New Zealand actors gather amidst Hobbit controversy

http://tribeHeaven.co.uk/cast/category/antonia-prebble

Antonia Prebble gives a 'No comment' :)

Actors gather amidst Hobbit controversy
Tue, 28 Sep 2010 10:30p.m.
By Jono Hutchison

The producers of The Hobbit say they are looking at shifting the film outside of New Zealand, after an actors' group threatened a boycott in protest of working conditions for Kiwis.

The comments come as Kiwi actors gathered in Auckland this evening to discuss the issue.

It wasn't a red carpet event, but as the stars arrived, some were a bit camera shy.

Outrageous Fortune star Antonia Prebble refusing to comment on the meeting.

Others, however, were happier to talk.

"We just want a fair deal. That's all we want," says actor Alison Quigan.

"We're not millionaires. Some people are, but not us."

Entry to the meeting is being carefully controlled by the organisers, who are only letting in "performers". That means no crew, no set builders and very specifically, no media.

Tonight's event was organised by New Zealand Actors' Equity", a group backed by the Australian Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance, which raised the ire of Sir Peter Jackson this week by suggesting its members should boycott The Hobbit unless New Zealand actors are employed under a collective agreement.

The three studios behind The Hobbit have responded with a statement, saying:

"It is our general policy to avoid filming...where there is potential for work force uncertainty. As such, we are exploring all alternative options...to protect our business interests."

Some of those at tonight's meeting were concerned about scaring off production companies.

"There's a bigger thing, there's a thing about films coming to this country and this could well affect it seriously," says actor Craig Parker.

Actor Simon London says they are cautious over what action is taken.

"I don't wanna cause any damage 'cause it's not just us. This is going to affect everyone in the industry."

While all sides say they want filmmaking to stay in New Zealand, at the moment they can't agree on what will keep it here.



From: http://www.3news.co.nz/

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• Antonia Prebble
• tribeHeaven
• Alison Quigan
• Craig Parker
• The Hobbit
• Peter Jackson
• New Zealand
• Simon London
• Acting
• Meeting

[glowtron]

To all Actors Union members

If you want to be seen in a better light by myself & many of my fellow film technicians whose livelihoods have been put at risk by your misguided Hobbit stop work technique, just say 2 words.

"We're sorry"

You may have valid points but you have to admit, your method for pushing these points was sloppy. Now is the time to stop with "it's not our fault" & stand behind us in trying to keep the Hobbit in NZ.

What's worse?  Damaged pride or thousands unemployed.

[MrGruncher]

The film is not greenlit. There are no producers. New Zealand Actors Equity is not a legal union. MEAA is not a legal entity in New Zealand as of Sept 16th. New Zealand law prohibits collective bargaining with independent contractors. This isn't between PJ and unions. This is a situation prohibited by law. News peeps - let's present the facts eh?

[BoukenCrimson]

Good thing The Dark Knight Rises isn't being filmed in New Zealand. They would have a field day if it was.

[jason4852]

well then lets start fliming in america with some great actors! :D

No offence to any New Zealanders out there but

FUCK NEW ZEALAND ACTORS AND THER DEMANDS lets make a truely epic film somewhear where this shit wont happen hell put it in Australia for all i care just keep this bullshit out of this movie or move the hobbit and dump these people on there greedy asses

[Dirtymurder]

@swishtrack Its greed, they know the hobbit is going to make loads of money and they want more then there entitled to.

[swishtrack]

what the hell is wrong with these idiots? The Hobbit will be one of the biggest films of the decade and they arnt letting it get greenlit because they want to be looked at as equals to actors in other parts of the world? GO FUCK YOURSELVES NEW ZEALAND ACTORS.... let the hobbit get made ass holes

[swishtrack]

@MrGruncher its greenlit now...HAHA

[Ugulgathoth]

I only like this video because Craig Parker is in it. I love him! Thanks for uploading this...

[alexbush16]

Please please please, Shortland Street actors stop getting involved. You are not good actors nor would I class you as actors. You should not be trying to negotiate better terms and conditions, I'm surprised you get paid for the rubbish you put on TV.

[krissseva]

@glowtron well said

[SugarTomAppleRoger]

@Cavematty Interesting. I think I am getting the picture now. Brownlee and Jackson have all asked why Helen is involved in this. Jackson alo said that Helen didn't understand the film industry. It is just as if they are tryng to get her to back away to get at the real bad guy, who is this Whipp person. I think people can see that Helen is an honest person, which makes it more difficult. As far as I can see, the NZCTU should be made more aware of hidden agendas. Am I correct here?