Weta unveils new model collection
Weta Workshop is expanding its line of miniature models after demand from collectors to create scenes.
Sir Richard Taylor’s collectibles business has proven to be an important part of his empire, keeping Weta Workshop buoyant between movies.
Fans world-wide snap up detailed figures, miniatures and weapons from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, as well as children’s entertainment and video games.
Last financial year, 18 new collectibles were released and this year, 50 more are expected to go on offer, including a new range of much smaller models.
Weta Workshop head of communications Erik Hay said the collectables range was experiencing excellent growth – up 40 per cent on the same time last year.
He attributed more awareness of the Weta Workshop brand, particularly in China, as a reason for an increase in demand. The Warcraft collectibles range also had a large fan base and availability of the models coincided with the release of the film, he said.
Taylor’s passion had evolved into a profitable part of the company, employing 14 staff.
‘‘It’s a prime example of how Weta Workshop continues to diversify its creative endeavours to support and complement its core film work.’’
The first 1:30 scale diorama would be a battle scene from The Hobbit movie at Sauron’s stronghold at Dol Guldur.
Workshop head of consumer products Mike Gonzales said modern collectors were shifting away from large bespoke pieces and there was a big interest in full scenes.
Workshop concept designer and author of The Hobbit Chronicles, Daniel Falconer said the team had been able to draw on concept art and set plans from The Hobbit film trilogy to design the pivotal battle scene, featuring Middle-earth’s most powerful characters. Figures in range would come at a lower price point and take up less space.