Producers Masterclass & Documentary Fund Expression of Interest (EOI)
Supporting Pacific producers to develop and produce high-quality documentaries.
ISSUED: SEPTEMBER 25 2026

Introduction
Pacific Cooperation Broadcasting Limited (PCBL), through the Pasifika on Air initiative, invites Pacific-based producers and affiliated Pacific broadcaster producers to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to participate in the Focus on Documentary, Producers Masterclass & Documentary Fund 2026.

Through this initiative, Pasifika on Air aims to strengthen Pacific documentary-making capability by providing practical development, production knowledge and funding opportunities for Pacific producers.

Five (5) producers’/producer teams will be selected to participate in an intensive five-day Documentary Producers Masterclass created and presented by Lisa Taouma, a leading Pacific documentary maker. Over the course of the Masterclass, participants will develop their documentary proposals and will produce a sizzle reel. Three (3) producers/teams will then be selected through a contestable process to receive up to NZD $40,000 each to produce their documentary.

Each funded documentary will have NZ-based Pacific Executive Producer oversight throughout production.

The initiative is designed to give more Pacific producers access to high-level documentary development and practical training, while creating a pathway for three projects to move from idea to completed, broadcast-ready documentary.

Purpose of the Initiative

The Focus on Documentary initiative seeks to:

Strengthen documentary production capability across Aotearoa and the Pacific.
Give Pacific producers practical skills to develop, structure, shoot and deliver documentary content.
Support producers to turn strong documentary ideas into achievable production plans.
Build confidence and professional capability across the Pacific documentary sector
Increase the pipeline of high-quality, Pacific-owned documentary content for broadcast and digital platforms.
Provide a pathway from professional development through to production funding.
The initiative recognises the importance of Pacific storytelling, cultural knowledge and Pacific ownership in the development and production of documentary content.

Programme Structure

The initiative will be delivered in two stages.

Stage One: Producers Masterclass

Five (5) selected producers/teams will participate in a five-day intensive Documentary Producers Masterclass led by Lisa Taouma.

The Masterclass will be practical and hands-on, with participants working directly on their own documentary ideas.

The programme will cover:

Documentary story development and structure,
Developing an idea into a workable documentary,
Research and scripting,
Interviewing and obtaining strong answers,
Single-camera documentary shooting,
Audio, cover and visual storytelling,
Logline, synopsis and proposal development,
Production planning and budgeting,
Producer responsibilities and team structures,
Company and contracting requirements,
Practical documentary shooting exercises,
Sizzle reel development and production,
Editing and presentation, and
Preparing a final documentary proposal and pitch.

The Masterclass is designed to ensure each participant leaves with a clear, achievable documentary concept, production approach, budget and proposal.

Stage Two: Documentary Production Fund

Following completion of the Masterclass, participants will submit their documentary proposals.

From the five participating producers/teams, three (3) will be selected for production funding of up to NZD $40,000 each.

The selected productions will receive ongoing oversight from a NZ-based Pacific Executive Producer, supporting the Producer/team through development, production and delivery.

Funding must cover the agreed costs associated with the documentary’s development and production, including pre-production, production, post-production and required delivery materials.

Eligibility

Applications are open to:

Pacific-based documentary producers.
Producers working with aƯiliated Pacific broadcasters.
Pacific production companies and producer-led teams.
Emerging to mid-career Pacific producers with an existing documentary idea.

Applicants must:

Have a clear documentary idea that they wish to develop through the Masterclass.
Demonstrate an interest in developing their documentary production capability.
Have the ability to participate fully in the five-day Masterclass.
Demonstrate the capacity to undertake documentary production if selected for funding.
Be available to commit to the full development and production process.
Applicants may apply as an individual producer or as part of a production team.

Documentary Ideas

Applicants should submit an existing documentary idea that they believe has the potential to become a strong, engaging Pacific documentary. Proposed documentaries should be 20–30 minutes in duration.

Ideas should demonstrate:

A clear story or subject,
Strong Pacific relevance and/or connection,
A clear reason why the story should be told,
Potential for development into a completed documentary,
A realistic production approach, and
Consideration of access to people, locations and/or archive required to tell the story.

Preference may be given to ideas that demonstrate clarity of purpose, strong storytelling potential, cultural authenticity and realistic production scope.

The Masterclass will be used to further develop and pressure-test each idea before the three funded projects are selected.

Selection Process

The selection process will occur in two stages:

Stage 1:

Five (5) producers/teams will be selected to participate in the Documentary Producers Masterclass.

Stage 2:

Following the Masterclass, each participant will develop and pitch their documentary proposal.

Three (3) producers/teams will then be selected to receive up to NZD $40,000 each to produce their documentary.

Participation in the Masterclass does not guarantee production funding.

PCBL reserves the right to determine the final number of funded projects and funding amounts based on the quality, feasibility and readiness of the proposals.

AI Use in Pasifika on Air Applications

With the increasing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in screen production, applicants must clearly outline any intended use of AI in their proposal.

This includes administrative uses, such as proofreading, and creative applications, such as visual references or concept development.

AI must not replace human creativity, cultural knowledge or storytelling, but may be used to support the presentation and clarity of ideas.

Indicative Timeline

Stage	Date
EOI Opens	Friday 25 September 2026
Webinar	Wednesday 30 September 2026, 3pm-4pm NZT
EOI Closes	Friday 16 October 2026, 4pm
5 Producer Teams announced	Friday 23 October 2026
Producers Masterclass	9–13 November 2026
Sizzle Reel & Documentary Proposal Due	Saturday, 21 November 2026
Three Successful Projects Announced	Friday, 11 December 2026
Contracting	Week commencing 11 January 2027
Production	February – June 2027
Final Delivery	Mid-June 2027

Dates are indicative and may be amended by PCBL.

Submission details

Applications must be submitted to the Pasifika TV online portal.

You must register with the portal before you can apply. Registrations are approved manually by our system admin and may take up to two working days to complete.

Late applications may not be considered.

Reserved Rights and Terms

The following terms and conditions apply to this EOI and the EOI process:

Applicants are responsible for all costs associated with preparing and submitting their EOI.
All submitted information must be complete and accurate.
PCBL may rely on all statements made in EOIs.
PCBL reserves the right to amend, suspend or cancel the EOI at any time.
PCBL may vary timelines or process details with reasonable notice.
Late applications may be accepted at PCBL’s discretion.
PCBL may request clarification or meet with applicants.
PCBL is not obligated to accept any EOI.
PCBL may enter negotiations with one or more applicants if required.
Both parties agree to protect confidential information.
Confidentiality is subject to applicable laws, including the Official Information Act 1982.
No binding agreement exists until a formal contract is executed.
This EOI includes all supporting materials issued by PCBL.
This EOI is governed by the laws of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Submission of an EOI indicates acceptance of the terms outlined above.