‘Mortal Engines’: Made in Wellington
You’d never suspect that a film of the epic scale of post-apocalyptic adventure ‘Mortal Engines’ was filmed and produced entirely in Wellington, New Zealand.
Unable to render element
A true co-production making dreams a reality
Gerry and Sylvia Anderson’s iconic 60s television show ‘Thunderbirds’ has had new life breathed into it thanks to a co-production between UK-based ITV Studios and Wellington-based Pūkeko Pictures.
Wētā Workshop designed the series and manufactured the miniatures. A truly international collaboration, the show was made by teams in the US, UK, Taiwan, the Czech Republic and New Zealand.
The series follows the heroic international rescue missions of the five Tracy brothers and is made using a mixture of live-action model sets and CGI animation.
“We’d had a lot of experience working with mixed mediums, through our production of the ‘WotWots’. We felt those techniques would apply really well to recreating ‘Thunderbirds’ and paying homage to some of the original techniques used in the show,” says Pūkeko’s Theo Baynton.
Working on the show was a long-held dream for several members of the Pūkeko team.
Theo Baynton, episodic director of ‘Thunderbirds Are Go’ says: “We felt those techniques would apply really well to recreating ‘Thunderbirds’ and paying homage to some of the original techniques used in the show.”
International reach for an international show
Response to the show has been “outstanding”, says Pūkeko chief executive Clive Spink.
“It’s important we resonated not only with kids but with the fans.”
The UK premiere in April 2015 attracted almost 3 million viewers. In July 2015, New Zealand fans joined in the action and since then rights to the show have been sold to 40 countries. Including the US, France, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Turkey, Brazil, Japan, and Canada.
Sales of accompanying merchandise were also strong, particularly toys.
David Scott, series director, says: “One of the great advantages of doing the production here in Wellington is the close proximity to everything.”
Wellington’s scale means quick turnaround and a powerful talent pool
Once the production got the green light, 30 crew were hired in 30 days, a testament to Wellington’s ability to source top-notch talent to tight deadlines.
“We’ve got great incentives to work collaboratively [here in Wellington] and the scale of the industry means there’s a lot of CG talent to draw from. A lot of great educational institutions serve that, as well, and can help talented students cut their teeth on real productions,” says Theo.
Director David Scott is a great example of how Wellington experience can turn into an international career. He’s worked on ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy and many international commercials and feature films. Including ‘Legend of the Guardians’ and ‘Superman Returns’. He returned to Wellington to be Pūkeko’s series director for ‘Thunderbirds Are Go’.
“One of the great advantages of doing the production here in Wellington is the close proximity to everything,” he says.
“The studio where we do the animation is right next to the miniatures set. We’ve got Park Road Post over the road — it just shortcuts all the travel time you get in other cities.”
But it’s not all work.
“They’re also a lot of great people here in Wellington — the social side of things appeals to me,” says Theo, while David highlights “the drama of the scenery” and the “wonderful restaurants, great café culture and niche bars”.
Head writer Rob Hoegee sums it up nicely.
“I’m constantly amazed at what Pūkeko Pictures and Wētā Workshop were able to do on the series. There’s a proven talent base for film and TV production in Wellington and it’s now become a destination for creative people.”
The second series went to air in 2016 and the third in 2018.
Looking for more?
Dreams become reality for young Wellington animator
Charlie Faulks is a self-taught Wellington animator and has received $500,000 in funding to produce his own web series.
Screen siren – in front of and behind the camera
The lure of film has been strong since childhood for Awa Puna. Whether editing, directing, or acting it feeds her need to tell stories. One such story is showing at the 2024 Māoriland Film Festival.
Screen project launches producer onto international stage
Wellington’s Screen Accelerator Project is helping to open doors for screen practitioners.
Wellington celebrates creative screen talent
Wellington is living up to its coveted title as a UNESCO City of Film hosting a celebration of creative screen talent at the New Zealand Youth Film Festival awards.
Wellington impresses ‘After the Party’ producer
New Zealand’s latest drama ‘After The Party’ is the very first series leading Australian producer Helen Bowden has made in Wellington.
‘Lord of the Rings’ — creating the impossible
Sir Peter Jackson’s blockbuster trilogy ‘The Lord of the Rings’ put Wellington on the map as a major film-making destination.
The Hobbit — the middle of Middle-earth
With easy access to dramatic locations and home to world-leading special effects, and the acclaimed producer of the ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy, Peter Jackson. Where else would you make ‘The Hobbit’ trilogy but Wellington?
‘Avatar’ — a technological revolution
James Cameron’s film ‘Avatar’ — the highest-grossing of all time — was largely created in Wellington’s world-class facilities.
‘King Kong’: Where versatility is key
From 1930s New York to Skull Island, Wellington stood in for virtually every location in ‘King Kong’. The range and versatility of the region’s locations, plus the world-class special effects facilities made Wellington an ideal base for the production.
New Kiwi kids’ series a first for rainbow community
Supernatural comedy ‘Little Apocalypse’ is New Zealand’s first scripted children’s series by, for and about rainbow young people.
‘Wellington Paranormal’ transforms the capital
The New Zealand hit comedy series has used more than 100 locations in Wellington to bring its stories to life.
Apple TV+ debuts ‘Mr. Corman’
Apple TV+ debuted ‘Mr. Corman’ with studio A24 after spending many months filming the TV show right here in the Wellington region.
‘Avatar’ elevates former boatbuilder onto world stage
The release of the latest ‘Avatar’ movie has catapulted Matt Houghton’s skillset globally.
Kāpiti Coast flings doors open to ‘Poppy’
‘Poppy’ director and Kāpiti local Linda Niccol talks about filming her feature film project, and how the community opened its doors to the production team.