New Zealand Prime Minster John Key has said his government is willing to mediate the dispute between THE HOBBIT producer/director Peter Jackson and the seven unions that claim actors are being treated unfairly in the country, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
New Zealand Prime Minster John Key has said his government is willing to mediate the dispute between THE HOBBIT producer/director Peter Jackson and the seven unions that claim actors are being treated unfairly in the country, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Key is worried that the flap will cause the production to move away from his country, which would be a huge blow to the country's overall film industry. Jackson said that producer Warner Bros. is thinking about moving the production to Eastern Europe.
In an effort to stave off any drastic moves, Helen Kelly, the president of New Zealand's Council of Trade Unions, met with Jackson. Rumors have a compromise ordering recommended contract terms instead of mandatory ones.
New Zealand Actors' Equity says it has no desire to stop the production. What is at issue is whether actors are independent contractors or employees.
SAG and AFTRA are supporting the NZ unions, issuing a "Do Not Work" order against THE HOBBIT.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
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