Quit the rhetoric and resolve The Hobbit dispute 11.10.10

CTU President Helen Kelly has called on Wingnut Film representative Philippa Boyens to work with her and find a solution to the current dispute about the rights of NZ performers to have a say on their terms and conditions for The Hobbit. 

At a meeting tonight of the Wellington Film Community, at which both Kelly and Boyens addressed the meeting, Kelly called on Boyens to use her influence and pointed out that all this dispute required is for the production company and the union to meet and negotiate to get a resolution.  She also said that while Wingnut film producers Jackson, Walsh and Boyens were not part of that company they were incredibly influential and she was in no doubt that they could facilitate such a meeting taking place. She said that although some matters are being discussed in Los Angeles, they need to be complemented by a resolution here as well.

"These films have become part of our history and make New Zealanders incredibly proud. 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. The CTU has made strenuous efforts to facilitate a negotiation process but it needs all the relevant parties to participate. As many who have commented on this dispute have pointed out, the parties owe it to each other and to this country to meet and try to achieve a fair and reasonable settlement."

For further information contact:

Helen Kelly, President, CTU
04 802 3812  / 021 776 741