More to Say About Jackson and The Hobbit

Urithrand · Fri, 12th Jan '07, 12:04am

Robert Shaye, head of New Line Cinema has delivered his final say about working with Peter Jackson on The Hobbit (or any other movie for that matter), and it's a definitive no. Here's a snip of an article on SCI-FI Wire:

As far as Shaye is concerned, Jackson is no longer welcome. "There's a kind of arrogance," Shaye said. "Not that I don't think Peter is a good filmmaker and that he hasn't contributed significantly to filmography and made three very good movies. And I don't even expect him to say 'thank you' for having me make it happen and having New Line make it happen. But to think that I, as a functionary in [a] company that has been around for a long time, but is now owned by a very big conglomerate, would care one bit about trying to cheat the guy, ... he's either had very poor counsel or is completely misinformed and myopic to think that I care whether I give him [anything]."

Jackson has responded in a typical diplomatic manner, voicing his regret at the legal events between himself and New Line:

"Our issue with New Line Cinema has only ever been about their refusal to account for financial anomalies that surfaced from a partial audit of The Fellowship of the Ring. Contrary to recent comments made by Bob Shaye, we attempted to discuss the issues raised by the Fellowship audit with New Line for over a year, but the studio was and continues to be completely uncooperative. This has compelled us to file a lawsuit to pursue our contractual rights under the law. Nobody likes taking legal action, but the studio left us with no alternative.

"For over two years, New Line has denied us the ability to audit The Two Towers and The Return of the King, despite repeated requests. Film auditing is a common and straightforward practice within the industry, and we don't understand why New Line Cinema has taken this position.

"In light of these circumstances, I didn't think it was appropriate for me to be involved in New Line Cinema's 40th-anniversary video. I have never discussed this video with any of the cast of The Lord of the Rings. The issues that Bob Shaye has with the cast pre-date this lawsuit by many years.

"Fundamentally, our legal action is about holding New Line to its contractual obligations and promises. It is regrettable that Bob has chosen to make it personal. I have always had the highest respect and affection for Bob and other senior management at New Line and continue to do so."

Shaye's innitial comments can be found here, while Jackson's response can be found here.

[ January 12, 2007, 00:15: Message edited by: Urithrand ]

Thrasher91604 · Fri, 12th Jan '07, 2:38am

Ah, how sad it is that greed destroys so many things that are good in this world...

Merlanni · Fri, 12th Jan '07, 8:49pm

When someone reaches a certain amount of whealth it does something with those people. It is a kind of will save that is not made. This bickering over crumbs is counterproductive. surely a good version of the hobbit would bring more money. I know, it are crumbs for them but huge chunks for us.

dmc · Fri, 12th Jan '07, 11:55pm

I'm not sure you understand how much money can be at stake in one of these audits. It can be tremendous (sometimes more than the person has made from the film from the whole period through the date of the audit). The studios do not have the best track record of honest dealing either.

If Peter Jackson believes that his contract entitles him to substantial money and New Line is stealing from him, why in the world we he agree to a new project with them where they could steal more from him? If his contract provides for certain royalties, it should be pretty easy to see what he is owed. If New Line is refusing to show him the books, then what does that imply about who is right?

I'm not saying that Jackson is correct, but don't just shout greed and blame him. Whatever deal he did for the movies is a binding contract and should be honored. If (and I stress this if) New Line isn't following the contract, then Jackson has every right in the world to do what he is doing.

Urithrand · Sat, 13th Jan '07, 9:08am

I'm with Jackson on this one. New Line has acted a bit shady all the way through its dealings with Jackson, and in the end has made (what most people suspect is) dishonesty on their own part into a personal issue with him.

As an aside, Jackson may very well still be contracted to make the Hobbit, we don't know. What we know is that he won't work with New Line, but if they want to make the film they'd better get a wiggle on because their rights expire this year

Merlanni · Sun, 14th Jan '07, 8:43pm

Why not put it in a deal. He makes the hobbit and gets his way. Nobody losses money. Peter Jackson will likely win so New Line will lose unless he makle the hobbit.

I did not say that Peter jackson did not make his will save. New Line souns like a Luskan to me.

