Stephen writes: Special effects wizard Sir Richard Taylor was awarded an honorary doctorate at a graduation ceremony Thursday 26th of May. The honour was conferred at the morning ceremony for Massey University graduates in the Michael Fowler Centre.
The doctorate recognises the contribution Sir Richard has made to the film industry and the Wellington creative community for more than 25 years. From Braindead to Black Sheep,King Kong and the global phenomenon of the Lord of the Rings film trilogy, and current filming of its prequel The Hobbit, Sir Richard and the company he co-founded Weta Workshop, have been at the forefront of Wellington’s emergence on the filmmaking scene.
He is a graduate of the School of Design at the former Wellington Polytechnic. The School is a forerunner institution to the College of Creative Arts at the University.
Breaking news from tvnz.co.nz There has been an industrial accident on the set of Sir Peter Jackson’s film The Hobbit. The fire service says two people received burns in the incident at the Stone Street studios in the Wellington suburb of Miramar. It is understood their injuries are minor. There is no word on the exact cause of the accident. More to follow.
UPDATE: From The Dominion Post Two people have been hurt in a small explosion at the studios where the Hobbit is being filmed. The Fire Service confirmed they were called to an “industrial explosion” at the Stone St studios in Miramar. Wellington Free Ambulance said two people were treated at the scene and were taken to hospital. A small fire followed the explosion but it was out when firefighters arrived.
A spokesman for Wingnut Films said the explosion was in a workshop, not on set, and filming was continuing. An investigation had been launched. The two people were taken to hospital as a precaution, the spokesman said.
Here’s some local coverage of a global telethon raising funds for the New Zealand Government’s Christchurch Earthquake Appeal. The cast and crew of The Hobbit are involved, and we encourage you to be as well. [Donate]
The videos below feature an Interview with Ian Mckellen, comments from Peter Jackson, and some fun dwarfish antics! Enjoy!
A Wellywood sign to celebrate the capital’s film industry will be built along the hillside next to the Miramar Cutting. The Hollywood-style sign will be 3.5 metres high and 28m wide. It is understood to cost several hundred thousand dollars and is intended to be ready for the Rugby World Cup in September. Veteran Wellington film director Geoff Murphy could barely stop laughing when told yesterday that the idea would proceed. More..
Matamata is set for a makeover fit for a Hobbit before the cast and crew arrive for filming of the movies. Matamata Public Relations Association manager Sue Whiting says the organisation will be upgrading facilities to create a ‘Hobbit-like feel’ before the cast and crew arrive. Whiting told the Waikato Times she believed the Welcome to Hobbiton sign is the most photographed in the country, and sculptures of Lord of the Ring characters had drawn hundreds of people, so it is important to maintain them. “At the end of the day, it is all about bringing people to Matamata and creating a reason to visit,” she told the newspaper. More..
Welcome to our collection of TORn’s hottest topics for the past week. If you’ve fallen behind on what’s happening on the Message Boards, here’s a great way to catch the highlights. Or if you’re new to TORn and want to enjoy some great conversations, just follow the links to some of our most popular discussions. Watch this space as every weekend we will spotlight the most popular buzz on TORn’s Message Boards. Everyone is welcome, so come on in and join in the fun! Continue reading “TORn Message Boards Weekly Roundup – May 15 2011”
