Residency and internship opportunities for WOW designers

Wētā Workshop Emerging Designer Award

Wētā Workshop is a New Zealand-based special effects and prop company known for its work in the film, television, and entertainment industries. It was founded in 1987 by Richard Taylor and Tania Rodger and is located in Wellington, New Zealand. They are internationally renowned for their intricate prop and costume designs. They have created iconic weapons, armour, creatures, and various other objects for movies and television shows. They combine traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge techniques to bring fantastical creatures, characters, and worlds to life.

Wētā Workshop has gained international recognition for its contributions to the film and television industry. They have worked on numerous blockbuster movies, including "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, "The Hobbit" trilogy, "King Kong," "Avatar," "District 9," and "Blade Runner 2049," among others. They are known for their expertise in creature design, prosthetics, costumes, props, and practical special effects. Weta Workshop's exceptional work has been recognised with numerous awards, including multiple Academy Awards for Best Makeup and Best Visual Effects. They have also received accolades from the Visual Effects Society, BAFTA Awards, and Saturn Awards, among others.

The winner of the Wētā Workshop Emerging Designer Award is chosen by Sir Richard Taylor, CEO and Creative Director of Wētā Workshop, from across all sections of the competition.

The winner will gain rare insights into the creative process and offer a glimpse into the world of film and special effects. The winner will have the unique opportunity to spend time behind-the-scenes at Wētā Workshop, and receives NZD6,000, flights from anywhere in the world plus accommodation in Wellington for up to four weeks.

Past internships and experiences for WOW Designers:

WOW partnered with global entertainment company Cirque du Soleil which provided career-changing for World of WearableArt designers. The links between the two organisations are obvious: theatrical magnificence, superb, cutting-edge design for the human body, and a commitment to excellence in marrying the two.

Over this time, three designers won the Cirque du Soleil Invited Artisan Award and have undertaken a four-week residency at Cirque du Soleil’s international headquarters in Montreal. Designers who won the Award had the unique opportunity to gain insights into another creative world and also share their own creative ideas and projects with the Cirque du Soleil team.  

The 2017 recipient, Adam McAlavey (United Kingdom), says his experience was “game-changing”.

“More than anything I was bowled over by the people. Everyone was so generous and passionate. Being in such an open and sharing environment helped me realise just how much is possible when creatives collaborate.”

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