New Zealand Film Commission appoints Ainsley Gardiner as head of funding

The New Zealand Film Commission has appointed producer Ainsley Gardiner as Head of Funding, after a raft of restructuring, and raised the funding cap on feature film production investment to $2.5m. 

Gardiner, of Ngāti Awa, Te Whānau-a-Apanui, Ngāti Pikiao and Te Whakatōhea tribal descent, produced two of Taika Waititi's short films Two Cars, One Night and Tama Tu. Most recently, Gardiner co-directed two seasons of Not Even, a six-part TV comedy for Neon and Sky Open.

Her appointment follows the NZFC's announcement that the board has agreed to raise the standard funding cap on Feature Film Production Investment from $2 million per film to $2.5m, effective from 1 July 2024.

The funding applies to New Zealand filmmakers with a production-ready script or documentary treatment, a producer with a proven track record, a credible finance plan (including additional sources of financing), who hold New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency, and who are domiciled in New Zealand.

The NZFC underwent a restructure, in which 28 positions were disestablished, seven of which were vacant, and 15 new roles were established with a net reduction of 13 positions.

• Italy's Cinecittà Studios parts company with CEO Nicola Maccanico