Aukland, Weta Workshop 😁👏 Somewhere I really want to go to. We need to get a cab as, guess what, it’s raining. We arrive a little early but theres plenty of stuff to look at and some of the models from LOTR are dotted around the foyer and there are lots of miniatures for sale in the gift shop, what a surprise. Was really interested to see that there were miniatures from Labyrinth. I thought that was Jim Henson.
The tour took you through various aspects of what the workshops do including characters and prosthetics, miniatures etc. and there were interactive things in every place. I was particularly impressed with the miniature set that had been built. The modelling was amazing and the setting and lighting was wonderful.
It’s obvious that here are a load of very talented people let loose to go wherever their imagination takes them and to have a load of fun in the process. During Covid they made a whole load of awards that they presented to themselves. I was impressed with the one below.
In the creative area they had a mannequin of a designer asleep at his desk and then next door was the same thing but eight times full size. Interestingly the eye was designed by a 16 year old girl who was desperate to work for Weta. She was given the task as an audition and came up with a new way of 3D printing an eye. Needless to say she got the job.
There was a book of artwork there which I know would have impressed Ritch. just one of the illustrations in it
The last section was science fiction and work they are doing on a new film called Origins. They have built a 5m high animatronic robot (it’s 1/10 scale should be 50m but it won’t fit). I made a video but its to big to upload so heres a still instead.
Although the Weta Cave was not really what I was expecting it really was a great insight to how some of the amazing cinematic effects are made and the talent, and patience, of the people who make them.
Now one floor down in the same building is the All Black Experience so after a refreshing iced coffee we went to see what it was all about. It’s not just a history of the All Blacks but an insight into what makes them one of the worlds most successful teams in any sport. Considering the size of the country you have to wonder. Actually I think its quite easy to answer. In NZ rugby is literally part of the culture and the ethos is about continually striving to be better, that you are a custodian of the shirt and that when you hand it on you want it to be in a better condition than when you got it. Just a simple thing but in the exhibition they have an artwork which is 140m long which lists every All Black since the team was formed in the 1800s. Well over 1000 names. In contrast in England it’s all about the money, or lack of it. There are lots of interactive activities for you to test your skills. Lets just say I don’t think I’ll make the team.
Just a couple of photos. The first is the trophy cabinet with the Bledisloe Cup which is the annual competition between NZ and Australia and NZ currently hold it and the other is a copy of the Web Ellis Trophy (World Cup) which they have as they have won it three times. The second is one of the interactive activities where you stand in front of the Haka. It’s quite intimidating really.
After a cold beer in town while we watch people for a while we head back to the hotel. Now I really must ask. Do you think this is “mostly flat”
Or this
Wandered down the road to eat at a little place called Ken Yakitori. Ken being Kenichi Miyamoto. Ken is a highly qualified yakitori chef and has run the restaurant since 1997. We get there just after it opens and are lucky enough to get a table because 20mins later and it it overflowing. The food is amazing.
Another day over and blog written.
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