Before starting on the Collectibles, what was your role in the creation of "The Lord of the Rings" film trilogy?
Apart from a brief stint as a motion-capture performer, lots of Hobbit scale-effects; double masks, dummies. I did a heap of prosthetic application; lots of Hobbit feet (scale doubles, hero Pippin and Merry), Orc application, Uruk-hai application, full-body Lurtz application, several facial applications for Lurtz assisting Gino Acevedo, countless mould-making tasks for foam latex, gelatine and silicone appliances. I also co-developed Weta Workshop’s silicone makeup technology for Gimli, Lurtz and Bilbo’s old-age makeup.
How did you come to work on "The Lord of the Rings?"
I had previous film experience, working in Fox Studios, Sydney, Australia on "The Matrix", providing birthing elements for the power-plant sequence. I’d done an inflatable latex costume for "Babe 2, Pig in the City" and many other sculpting and mould-making jobs as well as puppet-making and puppeteering. I applied to Weta Workshop in late 1998 and was employed for four weeks before final approval was given on project commencement on June 14th, 1999. I’ve been at Weta, employed fulltime ever since.
What was the highlight of the project for you?
A very difficult question. You don’t see hundreds of Elves and Orcs lit by a crimson sunset on top of an active volcano every day! But most likely, getting to meet Sir Ian Holm and work with him.
How did you come to choose the pieces you sculpted for the collectibles?
Not only do I have favourite characters, but I feel more confident sculpting those that are human-looking, like smooth-faced characters such as Frodo and Arwen. Most of my involvement on the films was tackling realistic human effects.
How did you choose the pose of your pieces?
Initially, Elijah Wood and I took time to work out what pose would best represent the character’s personality. Being inexperienced and naïve at the opening of the trilogy, Frodo fears for his safety and that of the One Ring. The reference photographs I shot of Elijah reflect that. His pose is tense, face worried, one hand on the Ring, the other baring his weapon.
If you lived in Middle-earth, what race would you be and why?
After working on this production, you can’t walk down the street without putting people into roles- Elf, Ringwraith, Orc, etc. Apparantly I fit into the Hobbit mould, which isn’t bad considering they pass the time eating, drinking, sleeping and swapping presents.
They say sculptors and artists unconsciously put a part of themselves in their work. Is there anything of you in your sculptures?
Well, apart from Arwen, I’ve had to wear the costumes and pose for figure and fabric reference for all my sculptures, so all the kits I’ve sculpted must have some of my body language in them somewhere.
What was the most challenging aspect of creating your collectible pieces?
Firstly the scale- Hobbits ain’t so big. Secondly, the hair- it sucked.
Any suggestions for the ideal holiday spot in Middle-earth?
I’m sure Orthanc has a nice view from the top. I hear it’s nice this time of year.
What do you want to do in the future?
"The Hobbit."
