The controversy over when the two Hobbit films will be filmed has been raging for months as a backdrop between unhappy unions, a stalled production and a skeptical studio culture. However, the issue was important enough to draw a response from New Zealand Prime Minister John Key, who confirmed that the New Zealand government had worked out a deal with Warner Bros. to keep the Lord of the Rings prequels in New Zealand.
“I am delighted we have achieved this result,” said Key. “Making the two Hobbit movies here will not only safeguard work for thousands of New Zealanders, but it will also follow the success of the Lord of the Rings trilogy in once again promoting N.Z. on the world stage.”
The New Zealand government promised to stake Warner Bros. up to $25 million, grant $15 million in expanded rebates and cover $10 million of the studio’s marketing costs. “It’s good to have the uncertainty over, and to have everyone now full steam ahead on this project,” Key said.
Source: MTV
