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NZ “concerned” over Hobbit debacle

New Zealand Film Commission CEO Graeme Mason says he is “concerned” about the impact of the ongoing dispute over The Hobbit on the New Zealand industry.

“It’s critical this issue be resolved before it damages the film industry and the wider economic environment we operate within,” said Mason in a statement.It was revealed yesterday that several unions have asked their actor members not to accept work in The Hobbit.

“New Zealand crew, actors and filmmaking facilities currently enjoy a high international profile and reputation.  This is due in no small way to the production in New Zealand of films such as the Lord of the Rings trilogy, King Kong, Avatar, Wolverine, and TinTin. These international productions provide employment, training opportunities, production experience and international exposure for New Zealanders and New Zealand,” he said. “New Zealand filmmakers making their films here have benefited from the skills and experience gained on these international productions.”

According to Mason, the NZFC is “committed” to international productions led by key NZ creatives, due to the economic and cultural benefits to the country – ranging from hospitality and tourism to the retain and transport industries.

The country’s production attraction agency, Film New Zealand, warned that the nation’s reputation in the international film community is “at stake”.

CEO Gisella Carr said that “should New Zealand lose The Hobbit because of this dispute, we could be not just losing these films, but also our ability to attract international film productions into the future.”

“Other countries have everything to gain from a dispute in New Zealand. International productions can take their pick of where they film in the world, and everyone wants a picture like The Hobbit. It’s a buyer’s market […] It is this sort of publicity that could seriously damage New Zealand’s long-standing reputation for having a commonsense and reasonable approach to labour matters.”

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