But seriously, why not build in Miramar our own version of the Universal Studios Tour, starring King Kong, Gollum, the Nav’i, Dambusters (eventually) etc.?

It’s so astonishing what’s happening there, but I think in true Kiwi tall poppy fashion we’re starting to take Peter Jackson and co. for granted.

A decade or so ago he made the spoof Forgotten Silver which pretended that a whole bunch of cinematic innovations were the brainchildren of a New Zealander filmmaker. Ten or so years later that’s no longer a fantastic idea thanks to the same director.

We are the creative capital, so let’s put those creations to work earning more tourist dollars for the city. Surely we could have a more swept-up celebration of Wellywood than the tiny Weta Cave?

Fascinating link, thanks for posting. Apparently, in NZ, if you want to put a sign using your own money on your own property, you have to ask permission. Not only that, somebody has to sit down and write a 20 page document on it recommending, among other things, you consult with the NZ Historic Places Trust. Words cannot express the uselessness…

How the f*** does anything ever get done in this country?

HURRICANS oops HURRICANTS

I’m genuinely sad to read that, David.

I support the idea, not because I like the sign (I don’t), but because it will be shining proof that in New Zealand we still have the right to expression that offends the sensibilities of some people.

I say: go the sign!

Apparently the Los Angeles people have a copyright on the staggered lettering format as a trademark, not the word HOLLYWOOD itself. The whole WELLYWOOD thing would legally be an obvious pip-off because it makes no sense without reference to the original.

But that too would be subject to copyright violation proceedings from Jackson Hole Wyoming.

I agree wholeheartedly DPF – a truly appalling idea.

Expat, take your filthy mind and leave the country. Oh wait, you already have.

Oooh, Was that an I?!

Speaking of filthy minds

Rich Prick (261) Says:
March 10th, 2010 at 11:58 pm

Anal bleaching clinics will be next. We just don’t need it. Or that sign.

However, I fail to see how it can breach copyright. The trademark should be for “Hollywood”, right? They shouldn’t be able trademark the appending of “wood” to a word. As for using the same font, it should’ve entered the public domain by now. Lawyers help me out. I never studied the actual copyright laws in-depth, just how they should be used if applying economic principles to the law.

It’s harmless fun.

Get a grip.

Heh, I’d rather have the Pillars of Argonath that thekiwifish mentioned and I’m not a Tolkien fan, although I think we can still do better than that. Hell, do a design competition and see what the students come up with. It’d probably be more aspirational and representative of Wellington’s creativity, and hopefully less derivative than a “Wellywood” sign.

witless felching of Hollywood?

Expat, take your filthy mind and leave the country. Oh wait, you already have.