Anyone else noticing a rather interesting trend? A few of the major NZ New Agencies are getting interviews with Peter Jackson and Philippa Boyens on the actual sets for the upcoming Hobbit films. The previous interview from TVNZ was in Gollum’s Cave (see below), and the following from 3 News is inside the rebuilt Bag End set! Thanks to Ringer Pippin for the link. (Hey, I want to see Smaug’s Lair please) [3News Video]
Category: Crew News
All news about the LOTR Crew.
Close Up’s Mark Sainsbury spoke with Sir Peter Jackson and Philippa Boyens about the dispute surrounding The Hobbit. The location for the interview was the set for Gollum’s Cave currently under construction. The video can be viewed here.
Portions of the interview have been transcribed by TORn message board gem Ataahua who’s faithfully been keeping us updated of the scene as it unfolds down in New Zealand. Highlights from the transcription follow:
PJ: “There are sets behind us being made to shoot on. This is Gollum’s cave for goodness’ sake. It [the allegation that Warner Bros. always wanted to take The Hobbit overseas] is absolute junk. One month ago, no one in a million years thought this movie was going to leave the country. At that point [four weeks ago] the confidence in our country as a stable base to make movies was eroded. Is the movie going to come or go? We don’t know. Unfortunately, lifting the blacklist doesn’t have anyting to do with it: The damage will be done. Warners are coming here next Monday and we’ve got to fight like hell.”
Mark Sainsbury: “Right here, Thursday night, what is the status of The Hobbit?”
Philippa: “Probably going out the door.”
PJ: “Yeah. The studio are coming through on Monday and I’m wracking my brains to find out what they need to get the confidence that they need.”
The transcription can be viewed in over at our message boards using this link.
As news of the apparent resolution to this whole Hobbit mess hits the wire, we have more video to show you of the protest, and the local news coverage. First take a look at a fan made video of the protest, then a news report featuring Helen Kelly, president of the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions.
New Zealand media commentator Russell Brown lends his perspective of where breakdowns have occurred along the path of seeking rights for New Zealand actors.
“If production of the Hobbit does indeed go to Ireland, there will be an extraordinary irony: the industrial relations environment around the film will be benign because Irish Equity did what New Zealand Actors’ Equity would have done had it been even minimally competent.”
A harsh look at NZAE, to be sure, but the piece also contains some good background information. Continued thanks to Kiwi staff member Ataahua for funneling all the ‘local’ media releases to us so quickly.
Co-producers and co-writers of the latest Tolkien movie production The Hobbit, Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens joined took to the radio airwaves today to talk about the controversy surrounding the actors union and “Hobbit” production that has Wellington and even all of New Zealand in turmoil. Also on the show was Council of Trade Unions President Helen Kelly, who’s been involved in the complex negotiations on the film production. Walsh and Boyens can be heard right here while Kelly’s segment is available here. Both can be found here where you can download MP3s.