The film marks Wētā FX’s first foray into visual effects and the establishment of the company. It was early days for visual effects and technology was limited. Wētā FX leased their first computer to create the fourteen visual effects shots required, which ranged from manipulating balconies, to morphing landscapes into imaginary visions of paradise. The film set a precedent for Wētā FX’s ongoing commitment to using cutting edge technology to achieve world-class effects.
It’s becoming very clear now that this is what the future of film is going to be. It’s going to be digital one way or another.
Peter Jackson, Director