Labor Row Could Kill Hobbit Films

Peter Jackson warns union 'power grab' threatens NZ productions
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Sep 28, 2010 1:42 AM CDT
Labor Row Could Kill Hobbit Films
Peter Jackson, director of the 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy, poses with the props from the film set in his Wingnut Films office in Wellington, New Zealand.   (Getty Images)

Producer Peter Jackson has warned that a labor dispute could force him to shut down production of his two-movie Hobbit project or shift filming from New Zealand to eastern Europe. The Screen Actors Guild and six other unions have urged actors not to work on the films, saying that the producers have refused to negotiate a labor contract for actors, the Los Angeles Times reports.

Jackson, who is also expected to direct the Lord of the Rings prequels, says he isn't anti-union and he has "always attempted to treat my actors and crew with fairness and respect," the BBC reports. He blames the labor trouble on a "power grab" by an Australian union seeking to represent New Zealand actors. "It feels like we have a large Aussie cousin kicking sand in our eyes," he quipped. Labor leaders say they are simply trying to ensure a fair deal for New Zealand actors. (More New Zealand stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X