The Film & Entertainment team at Minter Ellison Rudd Watts combines finance lawyers, commercial negotiators, tax and Intellectual Property experts. Together we give comprehensive and practical advice to international organisations wanting to take advantage of New Zealand as a filming destination.
We have extensive experience advising on all facets of film, television and theatrical productions from financing, co-production, investment, sale and leaseback and pre-production through to distribution. We are experienced in providing immigration and employment law advice on the engagement of overseas cast and crew and assisting with the preparation of all legal documents relating to the productions.
Minter Ellison Rudd Watts acts for major studios and television networks, independent producers and finance houses advising on, and drafting, structuring and production documentation. We also act for the New Zealand Film Production Fund, the New Zealand Film Commission, NZ On Air and Te Mangai Paho - the funding agencies for New Zealand film, television and radio.
Minter Ellison Rudd Watts is proud to support Film Auckland through sponsorship as a Silver Partner to further demonstrate commitment to the screen production industry in New Zealand.
Our experts have had leading industry involvement in film and television matters including:
Advised the majority investors, the Film Fund, New Zealand Film Commission and New Zealand On Air, on Niki Caro's latest film "The Vintner's Luck", the film adaptation of Elizabeth Knox's acclaimed novel
We created the tax, corporate and financing structures to underpin the financing required for producing the Lord of the Rings trilogy
Whale Rider: We advised the majority of New Zealand investors (New Zealand Film Production Fund, New Zealand Film Commission and New Zealand On Air) on all aspects of the financing of the critically acclaimed New Zealand / German co-production Whale Rider
Advice to Bank of New Zealand on its structured financing investment in the “Xena” and “Hercules” television series
Advice to B & Management Limited on various ‘retail’ investment products in the Australasian film finance market
Advice to Communicado Limited on film securities and related company law
Advice to Village Roadshow on New Zealand film and television productions, including “Maiden Voyage” and “Power Rangers
Advice to Starz Media and the associated New Zealand production company on the Rob Tapert series “Spartacus”
Advice to Columbia Tristar regarding film rental rights in New Zealand against video/DVD rental outlets
