Weta opens cave door
12 Jun 2008
Movie fans and tourists keen for an insight into the workings of Weta, New Zealand’s Academy Award-wining visual effects studio, are already flocking to the company’s new showcase - ‘Weta Cave’.
Based next to Peter Jackson’s empire in Mirimar near Wellington, ‘Weta Cave’ will be a place for visitors to get close to the film-makers behind effects in the Lord of the Rings trilogy and King Kong. It’s the first time an area of the visual effects facility has been opened to the public. Entry is free.
Three-fold experience
The Weta Cave combines three experiences in one; a mini museum, a theatre and a shop. Visitors will be given a first-ever behind-the-scenes look at Weta via a 20-minute film, which is shown in the Weta Cave screening room.
It features interviews with Weta co-founders Peter Jackson, Richard Taylor, Tania Rodger and Jamie Selkirk, and gives insight into the creative world of Weta.
Visitors will also come face to face with some of the characters, props and displays selected from the more than 20 years of Weta history. They will also be able to purchase limited-edition collectibles, DVDs, books and clothing.
Weta Ltd general manager Tim Launder said the store had been built to help satisfy Wellington's thriving movie tourism sector.
Dream realised
Weta co-owner Richard Taylor said he wanted to open a store years ago, but space had been the main deterrent. Weta Digital had since moved some of its operations, leaving about 220 square metres on the corner of its Camperdown Rd premises.
''The big challenge for us is because of confidentiality we can't have fans visit the workshop but we desperately want to show them something that's a little bit of what we do.
"We're thrilled to have the opportunity to do this. Tania and I have had this dream for years and we are incredibly pleased that we've managed to realise it," said Taylor.
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