Good Bad Billionaire Peter Jackson: Lord of the Films
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Aug 19, 2024 Join Peter Jackson, the visionary director behind the iconic Lord of the Rings films, as he shares his remarkable journey from childhood movie obsessions to becoming a billionaire filmmaker. Discover how his innovative work in special effects led to the founding of Weta Digital and the challenges he faced bringing Middle-earth to life. Explore Jackson's bold decision to film the trilogy all at once and the transformative impact his work has had on New Zealand's film industry, along with his unique spending habits and philanthropic efforts.
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First Film Explosion Anecdote
- Peter Jackson made his first film by filming his primary school teacher walking around a corner followed by a firework explosion to simulate an explosion.
- He charged 20 cents per ticket and broke even with a $12 total cost, showcasing early ingenuity.
DIY Film Making Ingenuity
- Jackson made his first feature film, Bad Taste, on a $25,000 budget, crafting his own latex masks and equipment.
- He built a Steadicam for $20 instead of buying an expensive version, showing his resourcefulness.
Weta Digital's Humble Beginnings
- Weta Digital started with limited resources but innovated by mastering CGI and creating 14 special effect scenes solo.
- This innovation established Weta as a pioneer in digital effects in New Zealand.