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Although a great number of New Zealand film and television productions are state funded, we have also acted for projects partly or wholly overseas financed, privately funded or sponsored, or funded through co-production. We represent a number of New Zealand's leading television production companies and feature film producers, as well as smaller, more specialised, documentary, sports, and arts production houses.

Because New Zealand is a relatively small industry, we also represent some of New Zealand's leading talent in the form of cast and crew. Our work in the television medium also involves opinions on content as affected by New Zealand law on privacy, defamation, censorship and clearance issues.

Areas of expertise include:-

· acquisition and development agreements

· screenwriter's agreements

· concept and format licensing

· cast and crew contracts

· production financing, including completion guarantee documentation

· sales agency and distribution agreements

· film composer and music licensing agreements

· content opinions: including privacy, defamation, copyright and E&O requirements

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With the rapid convergence of the entertainment and technological industries, we are increasingly acting for developers of multimedia and internet applications in response to the demand for digital content. We specialise in matters relating to the media industry, but also have expertise in the following:

· web site development and maintenance agreements

· software agreements and gaming applications

· encryption and security issues

· contract and licensing issues

· jurisdictional issues

· privacy issues

· consumer law

· protection of intellectual property

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As with most entertainment law firms, our lawyers all specialise in intellectual property aspects of the law, particularly as they apply to the creative arts. We are well based in intellectual property litigation, including injunctive relief, commercial list applications and copyright infringement. Areas of expertise include:-

· copyright, both national and international

· performers rights and moral rights

· trade mark applications and infringements

· passing off and confidential information

· assignments, licences and other contractual dealings

· intellectual property audits

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Although Malcolm Black has now left to become Business Affairs and A&R at Sony Music Entertainment, we are still active in representing independent recording and publishing labels, musicians, advertising agencies, composers and producers of film, television and multimedia applications that include music.

Areas of expertise include:

· recording contracts

· publishing contracts

· electronic and dance music

· copyright and performers rights

· music and composition in film and television

· music video production

· tour promoters

· management and agents

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We have represented a number of major publishing houses, particularly in relation to the acquisition of film and television rights. We frequently assist writers, photographers and illustrators in finalising book publishing agreements. We also provide general advice to smaller publishing companies and specialist magazines.

Areas of expertise include:-

· publishing agreements

· acquisition of film and television rights

· opinions on copyright, defamation, censorship and privacy

· electronic and multimedia rights

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This firm's particular expertise is advising on broadcasting aspects of televised events. We have also advised on events promotion, sponsorship, and sports management with specific emphasis on player's contracts.

Areas of expertise include:

· televised sports events

· player's contracts

· sports organisation and structure

· sponsorship and endorsements

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We act for producers and investors, as well as creative team members. We advise on all live performance issues, including the funding, production and licensing of stage performances.

Areas of expertise include:

· copyright

· rights acquisition and management

· contract negotiation

· production and personnel agreements

· sponsorship and financial arrangements

· venue agreements

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Although we act for a number of people involved in the fine arts, the majority of our work in this area relates to the application of art, photography, sculpture and craft work in film, publishing and similar multimedia contexts.

Areas of expertise include:-

· commissioning relationships

· copyright and design law

· contractual aspects of commercial design

· artists/gallery relationships