Urge the NZ Film Commission to restore funding to screen guilds
The issue
As a passionate supporter of New Zealand’s vibrant film industry, I have personally witnessed the tremendous impact that our screen guilds have on nurturing and cultivating talent. From young aspirants dreaming of seeing their stories on the big screen to seasoned practitioners honing their craft, these guilds serve as essential pillars of support, providing critical services that include professional development, upskilling opportunities, and influential policy advocacy.
The recent decision by the New Zealand Film Commission to cut core funding to these guilds poses a significant threat to the very fabric of our film industry. This funding is not merely a financial resource; it is an investment in the thousands of creatives who contribute to New Zealand's cinematic storytelling. Celebrities like Taika Waititi, Peter Jackson, and Jane Campion didn’t just appear; they were nurtured within an ecosystem that prioritises growth and excellence, much of which is facilitated by our screen guilds.
The removal of core funding means the potential loss of workshops and training programs essential for developing skills and maintaining the high industry standards New Zealand is celebrated for globally. It also undermines the guilds’ ability to advocate effectively for policy changes and initiatives that benefit every filmmaker, storyteller, and production crew member.
The statistics underscore the importance of this funding. The film industry in New Zealand contributes over a billion dollars to the economy and provides employment to thousands. Sustainable growth in this sector relies heavily on continual professional development and strategic policy involvement, which these guilds are uniquely positioned to provide.
We call on the New Zealand Film Commission to rethink this decision. Restoring core funding to screen guilds is a necessary step to safeguard our industry’s future, guaranteeing that both current and future generations of filmmakers can flourish. With your support, we can ensure that New Zealand remains a beacon of cinematic innovation and excellence on the world stage.
Sign this petition to show your support for our film industry and the invaluable role our screen guilds play in its success and development.
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The issue
As a passionate supporter of New Zealand’s vibrant film industry, I have personally witnessed the tremendous impact that our screen guilds have on nurturing and cultivating talent. From young aspirants dreaming of seeing their stories on the big screen to seasoned practitioners honing their craft, these guilds serve as essential pillars of support, providing critical services that include professional development, upskilling opportunities, and influential policy advocacy.
The recent decision by the New Zealand Film Commission to cut core funding to these guilds poses a significant threat to the very fabric of our film industry. This funding is not merely a financial resource; it is an investment in the thousands of creatives who contribute to New Zealand's cinematic storytelling. Celebrities like Taika Waititi, Peter Jackson, and Jane Campion didn’t just appear; they were nurtured within an ecosystem that prioritises growth and excellence, much of which is facilitated by our screen guilds.
The removal of core funding means the potential loss of workshops and training programs essential for developing skills and maintaining the high industry standards New Zealand is celebrated for globally. It also undermines the guilds’ ability to advocate effectively for policy changes and initiatives that benefit every filmmaker, storyteller, and production crew member.
The statistics underscore the importance of this funding. The film industry in New Zealand contributes over a billion dollars to the economy and provides employment to thousands. Sustainable growth in this sector relies heavily on continual professional development and strategic policy involvement, which these guilds are uniquely positioned to provide.
We call on the New Zealand Film Commission to rethink this decision. Restoring core funding to screen guilds is a necessary step to safeguard our industry’s future, guaranteeing that both current and future generations of filmmakers can flourish. With your support, we can ensure that New Zealand remains a beacon of cinematic innovation and excellence on the world stage.
Sign this petition to show your support for our film industry and the invaluable role our screen guilds play in its success and development.
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Petition created on 30 September 2026