Presentations

The 8 following schools made presentations to Richard Taylor on a theme related to the special effects used in The Lord of the Rings film trilogy:

• Turakina Maori Girls' College (Marton)
• Rotorua Lakes High (Rotorua)
• John Paul College (Rotorua)
• Rotorua Girls High (Rotorua)
• Mount Aspiring College (Wanaka)
• Te Waha o Rerekohu Area School (Gisborne)
• Te Wharekura o Rakaumanga (Huntly)
• Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Mana Tamariki (Palmerston North)

The three themes were Things are not always what they seem, Fearsome Creatures, and Career Paths.

Things are not always what they seem

This theme was undertaken by:

• Te Wharekura o Rakaumanga
• Te Waha O Rerekohu Area School

Suggested activities:

Scaling
Use the videoconference equipment to demonstrate how to achieve scaling using camera angles, placement of props and actors, and different sized props.

Te Papa teachers' guide: scaling activity

Props
This activity will show students how to create a prop that looks real for close-up shots, can withstand rough handling, and is light, safe, and easy to use.

Te Papa teachers' guide: Props x 3

Interview with Nick Williams (Rock and Foam Department Supervisor) Select Features and scroll down to interviews.

Watch the "Arms and Armour" video and learn all about techniques used while creating armour and weapons. Select Video and scroll down to Arms and Armour section.

Te Papa teachers' guide: Surfaces and substances

Miniatures
Create a miniature of a scene and set up a pre-shot that makes it look as real as possible.

Te Papa teachers' guide: Location, location!

The Lord of the Rings: Miniatures
Select Minatures from top production navigation.

Wear and tear
Make new props look old and worn and able to withstand constant use.

Te Papa teachers' guide: Wear and tear

Fearsome creatures

This theme was undertaken by:

• Turakina Maori Girl's College
• Mount Aspiring College
• Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Mana Tamariki

Create an initial drawing or model of a fearsome creature that could be used by Richard Taylor for the next The Lord of the Rings movie.

Watch this exclusive behind-the-scenes video that features Middle-earth creatures, and interviews with Richard Taylor and the cast.

Te Papa teachers' guide: Making a character memorable

The Lord of the Rings: Character profiles

Career path

This theme was undertaken by:

• Rotorua Lakes High
• John Paul College
• Rotorua Girls High

Compose questions for Richard Taylor concerning his career path, and what things you should consider when thinking about a career in special effects or film.