The Hobbit moving production from New Zealand? (Updated)

For the first time in years, development on The Hobbit is looking good. The films have finally been green-lit (here), and is even rumored to have its casting come together (here and here). However, there’s still a couple of obstacles keeping the film from moving ahead. Not only the financial problems at MGM, but also the boycott by the IFA (International Federation of Actors).

It was thought this issue could be resolved shortly, and that production could begin on schedule in New Zealand. But the studio may be forced to film elsewhere. An official press release sent to Vulture from director Peter Jackson and executive producer Fran Walsh reveals that an agreement isn’t likely to happen, and that WB could be shifting production to Europe.

“Next week Warners are coming down to NZ to make arrangements to move the production off-shore. It appears we now cannot make films in our own country – even when substantial financing is available.”

“NZ Equity’s unjustified industrial action against The Hobbit has undermined Warner Bro’s confidence in New Zealand as a stable employment environment, and they are now, quite rightly, very concerned about the security of their $500m investment. Unfortunately lifting the blacklist does nothing to help the situation. This will be the start of a domino effect, as word of NZ’s unstable employment environment, registers with film investors and studios, world-wide.”

“We will continue the fight to keep the film in NZ, but ultimately this decision belongs to Warner Bro’s. We are however, hugely heartened by the incredible show of support from Wellington actors, technicians and crew. It is a reflection of the terrific pride NZ film workers have in their industry and their very real fear of losing their jobs.”

You can read the full details on the release at the link.

Moving production would in all likely hood upset die-hard fans of Jackson’s Lord of the Rings Trilogy, which all were shot in New Zealand. And it’ll be very difficult to capture the same scenery that was shown throughout Jackson’s trilogy in Europe, but at this point fans just want to finally see these films after years of bad news. It’ll also be costly to move the already constructed set pieces, but it may cost the studio even more money to have filming constantly interrupted by these meetings. At this point both MGM and WB want to get these films out on time, and will probably do whatever is necessary to do so.

Update: Variety is reporting that the actor’s union has ceased boycotting the film, and that negotiaions will take place for six months. “[New Zealand Actors' Equity] has agreed that those productions which fully comply with the current guidelines for the engagement of cast in the industry–’The Pink Book”– will not be subject to industrial action.”

It’s unknown if this means that production will stay in New Zealand, or if the damage has already been done.

Matt Keith

I’m just your everday movie nerd.

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