Peter Jackson talks about “The Hobbit”

Including behind-the-scenes machinations whether the movie will be shot in New Zealand or not.

Hey, all you GITS readers in New Zealand (I know we have more than a few): What’s the inside scoop? With budget projections of $500M for the movie, I know it’s a really big deal to the country economically. What would happen per the NZ culture if The Hobbit shot elsewhere?

UPDATE: The Hobbit stays in New Zealand:

Producer/director Peter Jackson is celebrating. Warner Bros executives were locked in negotiations all day with New Zealand government leaders. Then Prime Minister John Key announced at a press conference tonight that The Hobbit back-to-back movies will be made in New Zealand. That’s a $500+ million project, and the Hollywood studio bargained considerable perks for itself. Tax rebates of up to an extra $7.5 million per movie are arranged, subject to the success of the pics. The NZ government will offset $10 million of Warner Bros’ marketing costs as part of the strategic partnership. And New Zealand will also host one of the world premieres of the Hobbit movies. The NZ Government and Warner Bros also agreed to work together in a “long-term strategic partnership” to promote New Zealand as both a film production and tourism destination. Said Key: “My Government is determined to use the opportunity that the Hobbit movies present to highlight New Zealand as a great place to visit, as well as a great place to do business.”

And a big “phew!” from folks in the North and South Islands!

BTW, here is the Wikipedia article on “Cinema of New Zealand.” Been making movies there since 1898.

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