New Line to Peter Jackson: Services not needed for Hobbit

[semillama]

http://www.mania.com/52841.html

"According to a statement from Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh posted via TheOneRing.net, New Line has passed on using Peter Jackson as a director for The Hobbit due to past legislation between Jackson and the studio.

The statement writes:

Several years ago, Mark Ordesky told us that New Line have rights to make not just The Hobbit but a second "LOTR prequel", covering the events leading up to those depicted in LOTR. Since then, we've always assumed that we would be asked to make The Hobbit and possibly this second film, back to back, as we did the original movies. We assumed that our lawsuit with the studio would come to a natural conclusion and we would then be free to discuss our ideas with the studio, get excited and jump on board. We've assumed that we would possibly get started on development and design next year, whilst filming The Lovely Bones. We even had a meeting planned with MGM executives to talk through our schedule.

However last week, Mark Ordesky called Ken and told him that New Line would no longer be requiring our services on the Hobbit and the LOTR 'prequel'. This was a courtesy call to let us know that the studio was now actively looking to hire another filmmaker for both projects."


Can anyone say "Worst move in history of movie making ever?"

[Reciprocity]

1. Good god they (the studio) have lost their mind.

Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh Talk THE HOBBIT
http://www.theonering.net/staticnews/1163993546.html

This is a disaster. Whoever makes the films will not be able to get the support from the fan base. The movies will be savaged before they ever air and with good reason. I have no faith in New Line or MGM. Peter on the other hand I had peace of mind that he would do his best for us fans. I predict The Hobbit will be such a flop they want make the second movie.

[Reciprocity]

2. News for today.

MGM
An MGM spokesman said that "the matter of Peter Jackson directing 'The Hobbit' films is far from closed."
http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117954301.html?categoryid=13&cs=1

From TORN (TheOneRing.net)

Let your Voice be Heard!
TheOneRing.net and the entire Tolkien community spent the last day reacting to the jaw-dropping letter we received from Peter Jackson concerning The Hobbit. Thanks to the support of many Ringers, we've compiled a contact list of individuals and companies who have a say in the decision making process and the events that have lead to Peter Jackson and his team dropping involvement with The Hobbit. We encourage you to make your voices heard and send letters and emails to the entities on this list.
The list
http://www.theonering.net/perl/newsview/8/1164129588

Sign the petitions at....
http://www.petitiononline.com/hobnow/petition-sign.html?