New Zealand’s public screen funder, Sky and an international distributor have pooled their money behind a single bet: that the next local drama to travel will be written for the world from the first page. NZ On Air, Sky and Dynamic Television have launched the Aotearoa Scripted Series Initiative, which will fund development of up to three original one-hour drama series with international potential.
The partners describe Dynamic Television as a global production and distribution company. Its founder and managing partner, Dan March, points to the company’s work on Ms. X, the Auckland crime comedy starring Melissa George and Dean O’Gorman, made by South Pacific Pictures and Plus6Four Entertainment with NZ On Air funding for Three and ThreeNow. “Our experience on Ms. X proved just how exceptional New Zealand’s creative community is,” he said.
The money and the deliverables
Each selected project can receive up to NZ$75,000 in development funding, with NZ On Air, Sky and Dynamic Television each putting in up to NZ$25,000. The money covers future development only, and buys two things: a pilot script and a series overview or story bible.
South Pacific Pictures
South Pacific Pictures
The brief favours serial and procedural drama, thrillers, crime and mystery, original or adapted, with story engines strong enough to carry more than one season. Projects are assessed on story and development plan, the team’s experience, global appeal and fit with Sky’s channels, and public value for New Zealand audiences under NZ On Air’s investment principles.
Who can apply
This first call-out is aimed at experienced talent. A production company must have a producer with a qualifying credit, such as a broadcast drama episode of 44 minutes or more, two produced half-hour scripted series, or a feature with a domestic release or recognised festival premiere. Writers with equivalent credits can apply without a production company, but must secure an approved production partner within 60 days of selection.
The rules are strict on rights. A project cannot already be pitched to, optioned by or in development with any broadcaster or platform, in New Zealand or overseas, with exceptions for projects that came through Ara Ki Te Puna Kairangi, Rupture or Raupapa Whakaari.
Key dates
- Webinar: Tuesday 3 November, 12pm to 1pm NZDT, with questions answered by all three partners. Register through NZ On Air’s funding team.
- Applications open: Friday 6 November, through the NZ On Air Portal.
- Applications close: Thursday 3 December, 4pm NZDT. Late applications will not be considered.
- Decisions: due by 19 February 2027.
What happens after development
Selection is not a green light. Sky gets the first chance to negotiate a New Zealand commission or licence, and Dynamic Television holds a first-look right to deficit finance the series and act as international co-producer and distributor. The producer keeps the intellectual property. Any production money from NZ On Air would still go through its usual competitive funding rounds.
NZ On Air chief executive Cameron Harland framed the aim plainly: “Our strongest stories are the ones that could only come from Aotearoa.”
What it means for you
- Creators: this is development money with a local broadcaster and an international distributor at the table from day one, which matters more than the dollar figure. It sits alongside NZ On Air’s kids IP incubator as another targeted pathway rather than an open fund.
- Viewers: any series that emerges is years away, but each is being shaped for Sky in New Zealand and for international audiences from the outset.
- The industry: the three-way split shows how local drama development is now being financed, with public, broadcaster and distributor money in equal measure. For what is already on screen, see New on Streaming in Aotearoa, and for international productions shooting here, our look at where East of Eden was filmed.
Sources
Before you go
