Hunt for the next Kiwi YouTuber
NZ On Air and Google are looking for the new Kiwis to become a YouTube hit.
Photo: David St George
Up and coming Kiwi YouTubers will have the chance to gain funding to help pursue their dreams thanks to the Skip Ahead initiative.
NZ On Air and Google have provided $150,000 each to create a fund of $300,000 which successful applicants will share between them to launch their own web series.
After securing $80,000 for his “Viva la Dirt – REKT” series in 2016, Adam King believes the programme is exactly what New Zealand needs to stand out.
“This is an amazing initiative for New Zealand, it means the government can help New Zealand YouTube channels stand out in a very crowded marketplace,” King said.
“[With] that extra boost in production quality through the funding, I look forward to NZ online content shining in the next few years.”
While King had content released before applying for the initiative last year, he believes the extra funding will help deliver higher quality and longer episodes to meet audience wants.
It is not just money that is made available however.
Successful applicants will also attend skills development workshops to help develop their series while also developing a deeper narrative to their stories.
King is not the only one who has been bathing in the success since receiving part of the funds.
“How to Dad” creator Jordan Watson has had his life changed completely since winning $84,000 in 2016.
“As an online video creator you make do with what you have, you get friends to help out, family and see what you can slap together. Being able to have a full crew film your random ideas is just a dream,” Watson said.
Watson’s YouTube channel has raked in just over 140,000 subscribers.
While securing funding and skills is one thing, Adam King states that at the end of the day, you’ve just got to have determination.
“You’ve just got to get out there and make stuff. The only way to start getting views online is to actually start making some videos. No matter how low budget or low skill they are, take something you are passionate about and start making some videos about it,” King said.
Applications for funding are open until August 30 on the NZ On Air website.
