5 Things to Look Forward to in 2026
As summer starts to bring some warmth to an otherwise dark year, it feels like our industry is turning a corner and will have some things to look forward to in 2026. Here are my top 5, from rebate changes right through to a new tool for keeping up to date with rates.
1. International Rebate Changes
Changes to the International Screen Production Rebate are will likely be felt throughout the industry, hopefully bringing a reinvigorated pipeline of work into the country. Most notably in my opinion is the lowered threshold of $4m - down from $15m - which will bring an entirely new spectrum of production into New Zealand. An overwhelming amount of credit for these rebate changes has to go to Screen NZ International, who pulled off one of the most specific, efficient and rapid pieces of lobbying I can remember since joining the industry.
2. ScreenSafe Evolves
ScreenSafe is the industry-wide body that provides resources and establishes the guidelines that keep us all safe at work. For years it has been folded in to the Screen Guild - despite its mandate being broader than ours. Work is currently underway to re-establish ScreenSafe as a fully independent organisation in its own right, will representation from across the industry. This next step in ScreenSafe’s evolution will see it providing much-needed resources such as a dedicated support line and funded counselling for the entire sector.
3. SIWA Negotiations
There’s been a lot of commentary online recently about SIWA and the progress of occupational contract negotiations. My expectation is that negotiations will be underway in earnest by mid-2026, and hopefully we’ll have contracts ratified by the end of the year. It’s in the entire industry’s interests to have this work done in order to provide certainty to local and international producers about the contracting landscape here, and for crew to know that their contracts don’t have any issues hidden in the small print. From our position, we’re broadly looking to take the Blue Book - already supported by SPADA and the APA - and establish that as the legal minimum standard for the engagement of the screen workers that we represent.
4. ProdPerks
We’re currently in the process of rebuilding our discount program. The new ProdPerks system will be available to Guild members and domestic/coproductions for free and be accessible by international productions and screen companies via a small subscription. Keep your eyes peeled, our supercharged discounts can save you more than your Guild membership fee each month.
5. Rates
Early 2026 will bring crew and producers an updated tool for understanding and estimating rates, built on a data-driven platform that is more accurate and stays more up-to-date than ever. A portal for you to submit your rates will be live in the first quarter of the year, with the estimator tool itself releasing shortly after that.
You may have noticed that the Guild has taken a more proactive approach to our comms and social media lately. We do a lot of work, and while we don’t always have time to talk about it all publicly we’re trying our best to make sure that you’re connected to what we’re doing for you. If you ever have questions about what’s going on you can always email our EO Kelly at info@screenguild.co.nz or myself at president@screenguild.co.nz.
I’ll wrap this up with a huge thank you to Kelly, Tracey, Annette, Tania, Daniel, Wookie, the Executive Committee, our Branch Chairs, Branch Secretaries and Branch Committees, and to all the members past and present that have helped us to get to this point. Stay safe and have a great Christmas break - let’s make 2026 a year to celebrate!
