"Guillermo del Toro is Mexican, as is Alfonso Cuaron and Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu.
Out of interest -- when was the last time one of the above directed a film shot in Mexico?"

My point re the mexican film makers has taken a bit of a tangent. It was that the cliche - "mexicans with cellphones" is bizarre, outdated and kinda insulting to all concerned. Mexico has a large, highly skilled workforce of film crew. I would say the majority of them own cellphones.... Have a look on IMDB at how many sizeable films are being made there compared to NZ. Their busy film industry gives opportunity for talent such as the directors mentioned, to come through the ranks.

"And another thing, I love the LOTR trilogy, and it saddens me that those people who made those brilliant backdrop were paid less than the minimum wage"

This is just a blatantly untrue comment which shouldn't even be graced with a reply. Find me one person who was paid less than minimum wage on LOTR. I know of hundreds who were happy with their wages and still rate LOTR as the best project they have ever worked on. Most of them are now working on this production and were also on the march on Wednesday night.

Ha! Fingers crossed for canonisation.

Brendon - I too am a first time poster and your comments have spurred me to write. Ignorant comments such as these are hugely harmful.

I am a self employed contractor contracted to 3foot7 and have been employed on the hobbit for over a year. I enjoy very good wages, great working conditions and am eligible for ACC. I just want to be able to get on with my job and make films.

The past year has been difficult with a lot of uncertainty over the project and the past month has been extremely tough, as we have effectively had our hands tied and not been allowed to properly do our jobs as the studios can not approve more cash flow while the boycott was in place. Throughout all this uncertainty 3foot7 have continued to pay and retain us, because they are loyal to us and realise that we have mortgages to pay, families to support etc. I am extremely grateful to them for this.

The "mexicans with cellphones" comments also angers me and is very outdated. The mexican film industry is extremely strong and I have worked with a number of highly skilled mexican film crew members. Guillermo del Toro is Mexican, as is Alfonso Cuaron and Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu. I would love the NZ film industry to get to a similar position of strength. The reality is that films will get made where it is most cost efficient. I have worked in Australia and most of my colleagues there have had to change professions as there has been almost no work there in the last 7 years. Justice League and Green Lantern were lost due to union action. Mad max has just been put on hold. Fox Studios in Sydney have basically been sitting empty. We would much rather be in work and make decent money, than be employees and work once every 5 years and get holiday pay. Our wages are still internationally competitive.

Its also telling that most who think PJ is being unreasonable or greedy dont actually hail from Wellington. Come visit Miramar and speak to the multitude of people he employs and allows to practice the craft and artistry they love!