If this report from the New Zealand press is to be believed, union disputes have forced Warner Bros. to pull production of The Hobbit out of New Zealand, although its new home has not been disclosed. A statement from Peter Jackson and partner Fran Walsh reads in part,
Next week Warners are coming down to New Zealand to make arrangements to move the production offshore. It appears we cannot make films in our own country even when substantial financing is available.
According to the report, Gerry Brownlee, the country’s Minister of Economic Development plans to meet with Warners representatives next week to see if the decision to leave the country can be reversed.
More On Techland:
The Hobbit Movie Finally Official
Jackson’s Reps on The Hobbit: “We Expect a Decision is Still A Week or Two Away”