Employment Environment
New Zealand's reputation as a film-friendly environment is largely due to a 'can do' attitude and the lack of demarcation between the specific roles of crew personnel. Union membership is entirely voluntary and most New Zealand actors and crew are nonunionised, self-employed, independent contractors. The employment environment is governed by the Employment Relations Act. Visit Employment Relations Service for information about the Act.
In any case, your NZ line producer or production support person will be invaluable in managing employment obligations. They will have direct contact with relevant industry bodies and government agencies and will be most up-to-date with employment rules and regulations. Contact Us if you have any further enquiries on employment. The production company you use/form for the production needs to be a NZ company to maximize these advantages.
Your NZ Line Producer will be practiced in managing all of the above requirements.
In any case, your NZ line producer or production support person will be invaluable in managing employment obligations. They will have direct contact with relevant industry bodies and government agencies and will be most up-to-date with employment rules and regulations. Contact Us if you have any further enquiries on employment. The production company you use/form for the production needs to be a NZ company to maximize these advantages.
New Zealand Cast and Crew Employment and Engagement
Most New Zealand actors and crew operate as self-employed contractors. However, on long term productions they may be treated as employees. In these circumstances we recommend you seek professional advice.Issues for Overseas Cast and Crew
- Overseas actors and crew working in New Zealand should be aware of the following:
- Non resident crew can apply for certificates of exemption from New Zealand withholding tax if they are in New Zealand for less than 183 days and they meet certain requirements.
- Non-resident actors are subject to withholding tax of 20% in New Zealand on payments for all appearances in front of a camera in New Zealand.
- Overseas cast and crew require a work Visa.
- Overseas actors must have a letter of non-objection from the Actors' Equity
- Overseas crew must have a letter of non-objection from the New Zealand Film and Video Technicians' Guild.
- The New Zealand Film & Video Technicians' Guild works in partnership with the New Zealand Immigration Service in assessing temporary work permit applications for non-New Zealand or Australian screen production crew working on international productions in New Zealand.
Your NZ Line Producer will be practiced in managing all of the above requirements.
