Caption Contest

Written By: - Date published: 8:46 pm, October 22nd, 2010 - 60 comments
Categories: caption contest, film - Tags: , ,

It was not until last night that we received confirmation of the retraction from SAG, NZ Equity and AFTRA through press reports.

Warner Brothers Entertainment spokesperson

lprent updated: The above is incorrect – it was New Line Cinemas who said that, not Warners.

60 comments on “Caption Contest ”

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  1. bbfloyd 1
    22 October 2010 at 9:02 pm

    i can see it now….arise sir peter…

  2. ianmac 2
    22 October 2010 at 9:09 pm

    Amazing that communications were not given to the right people.

  3. Sean Brooks 3
    22 October 2010 at 9:13 pm

    I have created tens of thousands of jobs, and have bought in billions of dollars to New Zealand, what have you done Robyn apart from saying the word Fuck on a third rate TV show”

  4. Carol 4
    22 October 2010 at 9:18 pm

    If I look meek enough, will they give me a real Kiwi production, with a format that gets sold overseas, rather than one based on the writings of a dead Brit, that makes bigs profits for US tycoons?

  5. pointer 5
    22 October 2010 at 9:20 pm

    All right Mr. De Mille, I’m ready for my close-up.

  6. QoT 6
    22 October 2010 at 9:25 pm

    I’m a Derek, and Dereks exploit NZers’ generosity and media-engineered patriotism don’t run!

  7. prism 7
    22 October 2010 at 9:38 pm

    Sucks to you I’m off where people support businesses that give jobs.

    • Carol 7.1
      22 October 2010 at 9:49 pm

      … I am going… really I am…. you’ll miss me when I’m gone…. I am going… any minute now… just as soon as I finish staring into space… you’ll all be sorry….I mean it……

  8. Deborah 8
    22 October 2010 at 9:50 pm

    Well, that’s it. I’ve just removed The Standard from my feed reader. The nasty vicious smear against Peter Jackson in your caption for the picture is the last straw.

    • Lanthanide 8.2
      22 October 2010 at 10:46 pm

      I too found it pretty offensive.

    • lprent 8.3
      22 October 2010 at 10:50 pm

      On the TV news here tonight it appears that there has been a e-mail trail going back and forth to Warners for about a week and that agreement was reached about a week ago according to a reporter that sighted them.

      I’d dig up a link but I’m a bit tired and I guess it will be all over the news tomorrow.
      Update: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10682389

      The text in the post is about Warners, not Jackson. But it does appear interesting that neither Jackson nor the Warner Brothers Entertainment spokesperson apparently know about this agreement or the e-mails. It looks to me like either an immortal SNAFU that Shakespeare would have enjoyed or some very cynical maneuvering by someone.

      The Sprout tends towards the more cynical view and I’m leaning that way because of the impending arrival of Warner execs who amongst other things are seeking tax breaks. It seems to me that a good union stoush will give them extra leverage in getting them. I rather suspect that Peter Jackson is being played or is playing. There are rather too many parties in this to sort out what is going on. I suspect that AE are simply the suckers in this deal and I’m unsure who else is

      • salsy 8.3.1
        22 October 2010 at 11:02 pm

        Yeah but this is so lame – cant we have some mind blowing left wing brilliance here more often – this is tired old hater shit.

        its just a
        # suggestion

      • lprent 8.3.2
        22 October 2010 at 11:13 pm

        And I see that the post is wrong. It was New Line Cinema that made the quote above. Fixed the post leaving the original text in place as deleted. Very sloppy…. But I’m having a real problem keeping up with the players myself.

        • Carol 8.3.2.1
          22 October 2010 at 11:32 pm

          But according to Radio NZ news, it was Warner’s that said it:

          http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/60105/warning-hobbit-unrest-putting-nz-industry-at-risk

          E-mails contradict Warners on Hobbit boycott

          A series of e-mails appears to show Warner Bros knew five days ago that the union boycott of The Hobbit would be ended.

          In a statement on Friday, the studio said reports that an international actors’ boycott was lifted by unions a number of days ago, and that Warner Bros asked to delay this announcement, were false.

          It says it was not until Thursday night that confirmation of the boycott being lifted was received from the US-based Screen Actors Guild and New Zealand Actors’ Equity. The studio said it was still awaiting retractions from other guilds.

          However the e-mails, between actors’ union representatives in Australia and the US and a senior lawyer for Warner Bros in Los Angeles, show the Australian union MEAA, which was behind the international boycott a month ago, was negotiating a news release with Warners welcoming the end of the ban.

          The messages were sent back and forth and forth between the studio and the unions on Monday night, and it appears a statement was intended for release on Monday (LA time).

          It remains unclear why the statement was not released, and at exactly what point it faltered.

          Director Sir Peter Jackson has issued a statement saying he never saw the e-mails, but says it was Warner Bros that was unhappy with the wording and that put a stop to it.

          Or is this a slightly different quote from the one attributed to New Line above?

