The government will pay up to US$25 million and make legislative changes negotiated with Warner Bros. Prime Minister also announces a ‘long-term strategic partnership’ with studio.
The “Hobbit” is staying in New Zealand, but it cost the country’s government a pretty penny and some loss of sovereignty.
In response to a question, Key refused to spell out how the criteria would be broadened, saying this was a commercial secret for the studio.
Key also said that the government would Wednesday (Thursday in New Zealand) introduce in parliament legislation sought by Warners that would clarify the employment status of film industry workers. The presumed effect would be to make unionization of the film industry more difficult or impossible.
In addition, Key announced a “long-term strategic partnership” with the studio, which will see joint promotion of New Zealand as a film production and tourism destination. The government will offset up to US$10 million of Warners’ marketing costs.
The partnership will also involve promotion across an unspecified range of Time Warner properties and inclusion of material on DVDs. New Zealand will also host one of the world premieres of the “Hobbit” movies.
Source: Hollywood Reporter