The New Zealand Film Commission has released its Statement of Intent 2013 - 2016.

The strategic document outlines the agency's vision for the next three years with a focus on continued support for both the cultural and economic aspects of the screen sector.

The New Zealand Film Commission has released its Statement of Intent 2013 - 2016.

The strategic document outlines the agency's vision for the next three years with a focus on continued support for both the cultural and economic aspects of the screen sector.

"Supporting talented and creative people is at the core of what we do," says Chief Executive Graeme Mason. "New Zealand culture gives our screen industry its vibrancy, and a vibrant screen industry helps to ensure New Zealand and its culture can be seen and valued all over the world."

The NZFC will continue to work collaboratively with the Ministry for Culture and Heritage, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and a wide number of Government and independent industry organisations to further grow the screen sector.

Read the New Zealand Film Commission Statement of Intent: 2013 - 2016 [PDF 1,270.21 kb]

Statements from the NZFC and the Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage

The Government review of the screen sector continued throughout 2012/13. In 2013/14 we expect to know the recommendations from the screen sector work programme, which could have a significant impact on the NZFC as it covers many areas of our everyday operations including the administration of the incentive schemes, co-production arrangements and screen training and development. For the purposes of this Statement of Intent (SOI) we have assumed business as usual for 2013/14.

This year we have continued to refine our SOI to better reflect what we do, why we do it and how we measure our success. We have redefined our long-term goal to be ‘that New Zealand has a sustainable and internationally competitive screen sector’. This outcome reflects our view that cultural activity can only flourish if we have a healthy screen industry. In 2012 New Zealand screen industry revenue surpassed $3 billion for the first time since the Statistics NZ survey began in 2005 and feature film revenue rose almost 50% to more than $1 billion.

The figures emphasise the importance of the sector’s contribution to the New Zealand economy.

This year we will:

• co-operate with the Ministry for Culture and Heritage (MCH) and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) on implementing actions arising from the screen sector review
• continue to seek closer co-operation at both the strategic and operational levels with NZ On Air
• continue to work closely with the New Zealand Film Archive in respect of digitising the NZFC back-catalogue of valuable film heritage
• assist filmmakers and the wider industry to actively contribute to the First World War Centenary commemorations.

Our income from Vote: Arts, Culture and Heritage is not expected to increase over the next three to five years, although our income from the New Zealand Lottery Grants Board (LGB) can fluctuate. If LGB income does increase beyond the forecast levels, we will consult with the Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage and MCH in establishing priorities for use of this additional funding.

Our medium-term goals have also been slightly refined and are:

• New Zealand screen talent is recognised internationally
• material with high production values gets funded
• New Zealand stories are seen and valued in New Zealand and overseas.

For the second year we conducted a stakeholder survey to continue to monitor stakeholder satisfaction. We are pleased that the average rise across all categories surveyed was 18 per cent although there are still areas where improvement is needed, particularly around specific feedback on funding applications. In 2012 we re-launched our website and will continue to improve our communications with industry and enable more transparency, openness and support for filmmakers.

We are also revisiting ways we support professional development and business sustainability.

This SOI represents our aims and objectives for the period to 30 June 2016 and is presented by the NZFC in accordance with sections 138 to 148 of the Crown Entities Act 2004.