How does NZ Film On Demand work?
NZ Film On Demand is a video-on-demand service from the New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) which enables you to watch New Zealand films when you want, from the comfort of your own home, streamed via the Website to your iOS device via the NZ Films app or to your Android device via the Android app when you have an internet connection.
It’s a transactional service, which means you can rent films one at a time (as opposed to a subscription service, where you pay a monthly fee).
To begin you will need to create an account so your rentals can be stored. To sign up click here.
To rent or buy films, all you need is a valid major credit card (VISA, MasterCard, Amex, Diners or Discover).
Are the film available in High Definition (HD)?
Yes. For High Definition (HD) streaming we recommend VDSL, cable or fibre connections as we cannot guarantee consistent HD streaming on ADSL.
What about the older films like An Angel At My Table or Sleeping Dogs?
Yes. Almost all of the older titles on our site have gone through the NZ Film Commission’s Digitisation Project and are available in High Definition.
Does NZ Film On Demand use Digital Rights Managment (DRM) software?
Yes, Google Widevine, Microsoft PlayReady, and Apple FairPlay are the DRM technologies that we use to protect the content from online piracy.
Are my Credit Card details secure?
We use a third party secure payment partner, Stripe who are committed to protecting your privacy whenever you buy goods or services from a merchant who uses Stripe. Stripe is certified to PCI Service Provider Level 1, the most stringent level of certification.
Stripe’s privacy policy is here.
How long is the Rental Period?
Films are rented for seven days, but will expire 48 hours after viewing is initiated. Viewing is initiated when you press play, regardless of whether you watch the film entirely or in part. The film will remain available for repeat viewings within the 48 hour period.
I’m having problems playing my film, what’s going on?
Check your minimum system requirements below.
We recommend that you update to the latest version of your browser.
Browser add ons like ‘Ad Blocker’ can interfere with the film player and should be disabled.
Check your connection speed here.
For Standard Definition (SD) streaming we recommend at least a standard broadband connection with good speeds. For High Definition (HD) streaming we recommend VDSL, cable or fibre connections as we cannot guarantee consistent HD streaming on ADSL.
We use adaptive bitrate streaming which means the streaming quality will automatically adjust based on your internet speed but does not switch between SD and HD.
What happens if I forget my password?
Simply click Forgot your password? on the Sign In page, enter the email address you signed up to NZ Film on Demand with, and a new password will be sent to you.
What are the minimum specifications for using NZ Film On Demand?
You can watch on PCs running Windows 7+, Intel-based Macs running OSX 10.12+. You can also watch on Android tablets and phones, and iPhone and iPad using the app. You will need a broadband or fibre internet connection - dial up will not work. You’ll find a complete list of requirements below.
PC: Windows 10.
We recommend using the latest version of your browser as earlier versions may not be supported.
Microsoft Edge if your browser meets minimum requirements, to check if it does:
- 1. • In your Edge browser input edge://gpu
- 2. • Make sure the follow lines are as stated:
- . o “Compositing” is “Hardware Accelerated”.
- . o “Direct composition” is “true”.
- . o “PlayReady Hardware DRM support” is “true”.
Chrome, version 89 or later Opera version 75 or later Firefox version 88 or later
You will need a broadband or fibre internet connection - dial up will not work.
Mac:
MacOS 10.12 or later.
Safari, 13 or later Chrome, version 89 or later Opera version 75 or later Firefox version 88 or later
We recommend using the latest version of your browser as earlier versions may not be supported.
You will need a broadband or fibre internet connection - dial up will not work.
Why does playback of my film stall or not play smoothly?
If your internet connection is poor or inconsistent you may experience problems during playback. Check your connection speed here.
Can I watch NZ Film On Demand on my iPhone/iPad?
Yes, you can watch content using the app which can be downloaded from the Apple App Store. Requires iOS 11 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. Unfortunately content cannot be streamed directly from your browser app on iOS devices. The NZ Films app automatically syncs your NZ Film On Demand library with your iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch.
Can I use my Apple TV to watch NZ Film On Demand?
Yes, The NZFC Apple TV App allows users that own a 4th Generation Apple TV (or newer device) to connect their TV to their library of purchased content from the NZ Film On Demand website.
How do I watch using my Apple TV?
1. Open the App Store on your Apple TV and search for the NZ Film On Demand App. It will take a few seconds to download.
2. The App’s welcome screen will give you a code with which to register the device. You can either do this by clicking the ‘sign in’ button on the app, or by logging into your NZ Film On Demand account on another device (phone, laptop, tablet) and going to https://ondemand.nzfilm.co.nz/pin. A textbox will prompt you to enter your code, and if it matches that on the TV, the TV will refresh and sign you into your account.
3. Once you are signed in, your library will be visible onscreen and you can search or play the items from here. The app refreshes the library regularly, so if you purchase new items, or rentals expire, the library view will reflect this.
Can I watch NZ Film On Demand on my Android Device?
Yes you can. You can download the official NZ Films app in the Google Store directly from here which allows you to download purchased content for online or offline viewing. The app requires Android 6.0 or later. Content can also be streamed directly from your browser app on Android devices. The NZ Films app automatically syncs your NZ Film On Demand library with your Android device.
Can I watch NZ Film On Demand on Linux?
No. Linux is not supported.
What devices can I Chromecast from?
You can cast from an Android or iOS device using the NZ Film On Demand app.
Can I watch NZ Film On Demand anywhere in the world?
No, this service is only available in New Zealand and some selected titles are available in Australia.
How do I get help or support using NZ Film On Demand?
If you’ve tried the troubleshooting steps above and are still experiencing problems or want to provide feedback, send an email to vod@nzfilm.co.nz or call 0800 659 754.