Cad Monkey writes: Just a quick review of the rally that’s just finished in Auckland. A slightly disappointing turnout of around 250 people, plenty of news media, radio & tv. Mark Harrison the Auckland actor who has organised the nationwide rallies spoke very well and at length about the impact that LOTR had on tourism and the economy in NZ and that if Warner Bros want to make the best movies they can (and make plenty of money too ) then NZ is the only place to shoot them: NZ is middle earth. Each point he made was greeted by loud cheers and applause. A statement by Peter Jackson was read out at the end thanking everyone for their support.
Were you at a rally in New Zealand? Send your pics and video now!
Continue reading “Hobbit Rally: Auckland”
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Since word got out that the two-part “Hobbit” film might leave the island nation of New Zealand, fans have been e-mailing TORn, posting on Facebook and expressing on message boards that they wish they could help.
Now you can.
In a grass-roots effort, a film production crew is making a film full of the messages of those who feel passionately about keeping “The Hobbit,” in New Zealand (and keeping New Zealand in “The Hobbit.”) Many of those leading the charge are from Weta but this isn’t organized by Peter Jackson or Richard Taylor or the company in any way but rather this is for them, to show widespread support from the ground up. These are artists and craftspeople spending their own time and talents and they are asking for your help.
Here is the information as received from the organizers:
“If you wish to see The Hobbit filmed in New Zealand, then this is your chance to have your say and support the many people working in the New Zealand film industry and related industries. The film production crew at Weta Workshop are putting together a message of support and we need your help! Continue reading “A call for fans to help demonstrate that New Zealand is the right place for ‘The Hobbit’ films”
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New Zealand is not going down without a fight! Join the effort to keep The Hobbit in New Zealand by participating positive rallies throughout the country. A facebook page has been setup for the effort, including dates and times when rallies will be taking part in your town. If you are in New Zealand, join your fellow Kiwis this Labour Day Monday! [Facebook Page] [Rally Event Page to RSVP]
If you do attend, please send in your reports to spymaster@theonering.net. We’d love to hear from you all.
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WELLINGTON — New Zealand’s economy could lose as much as $1.5 billion if Warner Bros. relocates its production of “The Hobbit” with the country’s burgeoning film suffering long-term damage, economists said on Friday. New Zealand filmmaker Peter Jackson shot his blockbuster “Lord of the Rings” trilogy in his home country, which bolstered the local film industry, and he planned to shoot a two-part adaption of J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit” locally as well. But the project’s future in New Zealand is now in doubt after actors’ unions boycotted working on “The Hobbit” and Time Warner Inc.’s Warner Bros started looking for alternative locations for the estimated $500 million production. More..
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The media in New Zealand has been careful to give both sides of the dispute regarding the Australian and New Zealand actors’ unions and the possibilities that the two-part “Hobbit” production might leave the nation’s shores. Union spokespersons have claimed in several interviews (look down our page for video) that movie studios knew of the lifting of the “do not work” ban days ago and delayed the announcement, something Peter Jackson and Philipa Boyens have denied in the same interviews. Now New Line Cinema has released an official statement regarding the entire dispute.
Recent reports that the boycott of The Hobbit was lifted by unions a number of days ago and that Warner Bros asked to delay this announcement are false. It was not until last night that we received confirmation of the retractions from SAG, NZ Equity and Continue reading “New Line issues statement about ‘Hobbit’ boycott”
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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]
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Cad Monkey writes: Just a quick review of the rally that’s just finished in Auckland. A slightly disappointing turnout of around 250 people, plenty of news media, radio & tv. Mark Harrison the Auckland actor who has organised the nationwide rallies spoke very well and at length about the impact that LOTR had on tourism and the economy in NZ and that if Warner Bros want to make the best movies they can (and make plenty of money too ) then NZ is the only place to shoot them: NZ is middle earth. Each point he made was greeted by loud cheers and applause. A statement by Peter Jackson was read out at the end thanking everyone for their support. 