Anyone who is interested in movie special effects will have heard about the award-winning Weta Studios. They’ve been involved with many movies and TV shows including the Lord of the Rings movies, King Kong, Avatar to mention a few and more recently Thunderbirds.
Weta Studios was started in 1987 by Richard Taylor and Tania Rodger. They initially worked out of their Wellington apartment.
It’s free to visit their shop and view many collectibles plus watch a movie detailing the origins and different things they work on at Weta. It’s also possible to do a tour, but since many of the things they work on are proprietary, only a small portion of the actual studio is accessible.
On arrival at the shop, you’re greeted by these huge trolls. I’m 5’ 9” so that should give you an idea of how big they are.
Gollum – this model was just amazing. The face looks so real as does the fish he’s holding.
The entrance to the studio, which is guarded by a huge genie!
Me braving one of the other trolls. I’m so glad they weren’t real because they were so lifelike. You could see right up their noses…
The movie we were shown contained glimpses of special effects and indicated what some of the talented people work on each day. It must be such a fun job. The tasks ranged from making armor and working with leather to making swords, designing computer graphics and so much more.
I have to admit I have a fondness for action movies, and I always enjoy the special effects such as explosions and the fight scenes, especially those where the actors wear armor. I watched The Mummy movies again a few weeks ago. All those creepy mummies and the insects, the sand storms and plane flights. Good fun!
What is your favorite movie when it comes to special effects?
Oh those statues are so cool! The Alien moves are probably my favorite for the special effects. I love all the details on the teeth and the bodies of those aliens are amazing.
I’ve never seen Alien. It’s just a little bit into the too creepy category for me, so I’ll take your word for it on the special effects!
What fun! You’re right about Gullum, he looks down right creepy.
Nodding. It’s all in the eyes, I think. They make him creepy.