The Hobbit - Page 13 - Basketball Forum : Professional and College Basketball Forums

**RollWithEm** · 01-16-2013, 06:42 AM

**RollWithEm** · 01-16-2013, 06:56 AM

New Zealand wants $56 million of Hobbit money from Peter Jackson

Quote:

Back when The Hobbit was in production, the New Zealand government offered Jackson's production company, Wingnut Films, a $56 million ($67 million in New Zealand dollars) subsidy, with the understanding that Jackson's production would create jobs and boost the country's economy. After hiring hordes of extras, set builders, drivers, caterers and more (not to mention all the hotel rooms the production probably booked), both Wingnut and New Zealand Prime Minister John Key agreed that The Hobbit accounted for something like 3,000 new jobs in New Zealand while it was in production.

While that money-for-jobs subsidy might seem like a fair trade to many (including, it seems, Key), New Zealand First Party Leader Winston Peters isn't convinced. Calling the 3,000 jobs estimate a number "plucked out of the air," Peters is demanding that the entire subsidy be repaid by The Hobbit's production companies.

Get in here KAS. We our Legal Smeagol to let us know the legality of this claim.

**RollWithEm** · 01-18-2013, 05:59 AM

**Krstic All-Star** · 01-18-2013, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RollWithEm

New Zealand wants $56 million of Hobbit money from Peter Jackson

Get in here KAS. We our Legal Smeagol to let us know the legality of this claim.

He's politicking like a goblin who thinks he can become king of the orcs. Even if the 3,000 job figure isn't entirely accurate, I strongly doubt the money was conditioned on the creation of a specific number of jobs. Considering that a huge number of jobs were created in fact, I don't see how he has a legal leg to stand on. But then again, he's a politician, so...

**RollWithEm** · 01-22-2013, 08:37 AM

Here's another article that might interest our very own Legal Smeagol: http://www.wired.com/underwire/2013/...legal-analysis

Quote:

Lawyer and author James Daily got hold of the full text of that massive sheaf of parchment from the movie (yes, the propmakers really did write the whole thing out) and analyzed everything. Using the rationale that the Shire is modeled on Medieval Europe, and noting that common law hasn't changed all that much from then to now, Daily read through the contract and evaluated how it would hold up in court.

So, after reading through the numerous sections detailing how much Bilbo would be paid, what would happen if he died along the way, what secrets he would have to keep and so forth, Daily really only found two major issues with the contract.

For one, arbitration of the contract must be done in the Dwarvish tongue, which could present a problem for Bilbo.

Quote:

"Obviously this is a significant disadvantage for Bilbo, as he evidently cannot read (and presumably cannot speak) Dwarvish. Choice of language clauses like this one are much more common in international contracts than in contracts between parties in the United States," Daily wrote. "They are also much more common in contracts that contain arbitration agreements rather than forum selection clauses (e.g. "any disputes arising under this contract will be heard in the courts of Capital City, State X") because in most countries the courts only deal in one official language, making a choice of language clause redundant. But when the case will go to arbitration, the chosen arbitrator could potentially speak multiple languages."

A potentially bigger issue is the fact that the contract doesn't note what laws it's being drafted under: the laws of Erebor (where the dwarves are from) or the laws of The Shire.

Quote:

"The one thing that leaps out at me about this contract is that it doesn't contain a choice of law clause. Such a clause allows the parties to specify what jurisdiction's law will govern the contract. This is particularly useful when multiple jurisdictions may potentially apply. The area of the law that deals with figuring out which court has jurisdiction and which law applies is known as conflict of laws."

Despite those issues, and its fantasy context, overall the contract looks pretty sound to Daily.

Quote:

"On the whole, the contract is pretty well written. There are some anachronisms, unnecessary clauses, typos, and a small number of clear drafting errors, but given the contract's length and its role in the film (which is to say not a huge one, especially in the particulars) it's an impressive piece of work."

Is it sad that this type of insignificant, ultra-nerdy stuff inspires me?

