WingNut Films


WingNut Films is a New Zealand production company based in Wellington, New Zealand. It is notable for producing and collaborates predominantly with filmmaker Peter Jackson. WingNut Films also has produced at Pinewood Studios in England.

History

WingNut Films has been involved in nearly all of Jackson's work, but only became incorporated in March 2003. WingNut Films was involved on the 2001-03 film series Lord of the Rings. The third film in the series received 11 Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director. WingNut Films became involved in The Hobbit after director Guillermo del Toro left the project.

Films

Jackson's 1992 comedy horror film Braindead was subject to a lawsuit: In Bradley v WingNut Films Ltd 1 NZLR 415, it was alleged that Braindead had infringed the privacy of the plaintiffs by containing pictures of the plaintiff's family tombstone. After reviewing the New Zealand judicial authorities on privacy, Gallen J stated: "the present situation in New Zealand... is that there are three strong statements in the High Court in favour of the existence of such a tort in this country and an acceptance by the Court of Appeal that the concept is at least arguable." This case became one of a series of cases which contributed to the introduction of tort invasions of privacy in New Zealand.