For the last month we have heard news of problems between the actors’ union and the people who are making the movie of “The Hobbit”. The book, written by Tolkien, came before “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy. Sir Peter Jackson made those three movies and is now ready to make two movies of “The Hobbit”.
However, there have been problems with the actors’ union. The people in the union say that they just wanted to talk to the movie makers about their pay and conditions of work but these talks have not happened. They want a union agreement not individual contracts. The actors’ union has been supported by actors’ unions overseas.
Sir Peter Jackson says that the actors’ behaviour means that they have had to delay the start of filming by a month. He also says that the film company, Warner Brothers, is coming to New Zealand on Monday because they are worried about this. The film will cost them $500m and they are frightened that they could lose a lot of money if the actors refuse to work in the middle of filming. Warner Brothers is considering moving the film to another country.
On Wednesday evening, 1,000 people marched in protest at the actors. Sir Richard Taylor of Weta Workshops led this march because he wants to work on this film and so do many other people in New Zealand. “The Lord of the Rings” movies brought many tourists to New Zealand to see where the films were made.
To learn more about the success of Sir Peter Jackson and Weta Workshops, listen to BAFTA Awards
Questions
1. Does it matter if “The Hobbit” movie is made in another country?
2. The Prime Minister will talk to Warner Brothers people who come here on Monday. What can he do?
3. Did you see “The Lord of the Rings”? Do you think you will want to see “The Hobbit”?