New Line, Warner Bros and MGM are pleased to have concluded successful discussions with the New Zealand government this past week. We’d like to thank Prime Minister Key, his Cabinet and the other dedicated New Zealand officials for their support and cooperation, which helped assuage our concerns and enabled us to keep The Hobbit in its proper home of New Zealand.
We’d also like to express very special appreciation to Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh and the people of New Zealand for their tireless support of The Hobbit and their commitment to maintain and grow their vibrant film industry. Filming is scheduled to begin in February 2011 and we look forward to returning to Middle-earth.
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SYDNEY – Furious debate rages at this moment in New Zealand’s parliament on legislation sought by Warner Bros. to amend the country’s labor laws and make unionization of the local film industry more difficult. Meanwhile, key union leaders reported receiving death threats. Police have begun an investigation, according to a local press report.
The government has the necessary votes for the law revision and passage is expected later today. A Labour member of parliament decried today as a “day of shame.” The Labour and Green opposition have hammered on the loss of sovereignty implied by negotiating legislation with a foreign corporation, then ramming it through under an urgency procedure. The ruling National Party has emphasized the financial benefit of retaining the “Hobbit” production in country. More..
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Wingnut Films has released a statement from Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh in expression of their gratitude to the New Zealand Government, Warner Bros., New Line Cinema, the workers, and the fans who supported the making of The Hobbit in New Zealand.
From wetanz.com:
Filmmakers, Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh stated today “We are grateful to the Government for introducing legislation which shall give everyone in the film industry certainty as to their employment status. This clarification will provide much needed stability and reassurance for film workers as well as investors from within New Zealand and overseas.”
Jackson went on to thank Warner Brothers and New Line Cinema for their continued commitment to New Zealand. “Their respect for the skill and talent of Kiwi crews and performers speaks for itself.”
Finally, Jackson stated, “I feel enormous gratitude to the film technicians, actors and fans who came out in support of making these films in New Zealand. To the thousands of people who took the time to write and let us know they were with us – thank you. It made all the difference.”
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TORn reported a grass roots effort by some of working folks who call Weta Workshop home. Not sponsored by the effects studio, its owners or bosses, this was an effort by “the people” with a call out to fans to demonstrate why New Zealand was the right place to make “The Hobbit.” Just as the message was set to unleash on the world, Warner Bros announced its decision. But the video lives. Read on:
Hi all,
I’m sure everyone has heard the absolutely brilliant news that the Hobbit will now be staying in New Zealand. I firmly believe this is in no small part due to the massive show of support the public of New Zealand and the world, has shown over the past week. It truly is a tribute to what the filming of The Hobbit in New Zealand means to us all.
As part of the effort to keep the Hobbit where it belongs, we asked people to send in their videos of support. As a celebration of these messages, we have cut together a short film to thank not just those who sent in their videos but, everyone who showed their support at the march, the rally, on the facebook pages, in the Newspaper message, and in all the other forms people put their hand up for our cause. Thank you all!
The video is available for viewing on the YouTube channel where the videos were uploaded here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ciW7xzQb5S4
Cheers,
videosforclip
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The night is darkest ere the dawn… and dawn has ever been the hope of Men!
After days of closed door talks between New Zealand Prime Minister John Key and Warner Bros. executives, the verdict is out today:
THE HOBBIT WILL BE MADE IN NEW ZEALAND.
Mr.John Key has only minutes ago announced at a press conference in the Beehive theaterette that Sir Peter Jackson’s Hobbit films will indeed be filmed in New Zealand.
Media outlets have yet to post links to any videos… but stay tuned to TORn for updates as more of the good news makes its way on to the interweb.
TODAY IS A PROUD DAY FOR KIWIS… AND A JOYOUS ONE FOR FANS AROUND THE WORLD.
CONGRATULATIONS TO ONE AND ALL.
For a sample of how news organizations around the world are reporting here are some links: CNN, TVNZ, Bloomberg and ABC to name just a few. Video of the announcement has been extremely slow to load. Peter Jackson’s team hasn’t released a statement yet but is expected to.
The party has already begun over at our message boards. Head over to join in the celebrations!
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Below is the statement just released by Sir Richard Taylor and Tania Rodger over at wetanz.com:
On behalf of all our friends and colleagues at Weta Workshop, we send our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all of the people from around New Zealand and the world who have sent us their messages of support.
Everyone here has tried to stay optimistic for a positive outcome but in the darkest days of the past week it has been the amazing support from the fans of LOTR and our family and friends which has given us the resolve to stay cheerful and positive about the outcome for these films.
It is a fantastic result reported tonight by our Prime Minister, the Honourable John Key, and we are grateful for the support of our Government in recognising the challenges our film industry was facing.
We are also very pleased that Warner Bros are happy to continue to see these films made in New Zealand – and thank them for their efforts.
Most importantly our thanks go out to Peter, Fran and Philippa, for their unrelenting efforts to see these films made in our country. We are very lucky to work with such passionate film makers.
All our best and cheers to you all.
Richard Taylor and Tania Rodger
I might add we’re lucky to have such passionate people as our friends at WETA working on these beloved stories too. Our very best wishes are with you as you embark on your journey into Middle-earth once again!
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