Media Release: NZ Actors Equity

President Jennifer Ward-Lealand expressed her gratitude on behalf of New Zealand performers for the Government’s leadership over the past two days toward negotiating a positive outcome with the studio executives and producers.
 

Media Release: NZ Actors Equity

President Jennifer Ward-Lealand expressed her gratitude on behalf of New Zealand performers for the Government’s leadership over the past two days toward negotiating a positive outcome with the studio executives and producers.
 
“We are pleased the Government was able to resolve the economic concerns of Warner Brothers and New Line. The film business is an internationally competitive one and it’s important New Zealand offers incentives that allow us to continue to build our world-renowned film industry.”

“These are films that should be made in New Zealand – we have the cast, we have the crew, we have the locations.  We welcome the decision that the films will be made here in New Zealand,” said Ward-Lealand.
 
“I think in many ways, the issue has helped build public awareness of the importance of the film industry to New Zealand, and the industry will be stronger as a result”.
 
“Actors Equity, will take time now to reflect on the events of the past few weeks, and to review these with members, and our colleagues across the production spectrum”.
 
Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance executive Simon Whipp said: “We remain very positive about the progress already made in sitting down with the Screen Producers and Development Association (SPADA) to agree terms and conditions for New Zealand performers on all future screen productions here.”
 
Mr Whipp said that NZ Actors Equity stands by its unequivocal assurances to Warner Brothers and The Hobbit’s producers there will be no industrial action while the film is produced in New Zealand.