Hobbit Talks Hinge on New Zealand Labor Laws, Cash, Key Says
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Warner Bros. Productions Ltd. is seeking cash subsidies from New Zealand’s government and clarity on employment laws before agreeing to make the $500 million movie “The Hobbit” there, said Prime Minister John Key.
A meeting between the government and Warner executives in Wellington today ended with no agreement on the location of the two-film prequel to the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, Key told reporters at a media briefing. There was a “50-50” chance that the films would be made in New Zealand and a decision was expected by the end of this week, he said.