New Zealand has announced a significant increase in its film industry incentives, allocating an additional NZ$577 million ($339 million) to its International Screen Production Rebate scheme. This move comes in response to US President Donald Trump’s recent announcement of 100% tariffs on films produced outside the United States.
Finance Minister Nicola Willis emphasised the country’s commitment to remaining a premier filming destination, despite broader government spending cuts. The enhanced rebate program, established in 2014, offers 20% cash rebates for feature films spending over NZ$15 million and television shows exceeding NZ$4 million in production costs.
The decision aims to protect New Zealand’s thriving film sector, which employs 24,000 people and generates NZ$3.5 billion annually, with one-third of revenue coming from the US. While competing markets like Australia, Canada, and the UK offer even more generous benefits, New Zealand, famous for hosting productions like “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, continues to position itself as an attractive filming destination despite international pressures.
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