Posts by Sacha
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Hobbit cast - please link, guys
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Promo clip for hew FOUR channel - as David McGregor (h/t) asked, where will the music go now?
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they need to lift the geo-location ban on New Zealand.
Yes. Bastards.
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What I didn't enjoy so much was Prime "teasing" the series weeks back with a behind the scenes doco that methodically, comprehensively spoiled EVERY major character beat and plot turn to come.
Yes. Bastards.
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Can I clarify that I'm in favour of public contributions to economic development - just with more even-handedness and clearer alignment with future opportunities for our nation, cities and regions.
Our screen industry is important. Brownlee sounded more reasonable about that that I expected in that RNZ interview this morning - worth listening to the clip.
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Warners have said as much
Do share
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Craig, they use words like that when fearful of large and litigious corporations.
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Interesting snippet from that Radio NZ story about the emails (thanks, Simon):
Mr Brownlee said New Zealand actors need to distance themselves from the Australian-based Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA), which is linked to New Zealand Actors' Equity.
Taking sides?
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Petra, corporate welfare is widespread but funnily enough not publicised that widely or accessibly. Someone might have a link or two. I've often wondered why event organisers or cruise ship companies expect their facilities to be paid for by taxpayers, for instance. Other industries bring economic benefits without seeming to put their hands out quite so often.
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Gordon Campbell's latest article further examines the financial and industrial implications.
Incredibly, the government is now talking about suspending our employment laws for the duration of the filming. Judging by what Minister of Economic Development Gerry Brownlee was saying on RNZ this morning, the government is considering taking the draconian measures contained in our “Major Event” legislation (meant to protect the commercial interests behind the Rugby World Cup) and applying them to the 18 months period of filming The Hobbit.
So, having earlier rewritten our tax laws around the shooting schedule for Lord of the Rings, we seem willing to suspend our employment laws this time around. In particular, Brownlee seems willing to circumvent the Supreme Court ruling in the Bryson case. That case established that some workers – regardless of the contracts they may have signed, or were induced to sign, defining themselves as independent contractors – will qualify for the rights and conditions of employees if it can be shown that their actual and ongoing work situation is that of an employee. Apparently, Brownlee is considering suspending that ruling.
He also characterises Helen Kelly as having an "ideological blindspot."
To her, this is a case of Hollywood studios bullying New Zealand to cough up bigger tax incentives. It is a conspiracy, and a race to the bottom. I disagree.