December 2024
In the world of film and entertainment, New Zealand has long been known for its stunning scenery and world-class special effects facilities, making it an ideal place to produce high-budget international film and television.
What most people do not realise is the amount of paperwork required behind the scenes to ensure talent and crew from around the world can legally work on productions in New Zealand.
Anyone working in New Zealand for any period must be a New Zealand or Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident, hold a New Zealand residency permit, or a valid work visa. Immigration New Zealand is required to enforce this, even when it comes to big-budget, high-profile productions.
This means visiting producers, directors, musicians, cast and crew must apply for a suitable work visa before they come and work on our shores. The most common visa for this is called an Entertainers Work Visa.
With this visa, a person can come to New Zealand to work in the entertainment, music, film, or television industries for a limited time but can only work for the specific employer on the specific production referenced in the application.
Immigration NZ requires, among other things, that an entertainment industry employer shows that the talent or crew they want to bring in are ‘manifestly essential’ to the production, or that they do not put at risk engagement of New Zealand professionals and have previously looked at engaging New Zealand professionals to fill the role. All of this must be backed up with clear evidence.
As an example, if a production company needed a specific overseas worker because finance or distribution depended on their involvement, the visa application would need to include written confirmation from a sales agent, distributor, or key investor to prove that this was the case.
Securing an Entertainers work visa can be riddled with potential obstacles if not managed properly. Common issues include incomplete or incorrect documentation, missed deadlines, and misunderstandings of specific visa requirements. These pitfalls can lead to significant delays or even visa refusals. Furthermore, New Zealand’s immigration policies are currently in a state of upheaval and changes to immigration rules can affect your application if not promptly addressed.
Whether you’re a production company, an actor, performer, musician, or crew member, dealing with complex visa requirements like this can be daunting to navigate. A New Zealand lawyer can ensure that the focus can remain on your craft rather than on the complicated visa process associated with working in this country.