Film Commission worried about hobbit fight

New Zealand Film Commission CEO, Graeme Mason, today expressed concerned about the impact the current industry dispute involving The Hobbit will have on the New Zealand film industry community.

“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” said Graeme Mason. “New Zealand filmmakers making their films here have benefited from the skills and experience gained on these international productions.”

“NZFC staff regularly attend film markets and part of what we do there is promote New Zealand to the international film making industry, and the calibre and quality of our film industry has always preceded us.”

Mr Mason said the NZFC is committed to international filmmaking driven creatively from New Zealand as the economic and cultural benefits to New Zealand are enormous. “The hospitality, tourism, entertainment, retail and transport industries will all benefit from The Hobbit films being made here. It’s critical this issue be resolved before it damages the film industry and the wider economic environment we operate within.”

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