tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967682899466798834.post6128588517712053565..comments2023-05-26T23:58:55.674+12:00Comments on Freshly Ground: Breaking the Silence - Save the HobbitDanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04212128950198512900noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967682899466798834.post-3688525320347937272010-10-25T18:36:06.185+13:002010-10-25T18:36:06.185+13:00Yes!! (Posting to facebook right now..... :)Yes!! (Posting to facebook right now..... :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967682899466798834.post-41209954828998969732010-10-22T19:27:47.621+13:002010-10-22T19:27:47.621+13:00Don't you love the comment frm Robyn Malcolm o...Don't you love the comment frm Robyn Malcolm on TVNZ Friday Night at 7pm : "We had no blacklist - but we lifted the ban!" Yeah right - save that for the tourists!Lorenahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02774882722521149710noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967682899466798834.post-62477469907760228692010-10-22T18:48:12.506+13:002010-10-22T18:48:12.506+13:00V - Thank you so much for the support. We're a...V - Thank you so much for the support. We're all feeling pretty beleaguered over here right now, and it's great to hear a friendly voice from over the Tasman. <br /><br />A show of solidarity from Australia would be a huge boost.Danhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04212128950198512900noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967682899466798834.post-73092891813347814692010-10-22T17:52:39.171+13:002010-10-22T17:52:39.171+13:00ps. To be clear, when I say "these jerks"...ps. To be clear, when I say "these jerks", I'm referring to the unions.Vnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967682899466798834.post-7508741166987329372010-10-22T17:51:03.879+13:002010-10-22T17:51:03.879+13:00I just wanted to put in, that as an Australian wor...I just wanted to put in, that as an Australian working in the Australian film industry, the NZ film industry suffering does not really help us at all. I'm sure anyone in the industry would know that there is an awful lot of cross-pollination between our two nations, and the ebb and flow of artists is mutual. It would be just as much of a disadvantage to us, as it would be to the kiwi folk. I can assure you that we are all in your corner over here, and we are just as much the victims of these jerks as you guys are... They dont speak for me.Vnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967682899466798834.post-91957187911055160202010-10-22T10:15:32.878+13:002010-10-22T10:15:32.878+13:00Well written. I'm not in the industry, but I&#...Well written. I'm not in the industry, but I've been ropable at the nonsense of hijacking ONE movie to try and influence industry standards. It seems insane, shortsighted and down right moronic. Thousands of people will lose jobs, money and opportunities if we lose the production. It is horrifying.Melanie @ Frugal Kiwihttp://frugalkiwi.co.nznoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967682899466798834.post-66716982913388777572010-10-21T20:57:55.110+13:002010-10-21T20:57:55.110+13:00And another:
http://www.facebook.com/hobbitnzAnd another:<br /><br />http://www.facebook.com/hobbitnzDanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04212128950198512900noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967682899466798834.post-30337092582470353472010-10-21T20:55:14.591+13:002010-10-21T20:55:14.591+13:00Sabrina - disagree, Facebook is a walled garden, t...Sabrina - disagree, Facebook is a walled garden, this is open and anyone could read it without logging in.<br /><br />On a general note - getting pretty tired of the "if they knew what US/European actors/tech's were getting then ..." I work in IT and moved to NZ knowing that the the pay won't be as "good" (large) - it's NOT the US/Europe ... if you want the big bucks then move there and join those rat races.Mike Riversdalehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00112999693425305730noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967682899466798834.post-41592373060783472762010-10-21T20:52:52.632+13:002010-10-21T20:52:52.632+13:00Looks like there already is one:
http://www.faceb...Looks like there already is one:<br /><br />http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2224497971Danhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04212128950198512900noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967682899466798834.post-18547532943115328322010-10-21T20:25:04.772+13:002010-10-21T20:25:04.772+13:00Hi,
Your blogpost is great, but a Facebook page ...Hi, <br /><br />Your blogpost is great, but a Facebook page would be easier to join and share and "like" and a better platform to show our support for the Hobbit and Sir Peter Jackson. Let us know if you create one. It will spread like wildfire and we could show Warner Brothers next week how much this country supports the Hobbit and stands behind Peter Jackson!<br /><br />Cheers, SabrinaSabrinanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967682899466798834.post-51970766113965726502010-10-21T18:47:18.287+13:002010-10-21T18:47:18.287+13:00"I think your view is a little simplistic. ME..."I think your view is a little simplistic. MEAA and NZAE requested the SAG to initiate a global boycott, which SAG agreed and did. This is why WB are concerned - they do not want to risk $500million on the venture in NZ when there is instability. They want confidence that there won't be industrial action holding up the production."<br /><br />Have you ever worked in the states? There's a Union stoppage about once a day, usually Teamsters pissed at having their coffee break half an hour late. and they get paid a lot more than you do too, incidentally. You're thinking with way too much emotion here. Instability exists everywhere, even in Eastern Europe. The Union dispute angle on this has been way overplayed - for uh, 'whatever' reason...