The New Zealand Film Commission has announced enhanced incentives for international screen productions, effective January 1, 2026, to attract more Indian filmmakers. These changes lower spending thresholds and remove caps, aiming to revive the underused New Zealand-India co-production treaty. The initiative was highlighted at the WAVES Film Bazaar in Goa.
Incentive Changes
The updated International New Zealand Screen Production Rebate aligns the minimum spend threshold at NZ$4 million ($2.2 million) for feature films, television, and streaming content, down from NZ$15 million ($8.4 million) for features. NZFC CEO Annie Murray noted that these adjustments, informed by Indian producers' feedback, remove barriers like the above-the-line cap on claims for directors, producers, principal cast, and screenwriters. The threshold for an additional 5% uplift drops to NZ$20 million ($11.2 million), and the post-production, digital, and visual effects rebate now totals 25% for qualifying projects.
Co-Production Push
At the WAVES Film Bazaar, a delegation of 13 New Zealand filmmakers and executives, including Philippa Mossman, Chris Payne, and Te O Kahurangi Waaka, promoted opportunities under the 15-year-old New Zealand-India Film Co-Production Treaty, used only once for Pan Nalin's 'Beyond the Known World.' Co-productions can access up to NZ$2.5 million ($1.4 million) in funding plus a 40% rebate on New Zealand spend. Inbound productions qualify for 20% rebates, rising to 25% above NZ$20 million, with a standalone PDV rebate starting at NZ$250,000 ($140,315).
Recent Examples and Outreach
Telugu films 'Kannappa' and 'Game Changer' recently shot in New Zealand as inbound projects, incorporating Māori cultural elements. Waaka stressed building relationships with Māori communities, while Mossman highlighted crew bases in Auckland and Wellington. Direct flights between India and New Zealand are slated for early 2027. The effort builds on a 2025 trade mission, with Robert Sarkies' 'Pike River' premiering at the International Film Festival of India. Murray referenced the tourism boost from 'Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai,' calling films cultural ambassadors. A 2026 co-production summit is planned by Patricia Watson of Women in Film and Television New Zealand.