THE PROCESS – LICENCE TYPES - APPLY
To produce and perform one of our clients’ plays you need to obtain a licence.
The licence ensures a range of rights for both the producer and the writer.
It is a breach of copyright to produce, perform, present or copy a script without a licence to do so.
We welcome enquiries from all producers and directors to discuss your needs and interest in New Zealand plays. We have strong in-house knowledge of current and historical New Zealand work and are here to assist in matching producers and directors with plays. We are happy to provide copies to producers and directors.
The process
THE PLAY
You have seen/read/found/heard about a brilliant play and you want to stage a production, a reading, or take an option out on it.
(or You are looking for a New Zealand play to produce. Browse the online SCRIPT SEARCH or get in touch with us to discuss what you are looking for.)
APPLY FOR THE RIGHTS
Once a play has been chosen, contact us to gain permission to present via our online rights application form below, where you must provide information such as venue and number of performances. There are some restrictions on when and where a play may be available for production. The reason for this may depend on other productions licensed in the same territory or a planned touring production.
You must apply before rehearsals commence.
LICENCE THE PERFORMANCE
If approved, a licence contract is issued and posted to you stipulating conditions such as:
· Where and when you can produce this script
· Appropriate credit for the playwright
· Limitations on alterations
· Issue of complimentary tickets
· Recording of performances
The rights may be subject to negotiation with a producer on a case-by-case basis.
An invoice for a non-returnable advance against royalties is issued at the time of licensing. The amount of the advance varies according to the size of the venue, the number of performances and whether the production is professional, amateur or school and how long the licence is for.
CONFIRM THE LICENCE
Once the advance has been paid and a copy of the contract signed and returned to Playmarket you will have the rights to perform the script in the territory and on the dates specified in the contract.
WRAP UP AT THE END OF THE SEASON
At the end of the season you will need to create a statement of account outlining each performance date, time and venue and the daily box office receipt details. From this you can calculate the amount owing to the playwright (usually 10% of box office).
PAY OUT ROYALTIES
Once calculated it is your responsibility to ensure royalties are paid in full within 12 working days of the final performance of each production.
Licence types
Professional performance licence
A licence to produce and perform a professional production of a NZ play.
A non-refundable advance against royalties is due. The amount of the advance varies according to the size of the venue, the number of performances and how long the licence is for. A percentage of box office royalties (usually 10%) is payable at the end of the production, minus the advance.
Amateur or community performance licence
A licence to produce and perform an amateur or community production of a NZ play. A non-refundable advance against royalties is due, along with a signed copy of the contract, to confirm the licence. The advance is at a set rate determined by venue size and number of performances:
For venues of 0 – 49 seats
$80 per performance
For venues of 50 – 99 seats
$100 per performance
For venues of 100 – 149 seats
$120 per performance
For venues of 150 + seats
$140 per performance
A percentage of box office royalties (usually 10%) is payable at the end of the production, minus the advance.
School performance licence
A licence to perform a primary, secondary or tertiary performance of a NZ play.
A set fee of $70 per performance applies.
Option licence
A licence giving sole, exclusive rights to perform a script in a specified area for a specified length of time. A non-refundable option fee is paid to obtain this licence. The amount of the fee is dependant on the territory and period of licence requested.
Reading licence
A licence for a reading of a NZ play. A set fee of $70 is charged.
Photocopy licence
A licence to photocopy unpublished manuscripts for rehearsal or study purposes.
A per copy set fee of $5 is charged and is capped at $50.
For production purposes, you are required to have as many copies of a play as are needed by the cast/director etc.
APPLY FOR RIGHTS HERE
