A call from Sir Peter Jackson

Hello folks, Yes, you read it right: I was part of a group of volunteers helping Peter Jackson (LOTR and the Hobbit, anyone?) create an enormous diorama of the battle of Chnuk Bair (part of the 1915 Gallipoli campaign). An entire museum is dedicated to WWI : with a substantial contribution from Sir Peter Jackson. The New Zealand room features a diorama of 54mm figures: 5,000 soldiers, Turks and Kiwis (a few Brits as well), assembled. painted by volunteers throughout New Zealand between February and April 2015. I was happy to paint 50 Turkish soldiers, mostly charging poses (see pictures below): One of the volunteer coordinators, Roly, had the surprise of a custom made figure in his image! Guess who that might be? As you can see, the minis were designed and sculpted by non other than the famous Perry Bros, who came over to work with us Wellington volunteers on the figures and diorama setup at Weta Studios. We had a few nice chats, meals and drinks in typical relaxed Kiwi atmosphere. Peter Jackson himself spent a few hours with us, what a treat!