Wellington Gets Into the Swing of King Kong
Media Release
13 December 2005
Wellington Gets Into the Swing of Things for King Kong
Wellington is getting into the swing of things for the red carpet screening of Peter Jackson’s King Kong on 14 December.
In addition to the actual red carpet event, many other businesses are holding themed events in the spirit of King Kong.
On Wednesday, 14 December, the Wellington i-SITE Visitor Centre will show their support by dressing up in Kong-themed costumes. “One of our staff members will be running around the i-SITE and Wellington in a gorilla costume”, says i-SITE Manager Verina Jones. “The rest of us will be wearing our King Kong t-shirts, and free banana lollies will be available at the front counter.”
“We had a lot of fun dressing up for the Return of the King premiere in Wellington, and we wanted to show the same support for King Kong,” Ms Jones says.
The Wellington Zoo also has
something special up its sleeve with its “Truth
About
Great Apes Week” on 10-18 December. Guided tours, daily
Chimp talks, primate information, and competitions will take
place throughout the week, culminating in ‘Big Kong Day’ on
Sunday 18 December. Artists from WETA Workshop, who utilised
the Wellington Zoo while developing King Kong, will be on
hand all day to demonstrate the drawing and sculpting of
creatures.
Haven’t seen the original King Kong? Stop by the Wellington Central Library on 18 December for a free viewing of the classic 1930s version. Audience members are encouraged to dress up in 1930s costumes or as Kong himself.
“Wellington is very proud of Peter Jackson and his movie-making wizards,” says Tim Cossar, CEO of Positively Wellington Tourism, “and we are proud to yet again be hosting a red carpet screening of one of his films. King Kong was made almost entirely in Wellington, and the tourism value the city gets out of such projects and events is significant.”
ENDS
Note:
The screening of the
original 1930s King Kong is, indeed, taking place at the
Wellington Central Library. However, it is sold out.
(Tickets were free, but necessary for the
screening.)