Formed in 1982, the Screen Production and Development Association is a non-profit, membership-based organisation with two full-time and one part-time staff. There is one office based in Wellington

SPADA represents businesses involved in screen production and post-production, broadcasting, distribution, lawyers and service providers. 

SPADA is commmitted to the commercial and cultural health of New Zealand's independent screen production industry. It focusses on the importance of content creation; particularly with the challenges the screen production industry faces working in New Zealand's non-regulated broadcasting environment.

Improving terms of trade is one of SPADA’s key policy objectives, as strengthening the economic conditions of New Zealand screen production companies contributes to building sustainable business models. SPADA successfully negotiated new terms of trade with NZ On Air: the Producer now retaining 75% of programme sales income with NZ On Air retaining 25%. This represents a 100% reversal of NZ On Air’s previous recoupment position.  SPADA is currently engaged in terms of trade discussions with broadcasters.

SPADA believes a strong, sustainable independent screen industry is essential in order to generate quality ideas for new programming for New Zealanders.

SPADA believes New Zealand viewers want to hear their own voices and see their own stories and experiences on New Zealand screens, regardless of the technology.  Therefore, a vibrant independent production sector is essential to ensure that this continues to happen across all viewing platforms.

Staff
SPADA is staffed by CEO Penelope Borland: Events and Policy Manager, Sandy Gildea and Fiona Davison - Finance and Membership Officer.


Executive
SPADA is governed by a bi-annually elected Executive. The 2012/2013 Executive comprise of nine members and the President.