New Zealand's Hillside Sign Idea Irks Hollywood

The Chamber of Commerce representing Hollywood is opposing Wellington's plans, being pursued by the city's international airport. The Chamber owns copyright over the sign.

"With fresh reports of the sign's upcoming construction, the chamber is seeking legal advice. Its statement reads in part: "We are not without a sense of humor, nor without legal rights. We hope that if the Wellington airport wants to mimic our Sign in this fashion, it will proceed in cooperation with us and will recognize that the holder of the rights to the Sign and the party responsible for its continued existence is a nonprofit entity that works hard to raise funds so that the Sign even exists to be mimicked."

The chamber was reacting to the airport's upbeat news release Saturday about its decision to expedite construction of the Wellywood sign on a hillside on the Miramar Peninsula. The airport hopes to bring another "high-profile attraction" to Wellington that celebrates its film contributions."