Resources

Producer Handbooks & Tools

The following resources have been developed by Spada and other industry organisations to support Producers at every stage of their careers with best practice guidelines and links to tools designed to support producers and productions to operate in the Aotearoa New Zealand screen industry.

For all producers:

For new and emerging producers:

SPADA CULTURAL CAPABILITY HANDBOOK

The Spada Cultural Capability Handbook serves as a guide to fostering authentic, respectful, and inclusive screen productions in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Created to support Producers and productions, the Handbook emphasises the importance of accurately representing Māori, Pasifika, Pan-Asian, and other culturally specific stories, highlighting the unique considerations required for diverse storytelling. This also acknowledges that Pākehā/European productions are another aspect of diversity and inclusion.

The Cultural Capability Handbook outlines essential principles, including consultation, consent, cultural safety, and story sovereignty. It underscores the need for equitable partnerships and thorough consultation alongside collaboration to ensure the authenticity of characters, narratives, and settings.

By addressing common pitfalls, such as reinforcing stereotypes or overlooking cultural protocols, it provides actionable guidance for every stage of production—from research and development to release and marketing. Practical examples and case studies illustrate the significance of inclusive practices in creating impactful and meaningful content.

By fostering respect and understanding, the handbook aspires to support the creation of stories that resonate authentically with audiences while honouring the diverse communities they represent. This initiative not only enhances the creative process but also strengthens the screen industry’s role as a platform for genuine cultural expression.

Download the Spada Cultural Capability Handbook HERE

SPADA PODCAST & MASTERCLASS SERIES

oin industry practitioners as they discuss the role of the screen Producer, along with topics and issues from the broader screen sector in Aotearoa / New Zealand. Recent episodes include panel discussions and presentations from the 2023 Spada Conference.


The Spada Podcast is available to listen now on:

More details HERE

AI RESOURCES FOR PRODUCERS

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a rapidly evolving technology. Spada has actively engaged in the conversation by hosting discussions at its annual conference and collaborating with the NZWG on a dedicated webinar.     

To further support members and independent producers in navigating the opportunities and challenges of integrating AI into your businesses and productions, Spada has compiled a range of valuable resources below. If incorporating AI at any stage of your project, Spada strongly recommends that members follow best practices—placing particular emphasis on copyright compliance and adherence to any relevant industry guidelines.  

More details HERE

GREENLIT SUSTAINABILITY TOOLS

Greenlit supports the screen sector in Aotearoa with environmentally sustainable production practice. The Greenlit tools are tailor-made to help domestic screen productions implement environmentally sustainable processes.

More details, including 2 episodes with Greenlit on the Spada Podcast HERE 

PROUD VOICES QUEER SCREEN DEVELOPMENT TOOLKIT

A resource for anyone developing a screen project with queer characters, themes or storylines.

Download the Queer Screen Development Toolkit HERE

SPADA NZ ENTERTAINMENT LAWYERS LIST

Please note that the following list of Entertainment Lawyers who are current Spada Members is provided solely as a guide. Spada strongly advises producers to conduct their own due diligence when hiring a lawyer for their project's specific needs. If you are a Spada Member, you have the advantage of receiving 20 minutes of complimentary legal advice from any of the Entertainment Lawyers listed.

Download the NZ Entertainment Lawyers List HERE

(as of 5 November 2024)

NZ BROADCAST COMMISSIONERS LIST

Spada has created this resource to help producers connect with the right commissioner for their projects. This document is updated regularly, however please message comms@spada.co.nz if you know of any changes that we’ve missed.

Download the NZ Broadcast Commissioners List HERE

(updated 29 October 2024)

 FUNDING INITIATIVES FOR DEVELOPMENT & PRODUCTION

To assist producers in advancing their screen stories, Spada has put together a list (as of 03 August 2023) of funding and initiatives for development and production in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Download the Funding & Initiatives for Development and Producer HERE
(updated Jan 2025)

AOTEAROA NZ SCREEN INDUSTRY GUILDS & ORGANISATIONS

Spada has created a list of screen industry Guilds & Organisations, Funders, Broadcasters, Platforms and Regional Film Offices to support producers and productions. This list is by no means exhaustive and is provided as a guide only. Spada recommends producers carry out their own due diligence when seeking information, advice, or funding for their specific project needs.

Download the Aotearoa NZ Screen Industry Guilds & Organisations List HERE

(updated Jan 2025)

SPADA PRODUCERS STARTER PACK

The Spada Producers Starter Pack aims to support new and emerging producers to bring screen stories to life. The Starter Pack has valuable information and links to resources for every aspect of producing screen stories:

  • Development
  • Production
  • Post-Production
  • Distribution and Exhibition
  • Additional Resources

 You can download the Spada Starter Pack HERE

(updated Jan 2025)

BEST PRACTICE GUIDE TO WRITER - PRODUCER RELATIONSHIPS

The Best Practice Guide is an invaluable resource covering various topics that will help producers and writers establish robust and successful creative collaborations. Created from a collaboration between the NZWG and Spada (in association with the NZFC), the Guide was developed to support the inaugural cohort of the Creative Collaboration in Action Programme.

Topics include:

  • How to find a writer... how to find a producer
  • Copyright, credits, and ownership
  • Professional development tools
  • Defining roles in the working relationship

While it was created with writers and producers in mind, many tips and suggestions exist for building healthy and productive creative relationships.
Download the Best Practice Guide HERE

EMERGING FILMMAKERS RESOURCE

A helpful guide for working with producers, this Guide is a great resource to share with those new to developing projects or working in the screen sector and includes a list of emerging producers along with other useful links and resources. 

Download the Emerging Filmmakers Resource HERE

(updated Feb 2025)

DEGANZ WORKFLOW BEST PRACTICE GUIDE

The Workflow Best Practice Guide, developed by DEGANZ, provides straightforward tips and principles for a better workflow experience.

View the Workflow Best Practice Guide HERE

WORKING AS A CONTRACTOR

Understanding how to operate as a contractor can be a little confusing. The Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment (MBIE) has compiled some tips, tools, templates, and case studies that may help, which you can find HERE.