Te Kete Aronui Application - Sky

SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION 

Purpose of fund: The fund is dedicated to supporting Māori and Pasifika sports content stories, fostering content diversity, and providing opportunities for early and mid-career Māori and Pasifika production professionals. 

Strategic objectives: Weave diverse voices throughout Sky and normalize an organisational culture that values and promotes Māori and Pasifika language, practices and leadership in broadcasting.  

Duration: Applications for the inaugural funding round open 15 July 2024 and close 15 September 2024. 

Content Goal: To produce exceptional non-fiction sports content that resonates with diverse audiences across New Zealand.


SECTION 2: CONTENT FOCUS 

2.1 The Focus: Non-fiction stories with sports-related narratives. 

2.2 Storytelling Approach: Projects need to establish a meaningful connection to the general New Zealand audience while also resonating particularly with Māori and Pasifika communities. Having broad appeal along with cultural relevance will ensure that the content that is made is impactful. Applications must be factual series, documentaries, or dramatized documentaries. They must have a sports element to the narrative. 


SECTION 3: CONTENT ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

3.1 Criteria for Evaluation: 

• Reflects and develops Māori and Pasifika identities. 
• Full Programme Proposal (see 8.2 below). 
• Anticipates high production values. 
• Anticipates a cultural impact. 
• Intended for a substantial audience. 

3.2 Cultural Identity: The majority of key roles in the production must be filled by individuals who are of Māori or Pasifika descent. 

3.3 Internal and External: The application fund is open to both internal and external applications.


SECTION 4: DISTRIBUTION PLATFORMS 

4.1 Placement: Selected projects will be strategically placed on suitable Sky platforms (Sky Sport, Sky Entertainment, Sky Open, Sky Sport Now, Neon, Sky Go) to maximise viewership. The exact placement will be assessed based on the final product.


SECTION 5: COLLABORATION AND CO-INVESTMENT 

5.1 Partnership Opportunities: Consideration will be given for potential co-investment with other funding sources.


SECTION 6: RESOURCES AND SUPPORT  

6.1 Support: Appropriate mentoring and technical support can be given to applicants depending on their experience level, needs and the scope of their project.  

6.2 Resources: Successful applicants will be able to use internal resources such as audio and editing equipment if it is planned and booked appropriately.


SECTION 7: GENERAL GUIDELINES 

7.1 Editorial Control: As commissioning editor, Sky shall hold final editorial approval rights over the content and shall be provided opportunities through production and post-production of the content to feed into the final cut. There will also be an evaluation of content during post-production to ensure quality assurance and broadcasting standards compliance.  

7.2 Intellectual Property: For projects pitched by Sky staff, it is anticipated Sky shall own the intellectual property in the content produced. For projects pitched by third party applicants, intellectual property in the content shall be owned by the applicant and licensed to Sky on Sky’s usual commercial terms, unless otherwise agreed.


SECTION 8: APPLICATION PROCESS 

8.1 Registration: Prospective applicants must apply online here. 

8.2 Comprehensive Proposal: A fully developed proposal is required, encompassing project descriptions, proposed formats, style/treatment, key development personnel, talent and crew cultural identities, target audience, deliverable materials, timeline, and budgets. 

8.3 Funding Request: Funding requests between $10k - $150k will be considered. 

8.4 Successful Applicants: Successful applicants will be notified and a longform agreement confirming the terms of Sky’s acquisition shall be entered into at that point.