Peter Jackson: New Zealand Filmmaker
Biography
Full Name: Sir Peter Robert Jackson
Date of Birth: October 31, 1961
Place of Birth: Pukerua Bay, Wellington, New Zealand
Nationality: New Zealander (Kiwi)
Profession: Film director, screenwriter, film producer
Years Active: 1976–present
Height: 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm)
Education
Schooling: Attended Kapiti College in New Zealand
College/University: Did not attend university; self-taught filmmaker
Early Interests:
Started making short films at a young age using a Super 8 camera
Inspired by King Kong (1933) as a child
Family
Father: William Jackson (Wages clerk)
Mother: Joan Jackson (Factory worker)
Spouse: Fran Walsh (film producer, screenwriter, lyricist)
Children: 2 (including daughter Katie Jackson, who has appeared in cameo roles)
Residence: New Zealand
Notable Fact: Works closely with his partner Fran Walsh on all his major films
Career Highlights
Peter Jackson is one of the most successful and visionary filmmakers in cinema history, especially known for epic fantasy and groundbreaking visuals.
Early Films:
Bad Taste (1987) – Cult sci-fi/horror comedy
Meet the Feebles (1989)
Braindead (Dead Alive, 1992) – Gory comedy horror
Heavenly Creatures (1994) – Critically acclaimed, Oscar-nominated screenplay
Breakthrough:
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
The Two Towers (2002)
The Return of the King (2003)
Epic adaptations of JRR Tolkien's work
Huge critical and commercial success; 17 Oscars won across the trilogy
Other Major Works:
King Kong (2005) – Big-budget remake
The Lovely Bones (2009)
The Hobbit Trilogy (2012–2014)
Prequel series to LOTR
They Shall Not Grow Old (2018) – WWI documentary using restored historical footage
The Beatles: Get Back (2021) – Emmy-winning music documentary miniseries
Style & Impact:
Known for creating epic-scale films with emotional depth
Innovated in special effects through his company Weta Digital
Net Worth
Estimated Net Worth (2024): $1.5 billion
Sources:
Film directing, producing
Sale of Weta Digital's VFX tech division to Unity Technologies (~$1.6 billion deal in 2021)
Royalties from LOTR and Hobbit merchandise, home media, and licensing
Awards & Honours
Academy Awards (Oscars):
The Return of the King (2004):
Best Director
Best Picture
Best Adapted Screenplay
Golden Globe Awards:
Won: Best Director (The Return of the King)
BAFTA Awards:
Multiple wins and nominations
Primetime Emmy Awards:
The Beatles: Get Back – Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series
Honours:
Knighted in New Zealand in 2010 – Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit
Hollywood Walk of Fame star (2014)
Summary
Peter Jackson
transformed fantasy cinema forever with his masterful adaptation of The Lord of the Rings. A self-taught filmmaker from New Zealand, he rose from making cult splatter films to directing one of the most successful trilogies in history. With a billion-dollar net worth and an enduring influence on epic storytelling and digital effects, he remains one of the most respected directors in the world.
