Movie moguls Jackson and Cameron go into business
The secret is out: Two of the world’s biggest film directors have gone into business together.
Sir Peter Jackson and James Cameron established a company on March 3, but they are remaining tight-lipped on their latest Kiwi venture.
The pair are often spotted at major film industry gatherings so their business venture has not come as a shock.
But Jackson and Cameron – both highly private – are refusing to share details.
Even after calls to officials and sources, it is still unclear why it has been set up.
The company is called PBT New Zealand, and is jointly owned by Cameron’s Auckland business, T Base 2, and Jackson’s Wellington business, Wingnut Films.
Wingnut Films general manager Dominic Sheehan declined to comment on the business.
‘‘Peter and Fran look forward to commenting about this project at an appropriate time.’’
Cameron’s United States company has not responded to requests for comment.
Jackson and Cameron’s major activities have already overlapped.
Weta Workshop, the special effects and props company partowned by Jackson, played a major role with Cameron on Avatar, one of the highest grossing films of all time, which was nominated for best motion picture at the 2010 Academy Awards.
According to company records, Cameron and his wife Susy AmisCameron reside in Malibu, California, close to his Los Angeles-based firm Lightstorm Entertainment.
However, in 2012 Cameron paid $20 million for two large rural properties in the Wairarapa.
At the time he bought more than 1000 hectares of land, he had a view to moving there ‘‘indefinitely’’ with his family.
Meanwhile Jackson, who is the director of Wingnut Films and coowner of Weta Digital, resides in Miramar, Wellington, with his wife Fran Walsh.
Jackson was awarded a knighthood in 2009, following the success of his film The Lovely Bones.
In 2016, Cameron announced there would be Avatar sequels. New Zealand secured the production of the upcoming films as part of a deal signed by Cameron, producer Jon Landau, Lightstorm Entertainment, 20th Century Fox, and the Government.
The films would be made in New Zealand and Manhattan Beach, California, with digital production work done by Weta Digital. As part of the deal, at least $500m will be spent in New Zealand on making the three Avatar sequels.
"Peter and Fran look forward to commenting about this project at an appropriate time." Dominic Sheehan, Wingnut Films