In Association With...: questions about that logo-linking phrase

There are a couple of things that I'm wondering about that often-used logo-linking phrase in the closing of a show-- "In Association With":

1. First, in order for independent entities (or even only one independent entity) to do business with a major studio (say, Rona II and Spelling-Goldberg in association with Columbia Pictures Television, on Hart to Hart on ABC from 1982-84), did negotiations have to be done with the major studios, and once one was found, contracts would be drawn up and signed, and terms finalized?

2. Second, once said relationship was established (again, with that Hart to Hart example), would that independent entity (or those entities, if more than one) have offices right at the studio (in essence, Rona II and S-G being on the Columbia Pictures lot), in order to facilitate such business aspects as production, marketing (which, I would assume, involves network promotion of the series being made, like with the late, great Ernie Anderson's promos for Hart to Hart on ABC), etc.?