Meet the Filmmakers
The teams, their projects and where each one is stuck.
Live film discoveryWellington pilot / Dates coming soon
First
Look
Eight projects. One audience. What’s next?
A one-day filmmaker Lab, a live public screening and one focused ask that could move a project forward — followed on film for six months.
The proposition
The films are not the show. The filmmakers — and what happens to their projects — are.
01
The format
Projects need something meaningful to screen and a genuine next step. The journey turns broad ambition into an ask another person can act on.
- 01
Selection
Eight projects are chosen: features, documentaries, shorts or proof-of-concepts, finished or unfinished.
- 02
The Lab
A focused day to test audience, positioning and the real state of each project — then sharpen one clear ask.
- 03
First Look Live
Three weeks later, projects screen for a paying audience and a small panel of experienced screen professionals.
- 04
Six months later
We return to each team to find out what moved, what changed and what happened next.
What moves a film forward?
One
clear
ask.
After each screening, the filmmakers ask for the one thing that could change the trajectory of their project.
- Finance
- Producer
- Post-production
- Festival strategy
- Distributor
- Broadcaster
- Impact partner
- Sales agent
Or simply the right introduction.
02
The YouTube series
Four editorial chapters follow the teams from selection into the room — then return six months later to see what actually happened.
What Do You Need?
Inside the Lab, where assumptions are tested and the asks are sharpened.
First Look
The screenings, audience reactions and the live WHAT’S NEXT? pitches.
What’s Next?
The immediate outcomes, connections and opportunities coming out of the room.
Six months later, we return.
Filmmakers control which project material can appear online, protecting festival and distribution plans while allowing cleared trailers, scenes, stills or behind-the-scenes material to tell the story.
03
Prizes that move projects
Practical, need-led packages can include edit support, sound post, grading, equipment hire, legal support, festival strategy, marketing, trailers or market materials. Cash forms part of every package.
FIRST LOOK Jury Prize
Audience Favourite
Wild Card
Pilot edition
Wellington
The first test of the full model.
The Gods is a strong venue option because it sits in the former Paramount Theatre and offers the potential for a distinctive live event. It is not yet a confirmed venue.
The core measure
Did the projects move?
04
Privately backed
The Wellington pilot is designed around commercial sponsorship, philanthropic giving, ticket revenue and in-kind support from screen and production businesses — rather than public screen-agency funding.
05
Built to repeat
Regional editions can bring new filmmakers, audiences, mentors and local partners into the format — building towards a national stage.
WellingtonChristchurchRotoruaAucklandFirst Look Aotearoa
Stay close
Make your
next move.
Tell us how you want to be involved. Dates and further pilot details will be shared when confirmed.