**E.H. Munro** · 01-22-2013, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by R-Star

Its someone who grew up spoiled and pretentious

"It's" an old man that grew up during the depression the son of an Oxford tutor (because J.R.R. didn't become a full don until later), that served in the RAF during WWII and later worked himself as a tutor at Oxford. J.R.R. Tolkien didn't become a bestselling author until the end of his life so his son Christopher didn't have much in the way of wealth at all until his father passed away leaving him the executor of his literary estate. By which time he was middle aged. You might also try reading the interview before offering your expert opinion on the matter.

**Luke** · 01-22-2013, 09:54 AM

Saw it again and it's still easily my favorite movie of the four. Maybe it's because I read them all in elementary school and it was my favorite book at the time.

Sent from my Verticalsports.com Free App

**Krstic All-Star** · 01-22-2013, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RollWithEm

Here's another article that might interest our very own Legal Smeagol: http://www.wired.com/underwire/2013/...legal-analysis

Is it sad that this type of insignificant, ultra-nerdy stuff inspires me?

If the system would let me rep you, I would

This was great

**RollWithEm** · 01-23-2013, 02:51 PM

**RollWithEm** · 01-24-2013, 02:12 PM

**RollWithEm** · 02-05-2013, 06:33 AM

Tolkien Estate faces bizarre countersuit over Hobbit slot machines.

Quote:

A few months ago, we told you about the Tolkien estate, their beef with Warner Bros. and a subsequent lawsuit over intangible marketing in the form of Hobbit-themed online slot machines. Now the Saul Zaentz Co., which has certain rights over Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, has entered a countersuit. Why? Because, according to them, they're the reason for the popularity of these stories.

To wit, Zaentz is claiming that the success of Tolkien's masterpiece is "largely the result of the dedicated efforts of Zaentz and its licensees over the past four decades."

On the one hand, we have the Tolkien estate, which feels that these slot machines are causing "irreparable harm to Tolkien's legacy" and that gambling as a whole is "morally questionable." On the other, we have Zaentz and Warner Bros., who claim that, going back to 1969 and including further videogame rights from 1996, agreements regarding license were made that allowed for this level of marketing, regardless of morality. Moreover, they insist that these franchises wouldn't have even endured without Zaentz's guiding hand.

That is a bold claim. You've got to love a company the takes full credit for the lingering success of a time-honored classic.

**RollWithEm** · 02-05-2013, 06:43 AM

Maine company will build you a real Hobbit house for $5K to $15K.

Quote:

Maine-based company Wooden Wonders has launched a line of several different Hobbit-themed wooden buildings, ranging in size from a 16-foot-wide "cottage" model to a smaller shed or a chicken coop model (you know, so you can raise Shire chickens). They don't look exactly like the ones Peter Jackson and crew designed for the films, but they do feature beautiful woodcraft and include pretty little round doors. For an extra fee, Wooden Wonders will even partially embed them in the ground for you. And they're not just pretty on the outside. Take a look:

**RollWithEm** · 02-15-2013, 09:12 AM

**RollWithEm** · 03-01-2013, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Warner Bros. has decided to bump The Hobbit: There and Back Again from its original release date of July 18, 2014 to December 17, 2014. Yep, that’s right, a full five month delay.

Via Deadline

That would be the third movie. The second movie (first sequel) is still due out December 13, 2013.

**RollWithEm** · 03-04-2013, 06:45 AM

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Passes the $1 Billion Mark

The breakdown is $301.1 million domestic and a little over $700 million international. Still got a ways to go to catch Return of the King.

