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The New Zealand Government has increased its level of support for international screen productions.

The new New Zealand Screen Production Grant (NZSPG) came into effect on April 1, and raises the rebate to 20 per cent of Qualifying New Zealand Production Expenditure (QNZPE). A smaller number of international productions that meet a Significant Economic Benefits Points Test may qualify for an additional 5 cent per uplift.

The grant is uncapped, and definitions of QNZPE are generous and include above-the-line cast (for the period they are in New Zealand) and crew (if in the country for more than 14 days).

Eligible formats include feature films, scripted and unscripted drama and documentary, factual, animated and reality productions and Post, Digital and VFX (PDV).

Gisella Carr, Chief Executive of the country's national film office Film New Zealand says in the wake of the changes interest in New Zealand has been high.

"In the first six weeks since the new incentives were introduced, Film New Zealand has seen a more than 25 per cent increase in film and television inquiries compared with the same period last year.

"These early-stage inquiries are for productions across film and television. The incentives offered through the New Zealand Screen Production Grant are part of a wider package, along with our landscapes, technology and skills."
For more information see the Film New Zealand website www.filmnz.com