WETA Workshop

WETA Workshop is a physical effects company based in Miramar, New Zealand, producing effects for television and film. It will be responsible for producing the Halo Movie's physical effects, and is currently producing the Halo: Arms Race series of short videos, which may or may not be preludes to the Halo Movie.

Weta Workshop is co-owned by friends and colleagues Richard Taylor, Tania Rodger, Peter Jackson and Jamie Selkirk.

Weta Workshop is situated in Wellington, New Zealand and is a comprehensive film and television effects facility that houses a large and varied skill base of creative technicians. Best know for their work on 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy, Weta Workshop is a four time Academy Award winning company that offers services to all aspects of the creative industry including design, special make-up effects and prosthetics, creatures, armour, weapons, miniatures, prop building, large scale sculpture, display work and costuming.

Richard Taylor and Tania Rodger head Weta Workshop and have formed a partnership that brings creativity, artistry and professionalism to any project they undertake.

They have gathered around them a like-minded team with a level of experience, enthusiasm and flexibility that enables Weta Workshop to tackle almost any creative challenge.

Weta Workshop is closely associated with Weta Digital (three time Academy Award winning company) and their complimentary relationship is reflected in their integrated approach towards solving specific film making issues and challenges.

Weta Workshop is a 65,000 square foot facility in the suburb of Miramar, five minutes drive from the airport and 15 minutes from central Wellington. Weta Workshop is only a few minutes from Wellington's largest studio complex (and affiliate business Stone Street Studios) and other associated film production services, including Weta Digital and Park Road Post.

Weta Workshop also has a successful merchandising business, a chain maille making business and is currently producing its own television series.

In September 2007, Bungie showed off Weta Workshop's "fully-functioning, four-wheel steering, powerful, off-road vehicle with a machine gun on the back" Warthog to Halo fans, making them gaze upon their Jeep Cherokees in utter disgust at the lack of weapon hard points. It is complete with raised suspension and a armored marine manning the chain gun in back. WETA Workship also produced weapon and equipment props for the Halo: Arms Race short films, including replicas of the Battle Rifle and Gravity Hammer.