IC fight comes to Middle Earth

Are hobbits and goblins independent contractors or employees?

The government of New Zealand clarified that they are independent contractors, according to the BBC.

Hobbits and goblins are characters in the book "The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkien, who also wrote "The Lord of the Rings" books. A flap erupted in New Zealand over filming a series of two movies based on "The Hobbit" when an actors' union threatened to call for boycott of the film over terms and conditions of work. That and other concerns almost prompted the production to move out of that country.

However, the government of New Zealand stepped up and approved new legislation to clarify that actors are independent contractors and provided additional tax breaks to keep the filming in New Zealand.

"The Hobbit" movies are being directed by Peter Jackson, who also directed "The Lord of the Rings" films. The earlier movies were also shot in New Zealand.