Media & Entertainment

Expertise

We have extensive knowledge of media law, covering all aspects of content development, production, and protection – both traditional and digital. We are experts in broadcasting, advertising and marketing regulation.

Our expertise encompasses a wide range of media platforms and types, including digital media, subscription video on demand, “Over the Top” services, gaming, and film and TV. We are experts in content production and financing, sales agency and distribution, rights acquisition and licensing, cast, crew and location arrangements, talent acquisition and management, sponsorship arrangements, and IP commercialisation.

We regularly advise on matters related to free speech and defamation, social media and user-generated content issues, and advertising and marketing regulations. Artificial intelligence has transformed the media landscape, and we are experts in the developing legal position in New Zealand including as it relates to copyright infringement and deepfakes.

Our team understands the importance of reputation management, leveraging our experience advising on highly sensitive matters to efficiently and discreetly address any issues.

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Experience

• Advising a New Zealand-based film production company and its special purpose vehicle on the financing of a documentary about two well-known opera singers from the South Pacific, including advising on the chain of title and acquisition of underlying rights for the production, the distribution and sales agency arrangements, and the funding and investment arrangements.
• Advising a well-known New Zealand actor-turned-filmmaker on her directorial debut.
• Advising a major New Zealand media company, which operates the country’s largest news website and multiple daily newspapers, on the rebranding of its flagship newspaper.
• Advising one of New Zealand’s largest screen production companies on the terms of its participant agreement for the New Zealand version of a reality television show, as well as providing regular assistance with defamation reviews for specific productions.
• Advising various large corporate clients on talent and promotional arrangements, including contracts with social media influencers to promote products and contracts with local celebrities to create brand ambassadors.
• Advising global media companies on their local digital service offerings and the distribution of their product in the New Zealand market.
• Advising the owners of a major international television production group, via its New Zealand subsidiaries, on the New Zealand aspects of the company’s US$1.45 billion acquisition by a global media investment firm.
• Advising a renowned New Zealand filmmaker on the establishment of a Pop Up Film Intensive designed to provide more opportunities to emerging local film directors and writers.
• Assisting a New Zealand-based creative director of a multi-disciplinary arts and music project to secure the rights to tour the work and to contract the participating artists.
• Advising various clients – including major music and digital media companies – on the licensing of music in content production, including the licensing of music to use in digital apps and media campaigns.
• Advising one of New Zealand’s largest screen production companies on defamation proceedings arising from its proposed adaptation of a controversial book into a television series or movie.
• Advising a high-profile US comedian in relation to filming work not paid for by a local production studio.
• Acting for the CEO of a well-known fast food chain regarding defamatory comments made by a prominent union organiser.