Co Production Agreement Template for New Zealand

A Co Production Agreement is a comprehensive legal contract that establishes the framework for collaborative screen productions between New Zealand and international partners. You need this document when combining creative and financial resources across borders to create films, television series, documentaries, or digital content while potentially accessing official co-production benefits and government incentives.

When do you need this document?

You require a Co Production Agreement when partnering with international production companies to create audio-visual content that qualifies for official co-production status. This includes feature films seeking New Zealand Screen Production Grant funding, television series involving multiple broadcasters across different territories, documentaries requiring international distribution rights, or digital content projects combining New Zealand talent with overseas expertise. The agreement is essential when accessing New Zealand Film Commission funding or when your project needs to meet specific cultural and creative thresholds for official co-production recognition.

Key legal considerations

Your agreement must address several critical legal elements to protect all parties' interests. Budget allocation and financial contributions require precise definition, including how costs are shared, who controls expenditure, and how overruns are managed. Creative control provisions must establish decision-making authority for key creative elements, including script development, casting, director selection, and final cut approval. Intellectual property ownership requires careful structuring, particularly regarding copyright ownership, moral rights, and derivative works. Revenue sharing mechanisms must detail how income is distributed, including box office receipts, streaming revenues, merchandising, and secondary sales. Territorial distribution rights need clear definition to avoid conflicts over market exploitation.

Legal requirements in New Zealand

Under New Zealand law, your Co Production Agreement must comply with the New Zealand Film Commission Act 1978, which establishes the framework for official co-production recognition. The Copyright Act 1994 governs intellectual property protection and ownership structures for your creative content. Screen Industry Workers Act 2022 requirements must be addressed for employment relationships and contractor arrangements with cast and crew. Income Tax Act 2007 provisions apply when accessing the New Zealand Screen Production Grant and other tax incentives. Your agreement must also consider Goods and Services Tax Act 1985 obligations for financial transactions and the Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017 for general contractual enforceability. International co-production treaties may provide additional benefits and requirements depending on your partner's jurisdiction.