From the folks at the Powerhouse Museum:
Academy Award-winning special effects maestro Richard Taylor will showcase his extraordinary talents and share his experiences from the set of The Lord of the Rings Motion Picture Trilogy during a weekend program exclusive to the Powerhouse Museum, 26 – 27 February.
Richard Taylor and partner Tania Rodger head New Zealand’s Weta Workshop, one of the film industry’s biggest special effects companies. In collaboration with director Peter Jackson, Weta Workshop was the creative force behind the hugely successful The Lord of the Rings film trilogy that captivated millions around the world.
Weta created the special make-up effects and prosthetics, miniatures, armour and weaponry, and provided the design, fabrication and on-set operation of the creatures that featured throughout the films as well as the full range of digital services from simple compositing through to animation of fully computer generated creatures. This unprecedented undertaking earned Richard Taylor four Academy Awards, with Weta garnering five BAFTAs and six Academy Awards to date.
Saturday 26 February, 1pm – 3pm
See Weta magic first hand as Richard Taylor transforms The Lord of the Rings actor Jed Brophy into one of the gruesome characters from the film trilogy. Jed will be dressed in the authentic costume, armour and weapons that he wore in the films as the orc Snaga and you can witness the character unfold as Richard applies the final prosthetic touches including his hair, contact lenses and teeth. Q&A session will follow. Cost: $45 adults, $40 students, $75 for both events.
Sunday 27 February, 10am – 12noon
Richard Taylor and Tania Rodger will talk about their special effects journey from the beginnings of Weta to their worldwide success and recognition with The Lord of the Rings films. Hear about the trials and tribulations of making the trilogy, the unique individuals pulled together to complete the mammoth task, the camaraderie of the cast and crew, and life beyond Middle-earth. Q&A session will follow. Cost: $45 adults, $40 students, $75 for both events.
Seats for both events are strictly limited. Book now through Ticketmaster7 on 136 100. Visit www.powerhousemuseum.com/weta for details.
This special weekend program is exclusive to the Powerhouse Museum in conjunction with The Lord of the Rings Motion Picture Trilogy – The Exhibition now showing. This blockbuster exhibition takes visitors behind the scenes of the film trilogy to marvel at the costumes, jewellery, weapons and props created by the Weta team, plus hear exclusive interviews with cast and crew and discover the secrets behind the award-winning special effects.
