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Arts and Culture

New Zealanders Stage Pro-‘Hobbit’ Rallies

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Posted on Oct 25, 2010
bbc.co.uk

As executives from Warner Bros. visited New Zealand to deliberate about whether to film the studio’s pair of planned “Hobbit” prequels there, people from around the country joined in demonstrations in an attempt to tip the balance in their favor. The prequels, once again based on the work of author J.R.R. Tolkien, are slated to be shot by native lensman Peter Jackson—another reason why New Zealanders are keen on making sure the next productions stay at home.  —KA

BBC:

The demonstrators hoped to reassure Hollywood studio executives as they decide whether the Lord of the Rings prequels should be shot in the country.

Last month, acting unions threatened to boycott the films in a row over wages.

Though that threat has now been lifted, Warner Bros said the unions’ actions had caused “substantial damage”.

Their actions, a studio statement issued last week continued, had “forced us to consider other filming locations for the first time.”

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Here’s a little number that some pro-“Hobbit” Kiwis put together to help their cause (via The Wrap):

 

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By SarcastiCanuck, October 26, 2010 at 2:38 pm Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)

Wow,these Kiwi’s are really into thier fictional characters and fantasy lore.These people must be recruited to write campaign speeches for the current U.S. political candidates.“There is no global warming Bilbo”,“You Hobbits have to man up”,“We will fix the economy as soon as we slay that dark wizard Obama” and “I am not a witch,just an elf who never masturbated”.We need to get the CIA to do some extrordinary renditions on these wannabe Australians.The future of America depends on it….

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By diamond, October 25, 2010 at 6:12 pm Link to this comment

I’ve been shocked and appalled at Jackson’s attitude. Of course once you’re Sir Peter and rolling in dosh you do begin to get a bit impatient with the peasants.

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By Steven Cowan, October 25, 2010 at 4:18 pm Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)

This isn’t some cheery and trivial story you suggest

It’s about Time-Warner attempting to extract even greater tax breaks out of the government and threatening to move the movie project elsewhere (Eastern Europe) if it doesn’t get what it wants.

It is claiming there is an ‘uncertain’ industrial situation in New Zealand and it is clear it is using attempts by actor’s unions to get a better deal for its members as an convenient excuse to close up shop and take ‘The Hobbit’ elsewhere.

Peter Jackson has largely been a stalking horse for Time Warner and not everyone in NZ adores him as your short article suggests.

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