01-16-2013, 06:42 AM	#181 (permalink)
RollWithEm Never Argue with a Fool Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: New Orleans Posts: 28,233 Rep Power: 6035755	Pancake Art __________________ But that's just me. RWE's Random Questions: (Close Friends, Virginity, Home-Schooling, Wiretapping, Cheating, Piracy) RWE's Movie Rankings: (Coen Brothers, Stanley Kubrick, Top 90 of the 90's) RWE's Underground Update - RWE's SciFi Corner RWE's Smash Central - RWE's Culinary Cul de Sac 2015 FRSL Champion New Orleans Jazz Lawson - Thabo - Thad - Brow - Big Al - Manu - Jayson

01-18-2013, 05:59 AM	#183 (permalink)
RollWithEm Never Argue with a Fool Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: New Orleans Posts: 28,233 Rep Power: 6035755	Re: The Hobbit __________________ But that's just me. RWE's Random Questions: (Close Friends, Virginity, Home-Schooling, Wiretapping, Cheating, Piracy) RWE's Movie Rankings: (Coen Brothers, Stanley Kubrick, Top 90 of the 90's) RWE's Underground Update - RWE's SciFi Corner RWE's Smash Central - RWE's Culinary Cul de Sac 2015 FRSL Champion New Orleans Jazz Lawson - Thabo - Thad - Brow - Big Al - Manu - Jayson

01-22-2013, 09:54 AM	#187 (permalink)
Luke Go Dawgs Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 11,875 Rep Power: 4300832	Saw it again and it's still easily my favorite movie of the four. Maybe it's because I read them all in elementary school and it was my favorite book at the time. Sent from my Verticalsports.com Free App __________________ Formerly VanillaPrice

01-23-2013, 02:51 PM	#189 (permalink)
RollWithEm Never Argue with a Fool Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: New Orleans Posts: 28,233 Rep Power: 6035755	Re: The Hobbit __________________ But that's just me. RWE's Random Questions: (Close Friends, Virginity, Home-Schooling, Wiretapping, Cheating, Piracy) RWE's Movie Rankings: (Coen Brothers, Stanley Kubrick, Top 90 of the 90's) RWE's Underground Update - RWE's SciFi Corner RWE's Smash Central - RWE's Culinary Cul de Sac 2015 FRSL Champion New Orleans Jazz Lawson - Thabo - Thad - Brow - Big Al - Manu - Jayson

01-24-2013, 02:12 PM	#190 (permalink)
RollWithEm Never Argue with a Fool Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: New Orleans Posts: 28,233 Rep Power: 6035755	Children's Book __________________ But that's just me. RWE's Random Questions: (Close Friends, Virginity, Home-Schooling, Wiretapping, Cheating, Piracy) RWE's Movie Rankings: (Coen Brothers, Stanley Kubrick, Top 90 of the 90's) RWE's Underground Update - RWE's SciFi Corner RWE's Smash Central - RWE's Culinary Cul de Sac 2015 FRSL Champion New Orleans Jazz Lawson - Thabo - Thad - Brow - Big Al - Manu - Jayson

02-15-2013, 09:12 AM	#193 (permalink)
RollWithEm Never Argue with a Fool Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: New Orleans Posts: 28,233 Rep Power: 6035755	Re: The Hobbit __________________ But that's just me. RWE's Random Questions: (Close Friends, Virginity, Home-Schooling, Wiretapping, Cheating, Piracy) RWE's Movie Rankings: (Coen Brothers, Stanley Kubrick, Top 90 of the 90's) RWE's Underground Update - RWE's SciFi Corner RWE's Smash Central - RWE's Culinary Cul de Sac 2015 FRSL Champion New Orleans Jazz Lawson - Thabo - Thad - Brow - Big Al - Manu - Jayson

03-04-2013, 06:45 AM	#195 (permalink)
RollWithEm Never Argue with a Fool Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: New Orleans Posts: 28,233 Rep Power: 6035755	Re: The Hobbit The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Passes the $1 Billion Mark The breakdown is $301.1 million domestic and a little over $700 million international. Still got a ways to go to catch Return of the King. __________________ But that's just me. RWE's Random Questions: (Close Friends, Virginity, Home-Schooling, Wiretapping, Cheating, Piracy) RWE's Movie Rankings: (Coen Brothers, Stanley Kubrick, Top 90 of the 90's) RWE's Underground Update - RWE's SciFi Corner RWE's Smash Central - RWE's Culinary Cul de Sac 2015 FRSL Champion New Orleans Jazz Lawson - Thabo - Thad - Brow - Big Al - Manu - Jayson

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