Criticism of New Zealand Film Commission

The New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) has faced criticism from various filmmakers, notably Peter Jackson, who expressed concerns regarding its decision-making processes. Jackson's relationship with the NZFC became strained after his film 'Meet the Feebles' exceeded its budget, leading to discussions about his potential dismissal from the project. Despite this tension, the NZFC continued to support Jackson by funding his subsequent films. However, Jackson's frustrations culminated in a detailed critique of the commission, which he submitted for a magazine supplement celebrating the NZFC's 20th anniversary. He highlighted what he perceived as inconsistent decision-making by board members, many of whom he described as inexperienced. The magazine deemed his original submission too lengthy and potentially defamatory, resulting in a condensed version being published in Metro magazine. In this article, Jackson specifically addressed funding decisions related to a film he aimed to executive produce, but he maintained a confidentiality clause that prevented the NZFC from publicly responding to his allegations. This situation underscores the complexities and challenges within the film funding landscape in New Zealand, particularly regarding the balance of creative vision and financial oversight.