Media Release
13 September 2012
A Stunning Welcome for the World Premiere of the Hobbit: an Unexpected Journey
Wellington, NZ, September 13, 2012—Wellington Airport and Weta Workshop are working together to create an unforgettable
experience into the gateway of the Wellington region for the November 28, 2012, world premiere of Peter Jackson’s first
film in The Hobbit Trilogy, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, a production of New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
(MGM).
“Weta is developing a new creation that will be interactive and breathtaking for everyone inside the Wellington
Airport,” said Steve Sanderson, Wellington Airport Chief Executive.
Weta Workshop’s Creative Director, Richard Taylor, who is overseeing the project said, “We have had a long and wonderful
relationship with the Wellington Airport team, who continually focus on presenting an exciting gateway into our city. We
are thrilled to once again be creating something with Wellington Airport that will bring delight to the many visitors
coming to our fabulous city.”
The creation is still in development and the full details cannot be released yet, but it will be suspended in the main
terminal where all travelers enter and will be 13 metres long and 3 metres high, or the size of a small jet aircraft.
“It’s going to be outstanding to see thousands of visitors coming to Wellington and have this opportunity to showcase
the best of our local talent,” Sanderson said. “Wellington Airport has a crucial role to play for the region and is
proud to be able to support the premiere”.
About The Hobbit Trilogy:
From Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson comes The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, the first of a trilogy of
films adapting the enduringly popular masterpiece The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien. The screenplay for The Hobbit: An
Unexpected Journey is by Fran Walsh & Philippa Boyens & Peter Jackson & Guillermo del Toro. Jackson is also producing the film, together with Carolynne Cunningham, Zane Weiner and Fran Walsh.
The executive producers are Alan Horn, Toby Emmerich, Ken Kamins and Carolyn Blackwood, with Boyens and Eileen Moran
serving as co-producers.
Among the creative behind-the-scenes team returning to Jackson’s crew are director of photography Andrew Lesnie,
production designer Dan Hennah, conceptual designers Alan Lee and John Howe, composer Howard Shore and make-up and hair
designer Peter King. The film is edited by Jabez Olssen. The costumes are designed by Ann Maskrey, Richard Taylor and
Bob Buck.
Taylor is also overseeing the design and production of weaponry, armour and prosthetics which are once again being made
by the award-winning Weta Workshop. Weta Digital take on the visual effects for the films, led by the film’s visual
effects supervisor, Joe Letteri. Post production will take place at Park Road Post Production in Wellington.
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey and the second and third films of the trilogy are productions of New Line Cinema and
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures, with New Line managing production. Warner Bros. Pictures is handling worldwide theatrical
distribution, with select international territories as well as all international television licensing being handled by
MGM.
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey will be released on December 14, 2012, with the second film, The Hobbit: The
Desolation of Smaug, releasing December 13, 2013, and the third film, The Hobbit: There and Back Again slated for July
18, 2014.
Issued by: Wellington International Airport Limited