ABOUT SHORT CUTS
Short Cuts is an initiative funded by the New Zealand Film Commission specifically for Pan-Asian practitioners. Short Cuts is designed to deliver a series of workshops and discussions over 2.5 days to nurture and strengthen Pan-Asian projects and/or teams.
WHAT:
Short Cuts development lab and production fund
WHO:
Two out of three key creatives must be of Asian Heritage
WHEN:
Workshops 22-24 May 2026
WHERE:
Auckland
The Pan-Asian Screen Collective and SK Stories is proud to announce the fifth iteration of Short Cuts, a short-film development and production programme funded by the New Zealand Film Commission. Short Cuts delivers a series of lectures, workshops, and individual mentor sessions over 2.5 days. It also provides post-lab support to nurture and strengthen Pan-Asian projects and/or teams creating short films.
Designed and convened by Shuchi Kothari with an aim to enrich Pan-Asian representation in the short film space, Short Cuts enables up to nine teams to undergo robust development of their projects and an opportunity for two teams to receive $40,000 each in production funding for their short films.
Scheduled in Auckland on the final weekend of May 2026, the lab will address topics relevant to writers, directors, and producers of short films. The objectives are to empower new and emerging filmmakers of Pan-Asian heritage to develop their scripted short films and prepare them for the best shot at making the film, whether funded through this programme, or any other. Short Cuts’ past successes has made it a PASC staple and we look forward to the 2026 edition.
We know how time intensive application processes can be. Taking into account PASC members’ feedback, we have made positive changes to the application process. At this stage we seek a two-page EOI on the basis of which short listed teams will be invited to submit a fuller application.
JUDGING CRITERIA FOR EOIS:
Depth or originality of the story idea
Feasibility of its execution
Strength and cohesion of the team, their connection to the project
Clearly articulated aims for participation in the lab
Previous relevant experience
X factor
KEY DATES
EOI Applications open: Thursday, 15 Jan 2026
Webinar: Monday, 19 Jan 2026, 12nn
EOI Applications close: Thursday 29 January 2026, 5pm
Shortlisted Applicants Notified: 9 Feb 2026
Invited Applications for Lab close: Monday, 9 March 2026, 5pm
Selected Teams Notified: 13 April 2026
Development Lab: Friday evening to Sunday evening, 22-24 May 2026
Final submission for Production Funding: August 2026 TBC
Production recipients announced: October 2026 TBC
“I’m delighted to say that the fifth iteration of our flagship short film development lab comes with production funding for TWO short films. With every edition of the lab, we have increased monies available to translate theory into practice. Historically, Short Cuts participants have been able to take their robustly developed projects to other avenues too. May that cross pollination continue.” - Dr Shuchi Kothari
In 2024, a nominal application fee of $10 had been introduced for the Short Cuts Development Lab.
To be considered for the lab, please submit your application along with a non-refundable application fee of $10. Payment can be made via the link provided in our EOI application form. It's important to note that the application fee does not guarantee a spot in the lab. The selection process will involve narrowing down applicants to nine teams based on the evaluation of submitted applications.
PASC may provide a travel and accommodation subsidy for participating teams residing out of Auckland.
PASC thanks the New Zealand Film Commission for supporting the Short Cuts Development Lab.
DOWNLOAD THE UPDATED SHORT CUTS CHECKLIST AND DECLARATION FORM HERE (Updated 19 Jan 2026)
Q&A Webinar
Monday 19 January 2026, 12pm
An introduction and Q&A for Short Cuts 2026 Development Lab and production fund with designer and convenor, Shuchi Kothari.
SPADA have kindly shared their resources to assist new and emerging producers applying to Short Cuts:
To form teams, we encourage applicants to reach out to other practitioners on Emerging Screen Alliance Aotearoa Facebook Group or reach out directly to other guilds such as WIFT, SPADA, NZWG, etc.
Participants of the Short Cuts 2023 lab
Short Cuts development lab 2023
Short Cuts development lab 2023
SHORT CUTS LAB
PARTICIPANTS
Short Cuts FAQ
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Yes, two groups will be chosen to receive $40,000 each in production funding at the end of the program.
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Your budget summary should demonstrate consideration of key costs and planning around securing funding.
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No. But in consideration of PASC’s kaupapa to promote Pan-Asian practitioners and projects, at least two out of the three key creative roles must be performed by practitioners of Pan-Asian Heritage. The director must be of Asian heritage. If the story is Asian focussed, then the writer too should be of Asian heritage..
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Key creatives may not be attached to more than two projects, whether as a team or as individuals. An individual may perform the same role in two projects, OR different roles on two projects; but no more than two projects.
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The lab is tailored for new and emerging practitioners.
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No, we are only accepting the 2 page EOI in the first round.
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Directors and Writers attached to the project may not have received more than one round of NZFC short film production funding. Writers and Directors who have received He Kauahi Catalyst funding are ineligible to apply.
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Yes. Your project must have a producer who can ensure the project’s full delivery.
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Yes. All three key creatives must attend the entirety of the lab to be considered to receive PASC production funding. If there are two producers attached, only one has to commit to attending.
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With apologies to documentary makers, this particular programme is designed for scripted fiction.
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Either is fine but, if it is adapted, we require a clear chain of title as part of your application.
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Shortlisted applications will be invited to submit their project materials, including a lookbook and script. You only need a synopsis at the EOI stage.