Unlocking VFX Potential: New Zealand Film and VFX Incentives for International Productions
AUGUST 31 2023
New Zealand Screen Production Rebates
New Zealand’s stunning locations, skilled talent, and collaborative partnerships draw production and post-production projects from around the world. What makes New Zealand even more attractive is its straightforward film production rebates, which were enhanced and solidified in 2023.
Eligible productions filming in New Zealand can access a 20% cash rebate on Qualifying New Zealand Production Expenditure (QNZPE). Additionally, a Post Digital and Visual Effects (PDV) Rebate is available for productions filmed offshore.
New Zealand’s PDV Rebate offers a 20% uncapped cash rebate for qualifying production work, claimable upon completion of NZ post-production activity. Combined with a favourable exchange rate and a highly-skilled talent pool, New Zealand is a prime destination for the global film and visual effects industry.
What is the New Zealand Screen Production Rebate (NZSPR)?
The New Zealand Screen Production Rebate (NZSPR) is a Government-backed screen incentives scheme, administered by the New Zealand Film Commission. The NZSPR offers a 20% cash rebate on Qualifying New Zealand Production Expenditure (QNZPE) for international productions.
An additional 5% “Uplift” is available for physical productions that shoot in New Zealand and meet specific criteria. Detailed information on the criteria for the 5% Uplift is available on the New Zealand Film Commission’s website.
Post and VFX in New Zealand
The NZ PDV (Post-Production, Digital and Visual Effects) rebate is a valuable financial resource for film and television production companies looking to maximise and extend their budgets.
As of May 30, 2023, the criteria have been revised to offer a solid 20% uncapped rebate on all qualifying PDV expenditure for feature films and television programmes (with a distribution platform). The expenditure threshold has been lowered to NZD $250,000.
The rebate can be applied to post-production costs incurred within New Zealand, including:
- Fees and expenses of personnel.
- Hire of studio and office space.
- Equipment hire and depreciation of assets purchased for PDV activity.
Expenditure Thresholds
Below are the expenditure thresholds for different types of productions. For further details, visit the New Zealand Film Commission’s website.
| Format | Minimum QNZPE |
| Feature film (theatrical release) | NZ$15 million |
| Television and other non-feature film (including feature length content not intended for theatrical release) | NZ$4 million |
| Post, Digital and Visual Effects Rebate (feature film or television) | NZ$250,000 (uncapped) |
Partnering with Cause and FX
At Cause and FX, we can help navigate and support you in accessing New Zealand’s film and VFX incentives while delivering exceptional VFX services. Make your budget stretch further by leveraging New Zealand’s film incentives and attractive exchange rate, with the NZ dollar typically valued at around 60 cents to the US dollar.
If you want to maximise your production budget with New Zealand’s film rebates, contact us to find out how Cause and FX can support your next project.
