Continuing to Stand Behind NZ Crew
Yesterday, the New Zealand Film Commission announced that its Core Funding Programme for screen industry organisations and guilds will end when current funding agreements expire on 30 June 2027.
This is a sector-wide change affecting 10 screen organisations and guilds across Aotearoa - it is not a change specific to the Screen Guild.
We know the announcement may raise questions about what this means for us, so we want to reassure our members:
The work of the Screen Guild continues.
Our commitment to crew remains unchanged.
And we are already planning confidently for the future.
For 38 years, the Screen Guild has represented and supported the crew who make New Zealand’s screen industry possible.
NZFC core funding has supported part of that work, and we acknowledge the value of that support. But the Screen Guild is a member organisation. Our mandate comes from our members, and our purpose does not change because one source of operational funding is coming to an end.
Our work continues
We will continue to:
Stand behind crew
Advocating for fair, safe and sustainable working conditions for New Zealand screen workers.
Protect the conditions crew have fought for
The Blue Book remains central to our work, alongside reviewing production contracts, identifying conditions that fall short, and supporting crew when problems arise.
Represent crew under SIWA
We remain a registered worker organisation under the Screen Industry Workers Act, and our commitment to collective bargaining and stronger minimum terms and conditions remains unchanged.
Keep pushing on rates
Our major review of the Screen Guild Rate Cards is already underway.
Keep building practical support
Training, workshops, Masterclasses, ProdPerks, industry resources, advice, advocacy and new initiatives all remain part of the Guild’s work.
Keep showing up where crew need a voice
With productions, industry organisations, government agencies and decision-makers, we will continue representing the interests of New Zealand crew.
What will change?
Our funding model will need to evolve.
We have until 30 June 2027 before the current Core Funding Programme ends, and work is already underway to strengthen and diversify how the Guild is funded for the future.
We are developing new services, resources, training opportunities and sustainable revenue streams, while continuing to strengthen the organisation and the support we provide to members.
The NZFC has also confirmed that targeted industry development funding will continue to be available for qualifying initiatives after the Core Funding Programme ends.
When others step back, crew step up
If there is one thing we know about screen crew, it is that we know how to work as a team.
We are resourceful, practical and used to solving problems under pressure. We adapt. We find a way through. And when something matters, we pull together.
This is one of those moments.
Back yourselves by backing your Guild.
Every additional crew member who gets onboard helps us build a stronger, more independent and more sustainable organisation from within our own industry.
When others step back, we step forward.
The Screen Guild has stood behind New Zealand crew for 38 years. Now is a good time for crew to stand behind each other.
Back your crew. Back your Guild. Back your industry. Back yourselves.
Better Together.
Kelly Lucas
The Screen Guild Executive Officer
