What we do
When it comes to entertainment law, experience counts. In such a rapidly evolving media and entertainment landscape, only an experienced specialist can offer the type of advice producers, publishers, distributors and creatives need. That’s why we have been solely focused on the media and entertainment industries since we launched in 1989. Our clients are from all sectors of the media and entertainment industries; from individual creatives, talent and management through to major producers and publishers, labels, promoters, distributors, agencies and funding bodies - both national and international. We believe in developing long term relationships with all our clients, and aim to provide high quality and personalised expertise at a cost only a boutique specialist firm can deliver.
Music
We are deeply engaged in promoting & protecting people and businesses in the NZ music industry. We act for and connect creators, rights holders and organisations from across the sector and around the world. We have experience working with artists, record labels, publishers, promoters, producers, managers, musicians, composers, distributors and producers of film, television and platforms that make and host content and/or distribute music. Whether your reach is local or global, no music project is too big or small.
Publishing / Visual Arts
We have represented a number of major publishing houses, particularly in relation to the acquisition of film and television rights and conducting legal reviews (assessing defamation / privacy risks). We also regularly assist writers, photographers, artists and illustrators in finalising book publishing agreements and provide general advice to smaller publishing companies.
Creative Sector /
Corporate Governance
New Zealand’s creative sector is supported by a wealth of guilds, trusts, incorporated societies, and other not-for-profit organisations. We work closely with these organisations – we have sat on and provided governance advice to various boards; and we help individuals to access the funding, support and industry advice that these organisations provide.
Film / TV
We can assist in all aspects of getting Film and TV projects up and running, from rights acquisition and clearances through to financing, production and distribution. Our clients range from leading television production companies and feature film producers, as well as smaller and upcoming documentary, sports, children’s entertainment and arthouse specialists. We also represent some of New Zealand’s leading talent in the form of writers, cast and crew and our work in the production sector also involves opinions on content as affected by New Zealand law on copyright, privacy, defamation, censorship and clearance issues.
Digital Media
With the entertainment and digital industries so intertwined, we act for developers and publishers of online platforms and content. We specialise in matters relating to the media industry and have experience in gaming including development and publishing agreements; web site development and maintenance agreements; software agreements; and protection and exploitation of proprietary rights.
Events / Sports
We have expertise in negotiating broadcast and live streaming agreements with major international broadcasters and DSPs, advising on all of the complex underlying clearance & rights aspects of globally broadcast events as well as in relation to event promotion, venue hire, sponsorship, live performance and management & endorsement agreements.
Performing Arts
Despite the growth of online content platforms, live performance remains at the core of the entertainment experience. We represent an increasing number of theatre groups, comedy performers, circuses, contemporary dance companies and producers & artists that create immersive live experiences.