Written by new-contact on Sep 27, 2010. Posted in Production News

Peter Jackson warns union dispute could result in New Zealand losing Hobbit films

Peter Jackson has said a transcontinental dispute started by several actors’ unions could result in New Zealand losing the two planned Hobbit films.

Unions in the US, the UK, Canada and Australia have urged their members not to seek work on the two films following a pay dispute with the Producers. Jackson has said one possible result of the dispute is the relocation of production to Eastern Europe, potentially leading to a “big-budget movie draught” in New Zealand.

He warned: “The only options that [may] remain involve closing The Hobbit down, or, more likely, shifting the production to Europe. It could so easily happen. I've been told that Disney are no longer bringing movies to Australia because of their frustration with the MEAA (Australian Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance).”

Production has been delayed on the films owing to severe financial problems at MGM. Guillermo del Toro was originally set to direct but left the project earlier this year citing the production delays.