According to Prime Minister John Key, The Hobbit will be filmed in New Zealand.
New labor laws will be introduced to Parliament to support the film industry in the region. The New Zealand government will give the film a $15 million tax rebate and offset $10 million of Warner Brothers’ marketing costs. In exchange, the studio will promote New Zealand as a film production and tourism destination.
Key added that marketing from the films will be worth ”tens of millions” to New Zealand. This was after an actors union issued a no-work order on the films last month, but talks have been held overnight and the issues have been resolved.
The Prime Minister added:
“It’s good to have the uncertainty over, and to have everyone now full steam ahead on this project. I am delighted we have achieved this result.” It will safeguard work for thousands and “put New Zealand on the world stage”.
Get to it, Mr Jackson!