A number of reliable internet sources, including TheWrap.com, the LA Times and Deadline Hollywood, are reporting that “The Hobbit” has finally been green lit and that filming will begin in February. From the LA Times:
Following a multitude of delays, Warner Bros. and co-financing partner Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. have agreed to start production in February on the two films that serve as a prequel to the blockbuster “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, people familiar with the situation said.
All reports emphasized that there are still hurdles to overcome, such as the labor union issues that surfaced in the last month or so. However, this news will hopefully help emphasize the urgency of resolving those issues. To be sure, the news is a big boost for Hobbit and Tolkien fans everywhere! Join in the excitement and discussion on our Hobbit discussion board by following the “Discuss” link below.
Update: The New Zealand Dominion Post is reporting official statements from Peter Jackson and Warner Bros.
PJ: “We’re looking forward to re-entering this wondrous world with Gandalf and Bilbo – and our friends at New Line Cinema, Warner Brothers and MGM.”
Warner Bros. President Alan Horn: “There is no human being on the planet as qualified as Peter Jackson to direct these films.”
New Line Cinema president Toby Emmerich: “Peter is a filmmaker of incomparable ability; having him return to Middle-earth to produce and direct is a dream come true. A true original, Jackson is a gifted story-teller, visionary director and pioneer in film technology.”
Definitely music to every fan’s pointy ears!
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Bobafett sends in this recent message from Gerry Brownlee, Minister for Economic Developement in New Zealand. 14 Octorber 2010 Media Statement: The Screen Production and Developement Assosiation (SPADA), Actors’ Equity, and Council of Trade Unions representatives met today, in a meeting facilitated by Minister for Economic Developement Gerry Browlee. It was a useful and productive discussion. Thepartiesw have agreed to work together to udate the conditions of engagement for performers in the New Zealand screen production industry. The parties believe this process will help to ensure New Zealand remains an attractive screen production environment. No further comment will be made.
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“The Hobbit” is still on hold.
A report in the New Zealand Herald quotes a spokesman for director-producer Peter Jackson as saying, “Warner Brothers are running financial models about the costs of shooting in a variety of countries. We expect a decision is still a week or two away.”
This came despite a meeting today between union and management representatives, which a statement characterized as “a useful and productive discussion.” Jackson’s spokesman told the Herald that the “Hobbit” situation remained unchanged following the meeting. More..
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To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Entertainment Weekly, we gathered 12 classic TV and movie casts for the ULTIMATE POP culture get-together. Classic Casts include: Back to the Future, Roots, Lord of the Rings, Pretty in Pink, Will & Grace, Alias, Northern Exposure, The Muppet Show, The West Wing, Gilmore Girls, Married with Children, and Scream.
What do you think about when you think about The Lord of the Rings? A few guesses: Gandalf staring down a fiery Balrog and proclaiming, “You shall not pass!” Legolas firing arrows as he surfs on his shield down the trunk of an Oliphaunt. Sam carrying Frodo to the top of Mount Doom, though he himself barely has the energy to stand. (Sam, if you really think about it, is the coolest character in the movies.) Aragorn being crowned king, then turning to Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin, who have lowered their heads reverently, and telling them, “My friends, you bow to no one.” (Aragorn, if you really think about it, is the coolest character in the movies.) Continue reading “EW Presents: ‘The Reunions’”
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With Calisuri posting the statement from Phillipa Boyens and Wingnut Films, it might be helpful to get an overview of what is going on in New Zealand.
A group of 90 actors met in Wellington Monday to discuss the boycott of the pair of potential “Hobbit” movies. Also present at the beginning of the meeting were non-actors from the New Zealand film industry including Boyens who clearly is the member of Peter Jackson’s team that will be the front on the labor battle in New Zealand. Continue reading “Overview of actor’s dispute developments”
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WELLINGTON – Tuesday, 12 October 2010 – In response to comments made by Helen Kelly of the CTU, co-writer and co-producer on The Hobbit Philippa Boyens stated “I want to reassure Helen Kelly that the filmmakers involved in this production are working as hard as they can to save the jobs of the New Zealanders put at risk by the actions of NZ Equity and are doing everything they can to keep the production from being moved off-shore. Three Foot Seven is working with actors’ representatives, namely their agents, to ensure that the terms and conditions for all actors working on “The Hobbit” are fair and equitable and that the actors engaged to work on the films are happy with their contracts. The agents involved are doing an extremely good job of protecting their clients’ interests.“
Boyens went on to add: “I do not understand why NZ Equity would single out a New Zealand filmmaker who has always treated actors fairly and with respect; nor do I understand why NZ Equity would want to risk the international reputation of New Zealand as an excellent place to make films, thereby putting at risk thousands of film industry jobs, over demands that are, in their own words, “miniscule.”
After attending a meeting of Wellington Actors last night, it is becoming increasingly clear that NZ Equity do not have a mandate to speak for the majority of New Zealand actors and performers nor did they consult with other Guilds involved in the industry before instituting this boycott against “The Hobbit”. I would like to thank Yvette Reid and the other organizers of the Wellington Actors meeting for letting me attend. The room was packed, there were representations from Dave Gibson and Penelope Borland from SPADA, Helen Kelly from the CTU, myself, as one of the filmmakers involved with “The Hobbit”; Sue Rogers, a prominent New Zealand producer as well as several actors and filmmakers. Debate was lively, uncensored and at all times civil. It is a pity NZ Equity declined the opportunity to participate in such an important discussion when they are in fact responsible for initiating an industrial action which has inflicted enormous damage on the NZ film industry.”
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