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967682899466798834.post-44021685428023465292010-10-21T18:42:59.995+13:002010-10-21T18:42:59.995+13:00Has anyone considered the possibility that the pic...Has anyone considered the possibility that the picture was being moved overseas anyway? Does it seem a little unusual that a usually media-shy PJ suddenly was releasing 5 page missives and his camp giving oout quotes likle billy-o?<br /><br />Just saying.. decisions like this don't happen in two weeks and there was no sign that any of the real talent already cast were heeding the pissy Aussie Union Fatwa anyway.....?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967682899466798834.post-52061631176534378882010-10-21T17:52:46.720+13:002010-10-21T17:52:46.720+13:00Anon.....no surprise your a Equity member.Anon.....no surprise your a Equity member.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967682899466798834.post-23286234098231510612010-10-21T16:42:46.620+13:002010-10-21T16:42:46.620+13:00People are playing games all over the shop on this...People are playing games all over the shop on this one - there is fault on all sides. Because the union are now in negotiation with the appropriate body to hear their concerns i.e. SPADA, as a concession AE agreed to recommend lifting the boycott. On Sunday. Warners agreed but reserved the right to disclose once wording etc was agreed with SAG. 3'7 were aware of this. Why wasn't it disclosed at the stone street meeting? Instead a large body of people descended on central wellington with the aim of voicing their collective anger to union members about a boycott that was never voted on by them and which had already been taken off the table. The fact that SAG only did that this afternoon also speaks volumes. Why did Warners and SAG delay? If PJ and Fran knew - why did they send Richard off to joust at windmills?<br /><br />As a union member I can see why the strategy of targetting the hobbit was used as leverage. I personally think it was the wrong strategy. When we were asked to vote I think most of us voted to get a meeting in order to END the boycott not enforce it. We were never asked if we wanted one in the first place. Having said that - why was this a battle fought in the media? When we'd realized what was required to make this thing go away appeals were made to the union, SPADA anyone and everyone to get in a room and sort it out which they are now finally in the process of doing. So - when the boycott was effectively off the table - why enflame the whole situation further? A great look in the international media? Don't think so. I can't help thinking there is more to this than meets the eyeAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967682899466798834.post-30016451517946855952010-10-21T16:16:14.764+13:002010-10-21T16:16:14.764+13:00It is not only the actors and technicians who will...It is not only the actors and technicians who will be affected, a whole tourism industry has been built out of Lord of the Rings and its connections in New Zealand. Think of the guided tour operators who were depending on The Hobbit for more fans visiting our country for years to come. All ruined by a few short-sighted selfish people. Richard and Peter have done so much for New Zealand, and Wellington in particular, they need all the support we can give them.Eileennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967682899466798834.post-60332622517160039442010-10-21T16:06:01.940+13:002010-10-21T16:06:01.940+13:00Re Anonymous @1:24PM who said...
Can I play Devil...Re Anonymous @1:24PM who said...<br /><i><br />Can I play Devil's advocate here for a sedcond? Wouldn't you say it seems a little simplistic to suggest that a production of this magnitude, already in pre-pro for months here, would be moved overseas as a result of an insignificant actor's union asking for better conditions and a little consideration in future DVD residuals?!! </i><br /><br />I think your view is a little simplistic. MEAA and NZAE requested the SAG to initiate a global boycott, which SAG agreed and did. This is why WB are concerned - they do not want to risk $500million on the venture in NZ when there is instability. They want confidence that there won't be industrial action holding up the production.TimMnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967682899466798834.post-39463963485673900012010-10-21T15:39:47.320+13:002010-10-21T15:39:47.320+13:00Anon - regarding your last commment (unpublished) ...Anon - regarding your last commment (unpublished) - some comments had been shuffled to spam by Blogger without notifying me. <br /><br />All other comments have been published.Danhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04212128950198512900noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967682899466798834.post-74476479545542078162010-10-21T14:33:29.670+13:002010-10-21T14:33:29.670+13:00I am not connected to the film industry at all but...I am not connected to the film industry at all but I heard the interview on National Radio this morning with Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens. You could hear their frustration. The NZ economy needs big ticket movies being made here. End of story.Melhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08723676399174642324noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967682899466798834.post-17256168626038698632010-10-21T13:24:03.349+13:002010-10-21T13:24:03.349+13:00Well i think i will boycott the file all together ...Well i think i will boycott the file all together if it is made overseas. Two can play at that game. Sorry PeterUnknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00664903515068022491noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967682899466798834.post-61636798098189191582010-10-21T13:17:12.917+13:002010-10-21T13:17:12.917+13:00Can I play Devil's advocate here for a sedcond...Can I play Devil's advocate here for a sedcond? Wouldn't you say it seems a little simplistic to suggest that a production of this magnitude, already in pre-pro for months here, would be moved overseas as a result of an insignificant actor's union asking for better conditions and a little consideration in future DVD residuals?!! <br /><br />Just for example: The line in the overall Hobbit budget for domestic actors, I'd bet you, won't amount to more than a tenth of the construction budget, just to name an example. Think about that for a second. If you were in charge, would you consider the massive transport budget hit to move overseas because a few low-talent local hams want a few extra bucks and the promise they won't get dumped with no notice? Jesus!