          • lprent 8.3.2.1.1
            23 October 2010 at 12:09 am

            Different one. From the herald link in the post

            Yet this morning, New Line Cinema said in a statement that reports the boycott of The Hobbit was lifted by unions a number of days ago and that Warner Bros asked to delay this announcement were false.

            “The actions of these unions have caused us substantial damage and disruption and forced us to consider other filming locations for the first time. Alternative locations are still being considered,” New Line said.

            “It was not until last night that we received confirmation of the retractions from SAG (Screen Actors’ Guild), NZ Equity and AFTRA (American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) through press reports. We are still awaiting retractions from the other guilds.”

            The wording in the last para is that in the post

      • Carol 8.3.3
        22 October 2010 at 11:21 pm

        Well, I guess, I’m feeling pretty unhappy with Jackson, Boyens, and Walsh at the moment, for they way they were pretty much smearing Kelly & the AE yesterday, and either saying or implying she was the one that was lying when saying the boycott had been called off at the weekend. But now it turns out Kelly was telling the truth, and Jackson is likely to have been “economical with the truth”. And I’m very unhappy with the viscious union bashing coming from all three of the Jackson team.

        Maybe one kind of viscous smear doesn’t justify another in return, but it does make me less upset about Jackson being “smeared”, especially,as far as I can see from the evidence, Jackson was being “economical” with the truth, or at least distorting it.

        • the sprout 8.3.3.1
          23 October 2010 at 10:04 am

          nasty vicious smear against Peter Jackson in your caption for the picture

          pardon?

          that was a quote, that appears to have been a lie, from Jackson’s side of the issue. i don’t really see how you can then take it as a “nasty vicious smear” (i presume you’re not talking about all the nasty vicious smears Jackson has made against the AE and MEAA). i had initially misattributed the quote to the parent company rather than the subsidiary of the parent company, and thanks to Lynn for correcting it. other than that i really can’t see the cause for your offence. or are you so outraged because i’ve sought comment from readers about Jackson’s role in this process?

          in the end the caption contest is like a rorschach test, it’s up to you what you project in to it.

    • bbfloyd 8.4
      23 October 2010 at 10:48 am

      bye bye…. happy fantasizing at kiwiblog…

  9. Ryan 9
    22 October 2010 at 10:29 pm

    Leave it to me JK, I’ve got the unions in the bag for next year..

  10. Colonial Viper 10
    22 October 2010 at 10:47 pm

    Its customary to give serfs drippings from the lord’s table on a holiday weekend, and it is customary for them to be grateful for it.

  11. Vicky32 11
    22 October 2010 at 10:56 pm

    “Am I thin enough yet? I am afraid I look far more like a rabbit than a hobbit”…

  12. tea 12
    22 October 2010 at 11:56 pm

    Do you think I can go from knighthoodd……to King Peter?????????

  13. ak 13
    23 October 2010 at 12:29 am

    To be or not to be

    A Cunt

    Fantasy…fantasy….wherefore art thou my adrenalin?

    Mere Lear palls:

    Their kingdom for my rush.

  14. come get some 14
    23 October 2010 at 12:44 am

    Ego, it says it all

  15. weizguy 15
    23 October 2010 at 12:46 am

    How about: This caption contest is childish and misdirected.

  16. Zorr 16
    23 October 2010 at 2:30 am

    “The NZ film industry needs more support… through maintaining shitty work conditions.”

    One of the stupidest things to do with “Sir” Peter Jackson’s stance is that he was recently (earlier this year) berating the NZ Film Commission for not providing enough financial support to budding talent. Yet here is a man with a $500 million dollar budget who isn’t even willing to provide job security to the actors he is hiring.

    • Zorr 16.1
      23 October 2010 at 2:33 am

      Well, look what a little digging unearthed!
      http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/sir+peter+jackson+review+film+commission+welcomed

      Made me think of a new caption:
      “Awwwwwww… but I want to have my cake and eat it too”

      • Zorr 16.1.1
        23 October 2010 at 2:36 am

        I really should have made just one long post but as I do a few more searches it just gets even richer
        http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=10655720

        “Hollywood can be very tough but they don’t treat you with the level of contempt that the Film Commission does.”

        “The climate is crushing the talent. They don’t really see what we’re saying. They don’t understand our world.”

        “We believe it is in every New Zealander’s interest to have a strong, successful film industry of which we can all be proud.”

        Can we now get past the point where “Sir” Peter Jackson is regarded with any respect and just treated with the contempt deserved by hypocritical bastards everywhere.

        • Colonial Viper 16.1.1.1
          23 October 2010 at 3:14 am

          Good digging skills. A+

        • Clayton Smith 16.1.1.2
          23 October 2010 at 4:50 pm

          My god. Your berating a man, for publishing a report that shows areas to improve our Film Commission.

          Then you link the report as proof that hes a selfish bastard, because hes rich, and because didn’t give the AE what they wanted.

