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.
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:
Time: 12.30 – 1 or 2 Where: Cathedral Square, Christchurch Contact: Axel Scott (axel@boysdayout.co.nz) Details:
RALLY FOR ALL NEW ZEALANDERS, Industry & public on Labour Day Monday, 12.30 for 1pm-2pm!
This POSITIVE rally of support is timed to coincide with the visit of Warner Bros. movie executives to discuss moving The Hobbit away from NZ. We’re going to show them that we like them, we want The Hobbit filmed here and we SUPPORT Sir Peter. Continue reading “A Christchurch rally to support ‘The Hobbit’ for NZ”
Trade union council president Helen Kelly has apologised for calling Peter Jackson a “spoiled brat” but is not sorry for backing industrial action that may see filming of The Hobbit moved overseas. Her apology comes as one of the newly cast stars in the Lord Of The Rings prequel speaks out about the dispute. Scottish actor Sylvester McCoy, famous for his role as sci-fi’s Dr Who in the 1980s, was this weekend cast as wizard Radagast the Brown in the film. Speaking at the Armageddon Expo in Auckland yesterday, McCoy said he – like all of New Zealand – was still waiting to hear where and when filming would go ahead. More..
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.
Fran Walsh & Philippa Boyens were interviewed on radio NZ last Thursday (before unions lifted the blacklist on ‘The Hobbit’). Both ladies are clearly frustrated at the situation and are not afraid to show it. With WB execs flying in next week it is clear that Walsh, Boyens and Jackson are the only 3 people that can possibly save The Hobbit from leaving NZ. If they manage to prove NZ is a good choice as a location to make the films all can be saved. Now we wait…
These clips were previously available as MP3’s, however to add them to YouTube we’ve added a few photos of Fran, Philippa and Peter through the years. Take a listen.
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. 