<br /><br />Come on! When you're spending 500 million dollars - one percentage point of difference in tax handback is a MASSIVE difference. <br /><br />Stop looking at this as a Poor PJ Vs the world issue and use your loaf, mate! Other countries are on record as offering a 20% tax rebate versus NZ's 15% as things stand right now. What's 5% of 500 million? That would pay a lot of airfreight to ship a few frocks and fake rocks to Prague.<br /><br />The film industry is ruthless. They can make anywhere look like anywhere and they go where the going's cheap. They're making movies in freaking Lithuania nowadays - big movies. Sadly, NZ is just not as profitable as it used to be and THAT is why this is happening, as sure as there's shit in a little cat. And bear in mind that Warners' financial 'difficulties' are still not resolved.<br /><br />Don't mean to sound cruel but if half of the people on that march last night knew what their counterparts in Europe or the US were getting paid for doing the exact same job (under more secure and, sadly, just better conditions), things might start to become a little clearer and take a slightly less emotional hue.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967682899466798834.post-41587235151370807922010-10-21T13:07:12.132+13:002010-10-21T13:07:12.132+13:00Lorena - to be fair, there are plenty of actors ou...Lorena - to be fair, there are plenty of actors out there who are on the same side of the fence as us, and plenty who marched with us last night. It was good to have them along. Like I said, I don't believe it's the actors trying to derail our industry.Danhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04212128950198512900noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967682899466798834.post-10574303311580914112010-10-21T12:21:03.346+13:002010-10-21T12:21:03.346+13:00I've written this on stuff, but I thought I...I've written this on stuff, but I thought I'd say it here. This may not be a popular opinion.<br /><br />I have to say maybe the film industry in New Zealand has relied too much on Peter Jackson and his talent. The film industry here can't keep relying on him for their profile. New blood and new films like Boy are needed to enhance our profile and build up the film industries resilience. I'd be very disappointed if the hobbit wasn't filmed here. But it could be one of the best things to happen to our film industry. It could force them to be more resilient and reliant on internationals like Warner Brothers.Davidnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967682899466798834.post-2360908754024122622010-10-21T12:16:37.006+13:002010-10-21T12:16:37.006+13:00Hey everyone,
My name is Melody and I am part of ...Hey everyone,<br /><br />My name is Melody and I am part of 'the media'. I work for Wellington's Capital Times, and a couple of weeks ago realised no-one seemed to be representing the other side of the story so interviewed a couple of Wellington actors about what they were afraid of and angry about. There was very clear support for Peter Jackson in the article. It was then forwarded to Peter and Fran, who circulated it within the industry.<br /><br />I will be writing another story for our next edition, which comes out on Wednesday October 27. If anyone is open to talking with me about this, I'd be obliged if they addressed an email to melodygracethomas@gmail.com. <br /><br />Warm regards,<br /><br />MelodyMelody Gracehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17906711800966469157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967682899466798834.post-60721556164942612152010-10-21T12:08:34.964+13:002010-10-21T12:08:34.964+13:00Dan, maybe another march should be called, this ti...Dan, maybe another march should be called, this time calling all ACTORS and all TECHS, all people in the industry - hell all New Zealanders who care enough to see our industry saved need to march through Wellington, united, not pulling each other apart - I've read all these posts, it seems we all want the same thing, we're all scatching around to make a living out of a bloody difficult profession, but it can be done here - we've all seen the evidence of that, we now just need to preserve it.Lorenahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02774882722521149710noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7967682899466798834.post-65984691481973382752010-10-21T11:26:58.162+13:002010-10-21T11:26:58.162+13:00Karu63 - It will be very interesting to see how th...Karu63 - It will be very interesting to see how the talks with the Govt next week play out. This brinksmanship is what studio execs do best, and they will no doubt exploit it to their advantage. <br /><br />But the union needs to unequivocally withdraw from this fight, or the risk to the studio will simply be too great for them to be willing to put any money into the project in this country. <br /><br />And for anyone who has worked in the NZ industry, we all know that the low-budget end of the job can only exist because of the influx of big-budget work that comes in, both via Peter J and others who have worked so hard to make this a world-class business. Without the big jobs, the low budget market will also suffer.Danhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04212128950198512900noreply@blogger.com