Sat, 13th Jan '07, 9:08am	#5
Urithrand SPS Account Holder News Editor Mind turning the light off? It plays havoc with my complexion. Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: The Vale Of Aldur Posts: 1,358 Like: 0 Liked 1 Time in 1 Post vBActivity - Stats XP: 5,533 Level: 23 vBActivity - Bars Level Completion: 15.1% Daily Activity 2.55% Weekly Activity 0.73% Monthly Activity 1.73% Achievements	I'm with Jackson on this one. New Line has acted a bit shady all the way through its dealings with Jackson, and in the end has made (what most people suspect is) dishonesty on their own part into a personal issue with him. As an aside, Jackson may very well still be contracted to make the Hobbit, we don't know. What we know is that he won't work with New Line, but if they want to make the film they'd better get a wiggle on because their rights expire this year
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Fri, 12th Jan '07, 12:04am	#1
Urithrand SPS Account Holder News Editor Mind turning the light off? It plays havoc with my complexion. Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: The Vale Of Aldur Posts: 1,358 Like: 0 Liked 1 Time in 1 Post vBActivity - Stats XP: 5,533 Level: 23 vBActivity - Bars Level Completion: 15.1% Daily Activity 2.55% Weekly Activity 0.73% Monthly Activity 1.73% Achievements	Robert Shaye, head of New Line Cinema has delivered his final say about working with Peter Jackson on The Hobbit (or any other movie for that matter), and it's a definitive no. Here's a snip of an article on SCI-FI Wire: As far as Shaye is concerned, Jackson is no longer welcome. "There's a kind of arrogance," Shaye said. "Not that I don't think Peter is a good filmmaker and that he hasn't contributed significantly to filmography and made three very good movies. And I don't even expect him to say 'thank you' for having me make it happen and having New Line make it happen. But to think that I, as a functionary in [a] company that has been around for a long time, but is now owned by a very big conglomerate, would care one bit about trying to cheat the guy, ... he's either had very poor counsel or is completely misinformed and myopic to think that I care whether I give him [anything]." Jackson has responded in a typical diplomatic manner, voicing his regret at the legal events between himself and New Line: "Our issue with New Line Cinema has only ever been about their refusal to account for financial anomalies that surfaced from a partial audit of The Fellowship of the Ring. Contrary to recent comments made by Bob Shaye, we attempted to discuss the issues raised by the Fellowship audit with New Line for over a year, but the studio was and continues to be completely uncooperative. This has compelled us to file a lawsuit to pursue our contractual rights under the law. Nobody likes taking legal action, but the studio left us with no alternative. "For over two years, New Line has denied us the ability to audit The Two Towers and The Return of the King, despite repeated requests. Film auditing is a common and straightforward practice within the industry, and we don't understand why New Line Cinema has taken this position. "In light of these circumstances, I didn't think it was appropriate for me to be involved in New Line Cinema's 40th-anniversary video. I have never discussed this video with any of the cast of The Lord of the Rings. The issues that Bob Shaye has with the cast pre-date this lawsuit by many years. "Fundamentally, our legal action is about holding New Line to its contractual obligations and promises. It is regrettable that Bob has chosen to make it personal. I have always had the highest respect and affection for Bob and other senior management at New Line and continue to do so." Shaye's innitial comments can be found here, while Jackson's response can be found here. [ January 12, 2007, 00:15: Message edited by: Urithrand ]

Fri, 12th Jan '07, 2:38am	#2
Thrasher91604 For those who know ... Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Studio City, California Posts: 266 Like: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts vBActivity - Stats XP: 871 Level: 10 vBActivity - Bars Level Completion: 29.29% Daily Activity 2.55% Weekly Activity 0.73% Monthly Activity 1.73% Achievements	Ah, how sad it is that greed destroys so many things that are good in this world...

Fri, 12th Jan '07, 8:49pm	#3
Merlanni SPS Account Holder Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Holland, Stad aan het haringvliet Posts: 1,967 Like: 6 Liked 6 Times in 5 Posts vBActivity - Stats XP: 4,834 Level: 21 vBActivity - Bars Level Completion: 83.53% Daily Activity 2.55% Weekly Activity 0.73% Monthly Activity 16.53% Achievements Awards	When someone reaches a certain amount of whealth it does something with those people. It is a kind of will save that is not made. This bickering over crumbs is counterproductive. surely a good version of the hobbit would bring more money. I know, it are crumbs for them but huge chunks for us.

Fri, 12th Jan '07, 11:55pm	#4
dmc SPS Account Holder Distinguished Member Moderator Speak softly and carry a big briefcase 3 Card Poker Champion! Balloon Shoot Champion! Bumper Golf Champion! Falldown Champion! Plumber 2 Champion! Rotations Champion! Towerball Champion! Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Los Angeles, California, USA Posts: 6,496 Like: 18 Liked 53 Times in 43 Posts vBActivity - Stats XP: 15,912 Level: 36 vBActivity - Bars Level Completion: 23.03% Daily Activity 2.55% Weekly Activity 8.01% Monthly Activity 46.13% Achievements Awards	I'm not sure you understand how much money can be at stake in one of these audits. It can be tremendous (sometimes more than the person has made from the film from the whole period through the date of the audit). The studios do not have the best track record of honest dealing either. If Peter Jackson believes that his contract entitles him to substantial money and New Line is stealing from him, why in the world we he agree to a new project with them where they could steal more from him? If his contract provides for certain royalties, it should be pretty easy to see what he is owed. If New Line is refusing to show him the books, then what does that imply about who is right? I'm not saying that Jackson is correct, but don't just shout greed and blame him. Whatever deal he did for the movies is a binding contract and should be honored. If (and I stress this if) New Line isn't following the contract, then Jackson has every right in the world to do what he is doing.

Sun, 14th Jan '07, 8:43pm	#6
Merlanni SPS Account Holder Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Holland, Stad aan het haringvliet Posts: 1,967 Like: 6 Liked 6 Times in 5 Posts vBActivity - Stats XP: 4,834 Level: 21 vBActivity - Bars Level Completion: 83.53% Daily Activity 2.55% Weekly Activity 0.73% Monthly Activity 16.53% Achievements Awards	Why not put it in a deal. He makes the hobbit and gets his way. Nobody losses money. Peter Jackson will likely win so New Line will lose unless he makle the hobbit. I did not say that Peter jackson did not make his will save. New Line souns like a Luskan to me.