          Firstly, if a report can help improve our goverment processes, i’m more then happy to have them created. I don’t care if its from a pauper or from billgates.
          Its a report from someone working in the industry, on how to improve a system that has serious flaws.

          And your holding it against him?

          Then you hold his wealth against him. Its his money. He paid his taxes on it. What he does with it, is his own business, and none of yours.
          We do not live in a communist nation where everything is owned by the state, people are allowed to own and do what they like with their own wealth. Thats a free system.

          And as for “isn’t even willing to provide job security to the actors he is hiring.”
          Care to provide some actual links to that.
          Or are you talking about how his company refused to negotate for a collective agreement when it was utterly illegal to do so.

          • the sprout 16.1.1.2.1
            23 October 2010 at 7:07 pm

            We do not live in a communist nation where everything is owned by the state

            so true!
            we live in a neo-liberal nation where the state provides taxpayer funded corporate welfare to make ultra-wealthy corporations like Warner Brothers even wealthier.
            as for your ignorance of the legal issues… duh

            • Clayton Smith 16.1.1.2.1.1
              23 October 2010 at 7:53 pm

              “we live in a neo-liberal nation where the state provides taxpayer funded corporate welfare to make ultra-wealthy corporations like Warner Brothers even wealthier.”

              Hahaha
              Yes, we pay them 70Million to setup in NZ, and they spend 600 million to create their movie here. Not to mention the run off effects.

              Its a Win/Win scenario.
              I’m impressed how you’ve managed to sound so ungrateful for what is a great business deal for Kiwis.

              • KJT …
                23 October 2010 at 7:56 pm

                NACT canceled the 30 mil for sea change for coastal shipping which would have gained us considerably more income over time.

    • J Mex 16.2
      23 October 2010 at 6:29 pm

      Yet here is a man with a $500 million dollar budget who isn’t even willing to provide job security to the actors he is hiring.

      Bullshit. Absolute bullshit. Talk to anyone who has worked for PJ and they will tell you that he is an excellent employer. (Robynne Malcom – Union Spokesperson included).

      You are too stupid for words.

      Jackson refused to let a group of 100 actors (who weren’t employed on his film) and an Australian Union (which has f##ked the Australian industry) dictate the terms for ALL actors working on his film.

      All this bullshit about terrible working conditions doesn’t fly because it is roundly acknowledged that Jackson has excellent working conditions.

      The Australian union now controls working conditions on all films in Australia. Pity non are being made since they got that control. Well f##king done them.

  17. AndrewK 17
    23 October 2010 at 8:04 am

    “Don’t listen to John, I am the best drummer in the Beatles.”

  18. comedy 18
    23 October 2010 at 8:38 am

    Fuck you, you stupid fucks

  19. The Voice of Reason 19
    23 October 2010 at 9:46 am

    Dammit, looks like one of the unicorns has got through the fence again.

  20. wasi 20
    23 October 2010 at 10:00 am

    What…me worry?

  21. wasi 21
    23 October 2010 at 10:04 am

    “I categorically deny having contracted “born to rule” syndrome from Justice Bill Wilson…”

  22. anonomis 22
    23 October 2010 at 2:10 pm

    Interviewer: ‘Sir Peter, on scale of 1 – 10, what has been Phil Goof’s level of concern over the impending loss of The Hobbit and the threat to other current and future productions, with the consequent loss of thousands of jobs, hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenue, and other national economic benefits, like increased tourism, exports, and a favourable balance of payments?’

    Jackson: ‘E.g. – 0’

    • QoT 22.1
      23 October 2010 at 2:30 pm

      That is a fantastic stretch, anonomis. Truly, until today I had not fully appreciated how desperate some folk on the right are to making everything about Phil Goff’s poll ratings … which is ironic because if you really believed Labour were done for you probably wouldn’t care as much.

      • anonomis 22.1.2
        23 October 2010 at 2:48 pm

        I hear that Goff auditioned for the role of The Invisible Man in a Jackson remake. Unfortunately, neither filming or post-production will now take place in NZ.

        Helen Kelly has successfully landed the role of Wormtoungue, and Robbin’ Malcolm the role of Shelob (she spins webs of deceits – sheeee doeses), in a LOTR stage production.

        They are also booked to appear in the Beggar’s Opera. The premiere is a benefit for the ‘little people’ who lost their livelihoods and homes when the NZ film industry closed down.

        Meanwhile, Jennifer Ward-Lalaland will be be appearing in Mamma MEAA as an aged cougar.

  23. Irascible 23
    23 October 2010 at 3:05 pm

    “Sorry but Smiling & Waving doesn’t put you in the hard ball court as a serious player. Despite the knight hood I’m here to screw the NZ taxpayer and destroy anything standing in my way… backed by the Studio of course.”

  24. Murray 24
    23 October 2010 at 4:39 pm

    Now that those unions have stuffed everything I guess its up to us grown ups to put things right

  25. Daveosaurus 25
    23 October 2010 at 5:04 pm

    “Thanks a bunch, New Line, you’ve made me look a right idiot because of your lying about those emails.”

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