Proud Voices on Screen is proud to announce a new programme to support queer writers developing a feature film script
Applications closed Tues 3 March 2026
Selection is underway. Applicants will be notified of the outcome by Mon 20 April.
Four queer writers with a feature film script will be selected to take part in an eight-month development programme. Each participant will receive a writing grant of $15,000 as well as workshops, script development and wrap-around support in a queer-led environment.
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Applications close 3 March 2025, 5pm
Applicants notified of outcome by 17 April 2026
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Four writers will receive:
A grant of $15,000
Access to support from script editors and advisors in adjacent creative fields
Support to upskill in story craft
Four workshop days with other participants, including shared day with participants of the Emerging Queer Producers Incubator
Wrap-around support
Participants must be available for these compulsory workshop dates in Auckland:
12 May 2026 - Opening one-day workshop
23-24 June 2026 - Two-day workshop - second day shared with Emerging Queer Producer Incubator participants
8 Dec 2026 - Final one-day workshop
Participants outside of Auckland will have their travel arrangements covered by Proud Voices on Screen to attend these workshops
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The project needs to be at treatment or draft stage - you will need to submit a copy of the latest treatment (15 pages or more) or latest script for the application. If you have a partial script and would like to discuss eligibility, please contact eloise@proudvoicesonscreen.org
The writer does not need any prior experience with having work produced, but evidence of prior writing experience or having produced works e.g. short film/s will be advantageous.
This programme is aimed at early - mid-career writers and offers support in terms of writing craft to progress the project. Writers who have already had a feature film produced are eligible, but may find they feel too experienced for the programme. If you are unsure and would like to talk it through, please contact eloise@proudvoicesonscreen.org
The project is not eligible if it has received development funding from the New Zealand Film Commission Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga. If you have submitted for development funding during this application process and are notified that you are successful - please let us know. (The writer can have received development funding for other projects).
The story doesn’t need to be ‘queer,*’ the storyteller does *it can be, though!!
The writer needs to disclose to PVOS that they identify as queer*
*Proud Voices on Screen takes the safety and privacy of our community very seriously. This information is recorded for internal information only. Any successful applicant has the right to remain anonymous and should they wish, we are happy to omit their name and details from any announcement.
Co-writers do not need to be queer to be eligible, however teams where co-writers are queer will be prioritised.
Projects do not need to have a director or producer attached. However, having a producer attached will be looked on favourably in the selection process as we consider the paths towards production for the project.
If there is a producer or director attached, they do not need to be queer, however teams where all members identify as queer will be prioritised.
Writers must have the rights to the story they are telling if it is adapted from another work.
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You must answer the following in your application:
ABOUT YOU
Tell us about your experience so far as a writer, detailing any completed or produced works, and any achievements in writing (300 words max)
Tell us a bit about your whakapapa and anything you wish to share about your identity (150 words max)
Tell us about your creative journey including what you are currently working on and your aspirations as a writer (200 words max)
Optional - CV
Optional - Please provide a link to a produced prior work you have written, that you feel represents you as a writer
(The same for co-writers if applicable)
YOUR PROJECT
Title
Logline (30 words max)
Short Synopsis (200-500 words)
Do you currently have any key collaborators on the project? If yes, tell us their names and roles (Producers, Directors and EPs only)
If you have a producer, attach their CV
Is this an original idea or adapted from an original work? If adapted, tell us the title and author of the original work and confirm you have the rights to adapt
Upload Script or treatment (treatment must be 15 pages or more) .pdf with a title page including your name and date of document.
If script: What stage is it at (how many drafts?)
Your Why! Write a statement about your inspiration and motivation to tell this story (350 words max)
Has the project received any support or funding before? Y/N, if yes please explain. Projects are not eligible if they have already received development funding from the NZ Film Commission Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga.
Please detail what the strengths and weaknesses of the script are from your perspective, and what your challenges are as a writer (or writers) to take it to the next stage (350 words max)
What benefit would it be to you to develop your writing skills and progress your project in a queer-led space? (200 words max)
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The key areas considered in selection are:
Voice to support
Level of writing craft
Project and team at right stage
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Is my project eligible if it has received NZWG Seed Funding in the past?
Yes - projects that have received Seed funding are eligible.
Can I get feedback on my application?
Giving feedback on a feature film script is something that takes time, skill and resource. It is not a service we are able to provide unfortunately.
Please email your queries to eloise@proudvoicesonscreen.org
This initiative is made possible with generous support from the New Zealand Film Commission Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga