About us
Founded by Richard Taylor and Tania Rodger in 1987, Wētā Workshop is an award-winning creative services company based in Wellington, New Zealand.
About us
Founded by Richard Taylor and Tania Rodger in 1987, Wētā Workshop is an award-winning creative services company based in Wellington, New Zealand.
For the love of making and creating
Wētā Workshop is one of the largest multidisciplinary creative service companies in the world. For nearly 40 years, we've brought our artistry to the world's creative industries, designing rich, believable worlds, pushing the boundaries of physical effects and creating meaningful experiences that continue to inspire visitors long after they've left the room.
Our 58,000 square-foot facility in Miramar, Wellington is home to a passionate team and a comprehensive range of departments: Design, Manufacture, Immersive Experiences, Consumer Products, Game Studio, Creative Media and Tourism. We take on projects of any size, scope or scale, from the earliest stages of creative development to manufacture and delivery anywhere in the world.
For the love of making and creating
Wētā Workshop is one of the largest multidisciplinary creative service companies in the world. For nearly 40 years, we've brought our artistry to the world's creative industries, designing rich, believable worlds, pushing the boundaries of physical effects and creating meaningful experiences that continue to inspire visitors long after they've left the room.
Our 58,000 square-foot facility in Miramar, Wellington is home to a passionate team and a comprehensive range of departments: Design, Manufacture, Immersive Experiences, Consumer Products, Game Studio, Creative Media and Tourism. We take on projects of any size, scope or scale, from the earliest stages of creative development to manufacture and delivery anywhere in the world.
Awards and achievements
We’re honoured to have been recognised with five Academy Awards, four BAFTA Awards, three Thea Awards and over 30 other national and international accolades.
Our story
Founded in 1987 as RT Effects by Richard Taylor and Tania Rodger, Wētā Workshop remains independently owned by its co-founders, who lead the company today alongside Co-CEO David Wilks. Wētā FX shares our founding story but operates entirely independently as a separate digital VFX company (think of us like cousins; you might even notice the family resemblance, as we often work on projects together).
Awards and achievements
We’re honoured to have been recognised with five Academy Awards, four BAFTA Awards, three Thea Awards and over 30 other national and international accolades.
Our story
Founded in 1987 as RT Effects by Richard Taylor and Tania Rodger, Wētā Workshop remains independently owned by its co-founders, who lead the company today alongside Co-CEO David Wilks. Wētā FX shares our founding story but operates entirely independently as a separate digital VFX company (think of us like cousins; you might even notice the family resemblance, as we often work on projects together).
RT Effects
Richard Taylor and Tania Rodger begin their creative journey from the back room of their Wellington flat.
Public Eye
The first big break: a weekly satirical puppet show that put Richard and Tania's work in front of the nation.
Wētā Workshop and Wētā Digital
Richard, Tania and friends and colleagues Peter Jackson and Jamie Selkirk join forces to establish a film and television effects company in New Zealand.
The Lord of the Rings trilogy
Over seven years, the Wētā companies help bring Peter Jackson's epic trilogy to the big screen.
Collectibles
Born from a deep love of The Lord of the Rings, we secured the licence to create high-end sculptural collectibles for the film trilogy. Our range has grown to span some of the world's most beloved IPs.
The Wētā Cave
The Wētā Cave opens in Miramar, welcoming visitors into a space that's equal parts retail and mini museum. Four years later, we introduce guided tours, bringing fans closer to our work than ever before.
Game Studio
We establish a new division dedicated to developing original game titles and providing conceptual design services for the video game industry.
A new chapter
Richard and Tania sell their shares in Wētā Digital to focus fully on Wētā Workshop.
Gallipoli: The Scale of Our War
A much-loved immersive experience, created in partnership with Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.
Wētā Workshop Unleashed
Our adventure into the heart of movie magic is unleashed in Auckland. Visitors step inside three fictional film worlds spanning sci-fi, horror and fantasy, and discover the art of practical effects.
Sole ownership
Richard and Tania take sole ownership of Wētā Workshop.
A quarter century
We celebrate 25 years since The Lord of the Rings changed everything. Today, our work spans design and manufacture, immersive experiences, collectibles, game development, tourism and beyond, with 40 years of Wētā Workshop just around the corner.
RT Effects
Richard Taylor and Tania Rodger begin their creative journey from the back room of their Wellington flat.
Public Eye
The first big break: a weekly satirical puppet show that put Richard and Tania's work in front of the nation.
Wētā Workshop and Wētā Digital
Richard, Tania and friends and colleagues Peter Jackson and Jamie Selkirk join forces to establish a film and television effects company in New Zealand.
The Lord of the Rings trilogy
Over seven years, the Wētā companies help bring Peter Jackson's epic trilogy to the big screen.
Collectibles
Born from a deep love of The Lord of the Rings, we secured the licence to create high-end sculptural collectibles for the film trilogy. Our range has grown to span some of the world's most beloved IPs.
The Wētā Cave
The Wētā Cave opens in Miramar, welcoming visitors into a space that's equal parts retail and mini museum. Four years later, we introduce guided tours, bringing fans closer to our work than ever before.
Game Studio
We establish a new division dedicated to developing original game titles and providing conceptual design services for the video game industry.
A new chapter
Richard and Tania sell their shares in Wētā Digital to focus fully on Wētā Workshop.
Gallipoli: The Scale of Our War
A much-loved immersive experience, created in partnership with Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.
Wētā Workshop Unleashed
Our adventure into the heart of movie magic is unleashed in Auckland. Visitors step inside three fictional film worlds spanning sci-fi, horror and fantasy, and discover the art of practical effects.
Sole ownership
Richard and Tania take sole ownership of Wētā Workshop.
A quarter century
We celebrate 25 years since The Lord of the Rings changed everything. Today, our work spans design and manufacture, immersive experiences, collectibles, game development, tourism and beyond, with 40 years of Wētā Workshop just around the corner.
Our leadership
Every extraordinary project begins with extraordinary people. Meet our leadership team who shape the culture and vision of Wētā Workshop.
Our sponsorships
We’re committed to inspiring positive change and championing creativity in our communities. Discover the organisations, events and initiatives we're proud to support.
Our leadership
Every extraordinary project begins with extraordinary people. Meet our leadership team who shape the culture and vision of Wētā Workshop.
Our sponsorships
We’re committed to inspiring positive change and championing creativity in our communities. Discover the organisations, events and initiatives we're proud to support.
“We are a team united in our mission to inspire and delight, empowered by dynamic creators, craftspeople, technicians, leaders, managers, and facilitators who make it all possible.”
Richard Taylor, Wētā Workshop Co-founder
“We are a team united in our mission to inspire and delight, empowered by dynamic creators, craftspeople, technicians, leaders, managers, and facilitators who make it all possible.”
Richard Taylor, Wētā Workshop Co-founder
Trusted by industry-leading companies around the globe
Trusted by industry-leading companies around the world
