The people at Weta are geniuses.
What is Weta?
Quite simply, Weta has become synonymous with science fiction and fantasy greatness. It has two branches: Weta Workshop is a five time Oscar winning conceptual design and physical manufacturing facility servicing the world’s entertainment and creative industries. Weta Digital is a world leading visual effects company based in Wellington, New Zealand.
So what has Weta worked on?
Little movies like:
- The Fellowship of the Ring and sequels
- King Kong remake
- The Lovely Bones (directed by Peter Jackson)
- Avatar (directed by James Cameron)
- The Adventures of Tin Tin (directed by Steve Spielberg)
- The Hobbit (directed by Guillermo del Toro)
The last four of those movies are forthcoming and will be box office smashes! And when Comic Con 2009 launches in San Diego next month, Weta will be there to talk about those movies and to highlight much of the work that goes into producing such high quality character and set designs as well as digital effects.
Here are some of the things they are doing:
First, Weta Workshop is selling (5) copies of The Art of The Fellowship of The Ring and The Art of The Two Towers signed by Richard Taylor, John Howe, Alan Lee, Gino Acevedo and Daniel Falconer. These are extremely rare. First come, first served, as they say. Visit Booth #2615 for more information!
Second, Weta Workshop will be featuring at their booth (#2615) a forthcoming line of bronze Lord of the Rings sculptures based on the artwork of the talented John Howe. These are being overseen by John Howe in New Zealand as he helps the art production team begin to bring the initial designs on The Hobbit to life. Weta will be featuring the first two sculptures—both of which are yet unknown. I love bronze sculpture work, so I am very curious about what Weta and John Howe are putting together! To listen to a recent podcast about this project, click HERE!
Third, Suvudu will be video interviewing Tim Launder (General Manager for Weta Ltd.) and/or Greg Broadmore (Concept Designer at Weta) at Comic Con! Got a question you’d like asked? Post it in the comments below!
More to come, fan boys and girls!
