24 October 2010
NZCTU Media Advisory –The Hobbit
There are no industrial issues that impact on The Hobbit being made in New Zealand.
The MEAA, which includes the independent Actors Equity in New Zealand, has given an absolute assurance that there will
be no disruption to the filming of The Hobbit in New Zealand.
New Zealand Council of Trade Unions President Helen Kelly said: 'I sincerely hope Warners accept that assurance'.
Helen Kelly said today that a solution to address employment issues for actors in the film industry was agreed ten days
ago on 14th October between Screen Producers and Development Association and Actors Equity. This agreement was reached
with the assistance of both Hon Gerry Brownlee and the CTU.
On Sunday 17th October Actors Equity advised the Screen Actors Guild to lift any international action that could impact
on The Hobbit. Actors Equity has also confirmed that there will be no future action by actors which will impact on
production of The Hobbit in New Zealand.
This statement has been made necessary because of continuing misconceptions in the media that this dispute remains
unresolved.
ENDS