We recognise that the entertainment industry is one of the fastest growing industries and is becoming particularly important in the New Zealand economy.

The entertainment industry consists of film production, television and radio broadcasting, print media, interactive games and live events (which includes sports).

Simpson Grierson's entertainment group provides specialist legal advice across all spheres of the entertainment industry.

Simpson Grierson has been New Zealand counsel to major international studios on the following New Zealand film production projects:

• "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" (Walden Media)
  
  
• "King Kong" (Universal Studios)
  
  
• "Lord of the Rings" trilogy (New Line Cinema)
  
  
• "The Last Samurai" (Warner Bros.)
  
  
• "Without a Paddle" (Paramount Pictures)

We also act for Television New Zealand as well as some of NZ's largest production houses on television production and broadcasting issues.

Our team of lawyers have a strong commercial base, coupled with specialist knowledge of issues facing New Zealand based productions.

We advise on all aspects of film and television production, including:

• Employment and contractor issues with New Zealand and overseas cast and crew.
  
  
• Health and safety laws and risk minimisation strategies.
  
  
• Immigration and customs issues.
  
  
• Assisting with production exigencies.
  
  
• New Zealand taxation issues (including GST and income tax issues for key cast and crew).
  
  
• Intellectual property issues, including rights acquisition and in-market protection.
  
  
• Location issues including environmental law, local government issues and advising on Department of Conservation issues.
  
  
• Financing and funding agreements.

Simpson Grierson has worked for studios on a number of high-profile financing projects involving New Zealand investors, including:

• "The Frighteners" (Universal Studios)
  
• "Xena" (Universal Studios)
  
• "Hercules" (Universal Studios)
  
• "Lord of the Rings" trilogy (New Line Cinema)

We can also advise on qulification for the Large Budget Screen Production Grants Scheme.  

• Sales and Marketing
  
• Broadcasting and Media
  
• Events and Sponsorship