Kotaku: Weta

Get A Closer Look At WETA's Warthog

Luke Plunkett — Tue, 06 May 2008 01:00:00 MDT

The rate things are going, they may never make a Halo movie. So that short Neil Blomkamp put together last year may be as close as you get. And these shots of the Warthog used in that short may be as close as you get to it. Built by WETA, the guys behind the special effects for Lord of the Rings, it's crazy the amount of detail that went into a vehicle built not for a movie, or even a trailer, but a cheap concept pitch. Plenty of pics at the link below.
Close Up: Weta's Warthog (Part 1) [NZGamer]

Peter Jackson Still Fighting For Halo Movie

Mark Wilson — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 13:20:02 MDT

We already told you that Halo was "entirely dead." But even after losing major partners Fox and Universal, Microsoft and Peter Jackson aren't ready to give up. According to Variety, Jackson has his highly-regarded co-founded studios Weta Digital and Weta Workshop knee-deep in preproduction. You may know them from Lord of the Rings or King Kong. Chances are that Weta's creative assets will make for one hell of a sales pitch, and besides, making a Halo movie with massive amounts of talent* seems like a no-brainer. Shouldn't Hollywood be excited? They're the ones blaming Halo for their lot in life.

*We all know I'm not a LoTR fan, but I absolutely loved Heavenly Creatures.

Halo film hope flickers [play]

Second Live Action Halo Short

Mike Fahey — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 08:30:40 MDT

Mmm, live action Warthog. It looks even more like a puma in real life. GamerSyde has put up this cam footage of the second live action Halo short by Neill Blomkamp and Weta on YouTube, and...well here it is. Not the best quality, but you get the idea. In case you missed the first clip, Arms Race, I've added it after the jump for your viewing pleasure.

Weta Warthog Suspended

Mike Fahey — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 09:40:23 MDT

Last month Bungie showed off Weta Workshop's fully functioning Warthog to Halo fans, making them gaze upon their Jeep Cherokees in utter disgust at the lack of weapon hard points. Now the Weta Holics has posted photos of the Warthog doing its impression of fans' pants when they first caught eye of it, complete with raised suspension and armored marine manning the chain gun in back. Exactly what happens to me when I get excited.

Warthog Suspended! [Weta Holics - Thanks Zeouterlimits!]

WETA Made A Warthog

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 18:20:48 MDT

The gang at New Zealand's WETA Workshop built this "fully-functioning, four-wheel steering, powerful, off-road vehicle with a machine gun on the back" for filming those Halo short films, one of which was seen in part at the Microsoft E3 2007 press conference. While that may have resulted in a few furrowed brows and stink-eyed looks, I can't imagine this sweet ride not ultimately leading to some strained zippers in the pants of the Halo fanbase.

Bungie Weekly Update: 7/20/07 [Bungie]

It's Not Microsoft that Halo Movie Studio Loves, But Nintendo

Brian Ashcraft — Fri, 28 Jul 2006 05:22:23 MDT

New Zealand effects company and production studio Weta Workshop brought us optical magic for Xena and Lord of the Rings, and it is working on Peter Jackson's Halo film. The workshop commissioned a large public sculpture in downtown Wellington called "Tripod" to celebrate the Kiwi film industry. Seems innocuous enough, but up close, the statue reveals the truth: Halo or not, Weta are hardcore Ninty fanboys. Hit the jump for the picture proof and just wait for a pic of Peter Jackson's "secret" Mario ass tatt to surface. Brian Ashcraft

More Here [NZ Gamer] Thanks, Steve!

AICN Gently Swats Denzel Master Chief Rumors

Michael McWhertor — Sat, 15 Jul 2006 19:48:08 MDT

You've heard the talk, right? That Mr. Denzel Washington might be portraying enigmatic space motocrosser soldier Master Chief in the movie adaptation of Halo? Well, it seems that that particular casting rumor is going to live about as long as a dozen glazed donuts in Harry Knowles basement apartment.

Turns out that Denzel was down under to visit effects house Weta Workshops for a different film, not the Peter Jackson produced video game flick. Australian contributor Latauro had this (and more) to say about the validity of Washington's turn as the Halo green machine

I should point out that I don't have any definitive proof that Washington won't be in HALO, but I do know the following points: (a) I spoke to someone who saw first-hand Washington hanging out with Richard Taylor at the Park Road post-production facilities; (b) the Weta design team doesn't have much to do on HALO at the moment because Bungie is in control of the design elements; and (c) point b is important because the Master Chief will not be removing his helmet at any point during the film.

And what would be the point of paying Denzel his surely high rate for what would essentially be voice over work? Check out Ain't It Cool News for further details. Michael McWhertor

AICN-DOWNUNDER: Halo, Thank You For Smoking, and lots of baseless rumours!! [AICN]
The Master Chief is... Denzel? [Kotaku]