Prime Minister John Key (L) is no stranger at dealing with key leaders in key areas and markets of the world.
Quote of the Year: “It was commercial reality. We did the business.”–John Key on bending Hobbit Law, to Warner Brothers recognition, of Sir Peter Jackson and Sir Richard Taylor‘s skills and preference to film The Hobbit 3D film in New Zealand.
New Zealand’s number one man, John Key shines in Hollywood today, with the announcement that New Zealand will restructure law, and contribute monetarily to help facilitate Sir Peter Jackson directed, The Hobbit films 3D filming and production in Middle Earth. This sends a clear message to Bollywood, Hollywood, Europe and Asia, that New Zealand is 3D film production fit for the 2010′s and beyond. Middle Earth is also the home of James Cameron‘s Avatar‘s 3D effects, filming and creation.
Via New York Times, Mr Key says: “I’m delighted we have achieved this result. Making the two movies here will not only safeguard work for thousands of New Zealanders, but will also allow us to follow the success of the Lord of the Rings trilogy in once again promoting New Zealand on the world stage,” Mr. Key said. Video of speech can he found here.
“The industrial issues that have arisen in the past several weeks have highlighted a significant set of concerns for the way in which the international film industry operates here in New Zealand. We will be moving to ensure that New Zealand law in this area is settled to give film producers like Warner Brothers the confidence they need to produce their movies in New Zealand.
To structure the right deal to keep The Hobbit in New Zealand, new legislation is being introduced Thursday to clarify the difference between an employee and a contractor. The change in law would affect only the film industry.
Aotearoa/ New Zealand’s Prime Minister, Mr. Key said that the green paradise nation would offset $10 million of Warner’s marketing costs as the government agreed to a joint venture with the studio.
Mr Key also threw in an additional tax rebate for big budget films made in the country, making production companies now eligible for up to $7.5 million extra per picture–based on box office sales. New Zealand currently offers a 15 % rebate on money spent on major movies being produced within this paradise nation’s shores.
The UK Guardian reports that, had not Warner Bros and the New Zealand government come to an agreement, “Economists had said the loss of the production could cost the country’s film industry as much as $1.5bn and damage it in the long term.” Mr Keys also said via The Guardian, “”Making the movies here will not only safeguard work for thousands of New Zealanders.”" A much welcomed break for New Zealand’s economy struggling with one of the highest E.E.C debts, currently. The news was much welcomed.
Although it is not know if any Maori and Polynesian actors have been cast in the film in key roles to date, the Guardian reports: “The Office star Martin Freeman set to portray the title character, Bilbo Baggins – a homely Hobbit who in Tolkien’s tale is bamboozled into joining a thrilling adventure by a wizard named Gandalf. Richard Armitage, of BBC TV series Spooks, will play the role of Thorin Oakenshield, the leader of the dwarves.”
Good stuff. What a day for Hobbit lovers of Hobbitsville entertainment. And not a bad couple of days work either from Prime Minister Keys in his role of Minister of Tourism too. That deserves a beer or three in Hobbit fashion. Nice teamwork for the Prime Minister, Warner Bros, and our two Sirs who create Hobbits and a film industry working for and in tandem while reflecting back to Hollywood, from the other side of the world in New Zealand. Teamwork and mastery of a win-win relationship. Super heroes are being made in New Zealand in cinema texts and 3D cinema –for the world. Let’s go China and 3D action Chinese films in NZ.
This report gleaned from an original report penned byJohnathan Hutchinson, Michael Cieply and Colin Peacock. [Image above: Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R) meets with New Zealand's Prime Minister John Key at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing China's capitol, on July 7, 2010. Xinhua &Rao Aimin photo. New Zealand also grew diplomatic relations in Seoul Korea today, appears on day one in Seoul where he has toured Gyeonbok Palace. Does Korea have any 3 D films they may need made and told in Middle Earth too, one might ask? NZ is a busy Asian-Friendly and Hollywood friendly filmmaking nation. And on that note, let's go Bollywood in NZ locations, coming at ya in 3D cinema. ]
Also see: Peters takes jab at Hobbit deal; says time for NZers to take back own country
. ~Posted by Horiwood.Com, Hollywood California USA. 10.26.10~
WEST SIDE STORY POSTERS ARE HOT IN HOLLYWOOD
I know that it’s Natalie Portman‘s big year in Hollywood, but I just spotted this amazing vintage Westside Story original artwork poster with Natalie Wood painted with ebbony black hair.
I might stick it up, in the next day or two. California’s political story is currently like Westside Story, if we strip back the layers of tinsel. Personally, I love that about Cali life and culture. It keeps life real and exciting.
More on that to follow. I haven’t shared triple wood action for a while – so Natalie on Horiwood in Hollywood – coming up soon.
~Posted by Horiwood.Com, Hollywood California USA. 1.15.11~
Posted by horiwood on January 16, 2011 in California, Culture, Hollywood History, Musicals, Natalie Wood, Pop Cultural Commentary, Trends