With Calisuri posting the statement from Phillipa Boyens and Wingnut Films, it might be helpful to get an overview of what is going on in New Zealand.
A group of 90 actors met in Wellington Monday to discuss the boycott of the pair of potential “Hobbit” movies. Also present at the beginning of the meeting were non-actors from the New Zealand film industry including Boyens who clearly is the member of Peter Jackson’s team that will be the front on the labor battle in New Zealand.
The long and short of the situation is that the Kiwi film community is alarmed that the production might leave its island. The government is also concerned that its $3 billion industry could face a significant downturn if this productions and others after it head to other locations. The boycott called for by New Zealand Actors Equity and Australia’s Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance has the support of English-speaking unions around the world, including the Screen Actor’s Guild (SAG).
According to some, the meeting signals that NZAE doesn’t not have a mandate from Kiwi actors.
The boycott endangers “The Hobbit” production that has been jumping significant hurdles almost since “The Lord of the Rings” movie trilogy concluded its era by winning a gaggle of Oscars.
This article says Jackson’s team is saving jobs.
The Hollywood Reporter says actors are split.
The Dominon Post says Wellington actors oppose the boycot and presents a statement by actors from the meeting.
All of this is great and fascinating drama but like many of you, we would rather that all paths would clear to get “The Hobbit,” made.
