Media Reform to Streamline Film & TV Funding

A Media Reform consultation document published today recommends, among other proposals, the merger of NZ On Air and the NZ Film Commission.

Here’s their joint take on the proposal and screen body Spada’s response:

Joint statement from NZ On Air and NZ Film Commission on media reform consultation

NZ On Air and the NZ Film Commission (NZFC) acknowledge the importance of ensuring public funding delivers the best possible outcomes for audiences and the wider sector.

The Ministry for Culture and Heritage has today released a Media Reform consultation document that includes a number of proposals, one of which is the streamlining of Crown content funders.

The agencies welcome the opportunity for widespread consultation on potential changes to the funding support provided across a range of media.

In a challenging environment for the media sector, it is crucial that every dollar invested has the greatest possible impact. If change can enhance this, it is in the public interest to explore those options.

NZ On Air and NZFC look forward to working closely with the Ministry for Culture and Heritage to flesh out the opportunities and risks of the options proposed.

We acknowledge that during this consultation period there will be many questions and some uncertainty for both stakeholders and agency staff.

We encourage all who have an interest in this mahi to engage with the consultation process so that your views, concerns or support for different options are heard.

While the consultation process and policy considerations continue, both agencies remain committed to delivering the best outcomes for audiences and the sector, and continuing to collaborate where it makes sense to do so.

Screen producers guild Spada has welcomed the Government’s Media Reform discussion document, saying it is detailed and considered.

Spada President Irene Gardiner said the document showed a good understanding of the local production sector, and the urgent challenges being faced.

“We are particularly pleased to see regulating the international streaming companies as one of the proposals. Spada has been lobbying for this for some time.

“The document proposes a local content investment percentage for the streamers, and it may be that a levy system or a hybrid of the two strategies would work better.

“We will put some further thought and research into that. But any regulation in this area will help level the playing field.”

Gardiner also noted the proposal to merge screen funding agencies NZ On Air and the New Zealand Film Commission.

“Our membership is broad and people have different thoughts on this, but we will look for some consensus now that this discussion document is public.”