'The Hobbit' makers trying to save NZ jobs - co-producer

Philippa Boyens. File photo / Mark Mitchell

The company making the film The Hobbit says it is working hard to save jobs its says are being put at risk by the decision of New Zealand Actors' Equity to boycott the production.

The actors' union has advised members not to accept work on Sir Peter Jackson's two-part adaptation of the JRR Tolkien novel as the filmmakers have refused to enter into a union-negotiated agreement.

Sir Peter has blasted the union for damaging the New Zealand film industry, warning that studio backers Warner Bros were considering taking the movie offshore, possibly to Eastern Europe.

Co-producer Philippa Boyens said today filmmakers involved in the production were doing everything possible to keep the film in New Zealand, and save the jobs of local actors.

"Three Foot Seven [the company making The Hobbit] is working with actors' representatives, namely their agents, to ensure that the terms and conditions for all actors working on The Hobbit are fair, and equitable and that the actors engaged to work on the films are happy with their contracts."

Ms Boyens said she could not understand why Actors' Equity would want to risk the international reputation of New Zealand as an excellent place to make films.

"Thereby putting at risk thousands of film industry jobs, over demands that are, in their own words, 'miniscule'."

Ms Boyens was responding to a call from Council of Trade Unions president Helen Kelly to work with her and find a solution to the dispute.

At a meeting of the Wellington film community yesterday, addressed by both women, Ms Kelly asked Ms Boyens to use her influence to help resolve the dispute.

She said that all that was required was for the production company and the union to meet and negotiate.

"The actors have legitimate issues and want the film made here. Refusing to address their issues will result in controversy surrounding the Hobbit on an ongoing basis."

But Ms Boyens said after yesterday's meeting, it had become clear that Actors' Equity did not have a mandate to speak for the majority of New Zealand actors or performers.

She said the meeting included representatives from the Screen Production and Development Association, prominent New Zealand producer Sue Rogers, as well as several actors and filmmakers.

"Debate was lively, uncensored and at all times civil. It is a pity NZ Equity declined the opportunity to participate in such an important discussion when they are in fact responsible for initiating an industrial action, which has inflicted enormous damage on the New Zealand film industry."

Actors' Equity said at the weekend it was "hopeful" the spat could be resolved.

That followed a Hollywood press report that the dispute over terms and conditions on the planned Hobbit films was close to being sorted out.

Ms Kelly declined to confirm the report.

- NZPA