installations are eligible for funding. As these types of projects don't tend to be script-based, the director's notes and project description become crucial in relaying ideas and concepts - the director's vision - for the film. From previous applications we now advise that it may be worthwhile having someone read your draft proposal and tell you what your film is about.

"Experimental film is about risk taking - for maker and audience... Good experimental film always has that sense of moving beyond what you know, for the artist and the viewer: to go way beyond the last station which is beyond the limits of what we know so far to be the safe way to make a film." - Roger Horrocks, Voices on Film, Concert FM series, 1993.

If you are aiming for your film to be exhibited within a gallery context, you should include a letter from the gallery committing to exhibiting your work.

SHORT FILM

FEATURE film

documentary film

Project descriptions for documentary applications should contain information in the following four areas:

• Subject matter

  Why is it worth exploring the subject?

  When introducing your concept for a documentary, the importance of the story and why it needs to be told is crucial

   

• Perspective

  What will the perspective of the documentary be, or, what will be the approach to the subject matter?

   

• Structure

  What is the intended structure for the finished work?

  A clear understanding of the documentary and its progression - beginning, middle and ending - is essential. What will the audience see? A scarcity of information would need to be justified.

   
• Visual style 

  Provide an outline of the intended visual style.

    

Research into New Zealand's Independent Documentary Sector was commissioned by Creative New Zealand and the New Zealand Film Commission in 2008. Read the report here

dance film

It is important for filmmakers applying for dance film funding to properly identify any video support material that is submitted. In particular, if the footage shows a dance performance, is it an example of the performance to be filmed, or, is it meant to show the style and/or quality of film the director is capable of.

ANIMATION

Funding proposals for animated films must include visual examples that indicate the intended style and tone of animation.

moving image art projects

Moving image encompasses visual arts projects which draw upon filmmaking practice. This may include fine art video projects, installations and experimental multi-disciplinary projects which are intended for presentation/exhibition within a visual arts context