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Warner Bros withheld Hobbit statement

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Warner Bros withheld Hobbit statement

3News NZ

More evidence has emerged showing Warner Bros withheld the announcement that Actors Equity had agreed to lift its boycott on the Hobbit movies.

The Council of Trade Unions has released emails in which the studio's legal counsel, Stephen Carroll, acknowledges on October 18, 2010, that the actors’ union intended lifting the boycott, Radio New Zealand reports.

Mr Carroll worked on a joint statement with Actors Equity, but it was never released.

Two days later, on October 20, local film workers marched through Wellington protesting against the union's opposition to Government moves to keep the movies in New Zealand.

The CTU says Warner Bros and the Government wanted the workers to continue believing their jobs were threatened to justify moves to change labour laws.

It isn't clear why Actors Equity didn't make the announcement itself, without waiting for Warner Bros to agree on a joint statement.

It appears the union thought further discussions might be needed and didn't want to go it alone.

The Government on Monday released 18 emails which also showed ministers knew the boycott was going to be lifted before the demonstration in Wellington.

NZN

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Comments

3/03/2013 7:24:05 a.m.

Brent wrote:

I did note the Media still have not said when the Blacklisting was ended,

2/03/2013 5:50:12 p.m.

Mike wrote:

#1 issue was the union hadn't dropped the blacklisting, they only told Warner they intended to, and even this email clearly only says intent to drop the listing, not they had dropped it. Where is their email they had dropped it? its not in this list as it hadn't happened then.

2/03/2013 5:13:56 p.m.

Kathy wrote:

This is how Neil does business obviously, dishonestly. Failing to disclose vital information that leads to a demonstration that should have been cancelled is just a slimey way that John Key and Warner Brothers does business. How can you trust a man who is so obviously dishonest in all that he does?. He tells you the economy is improving but you get figures released shortly afterwards that show that to be untrue. Anyone for a trip to planet Key?.

2/03/2013 4:00:51 p.m.

Louise wrote:

About twenty odd of my friends have had ongoing work associated with these movies and Weta industries. We stay in touch via Face Book as many now have associated work in the film and TV industries. These movies provide not only work but are a brilliant training ground for young people in the film and media industry. I just can't understand the mentality of those who tried to stop it.

2/03/2013 3:49:00 p.m.

Kim wrote:

Neil..get off ya knees and wipe your chin...

2/03/2013 3:12:04 p.m.

Neil wrote:

More moaning from the left. The left and the corrupt unions tried their hardest to wreck these movies being made here but common sense prevailed. These movies bring in millions in tourism, Jobs, GST and they provide major ongoing work for associated industries like hospitality etc. Thank goodness we have a progressive Govt. and thank goodness we have progressive PM. And thank you Peter Jackson and continue to ignore all the haters and wreckers.

2/03/2013 1:50:22 p.m.

Just Me wrote:

Someone must be held accountable for this and we must all point the finger at those whose dollar signs reign supreme. We should all now know to never,ever trust a word or 'promise' by a National government MP. Equally Warner Brothers and this coalition National government have done some devious tactics and all in the pursuit of monetary gain.What truly pitiful examples of humanity they truly are when all things considered.

1/03/2013 4:34:31 p.m.

alison wrote:

Just another underhanded move from this govt to pass a law change that stunts workers rights. Getting used to this sort of news and usually coincides with Keys overseas visits so he doesnt have to answer to the lies he tells.