Lights, camera, action: Securing Entertainers Work Visas for film and television crews 

Hannah McCarthy

12 September, 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.  

Entertainers Work Visa 

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.   
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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, you 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 you’ve referenced on your 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. 

Whether you’re an actor, performer, musician, production company or crew member, dealing with complex visa requirements like this can be daunting to navigate. At Pitt & Moore, we specialise in securing Entertainers Work Visas, ensuring that the focus can remain on your craft rather than on the complicated visa process associated with working overseas. 

What we offer

Our immigration team brings a wealth of expertise in handling the unique visa requirements associated with the entertainment, music, film, and television industries. We understand that each sector has its own set of requirements and nuances, and we are committed to providing a tailored approach to meet these specific needs.  

One such nuance is obtaining any necessary agreements from relevant New Zealand performers unions or professional associations.   

Our services are designed to provide personalised attention and a streamlined process. We make sure that all the necessary documentation and procedural steps are meticulously managed, so you can pursue your international opportunities with confidence. We pride ourselves on our proven success in helping clients secure Entertainers Work Visas, allowing them to perform and collaborate internationally without hassle.  

Avoiding common pitfalls

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. 

At Pitt & Moore, we excel in identifying and navigating these challenges. We ensure that your application is thorough, timely, and compliant with the latest immigration regulations. Our proactive approach helps mitigate risks and prevents issues that could disrupt your plans and filming schedule.  

Ready to get started?

If you’re ready to take the next step  contact us today to schedule a 15-minute free consultation.  

Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is of a general nature and is not intended as legal advice. It is important that you seek legal advice that is specific to your circumstances.