Wearing elf ears and wizard hats, an estimated 100,000 fans waited patiently to greet their favourite stars including Cate Blanchett and Elijah Woods, who have both reprised their roles from Lord of the Rings.
Mojo Barriers worked with clients director Sir Peter Jackson's production company, 3 Foot 7 and Wellington City Council to install over 600m of barrier along the entire length of the red carpet which lined the city streets.
The barriers allowed fans to view and talk to the celebrities in complete safety as they made their way to the Embassy Theatre where the premiere took place. The carefully-designed configuration featured access gates to allow cast and crew cross over locations and a media pit. Curb jumpers and flexi panels were used to ensure the barrier system remained stable.
Robert Barclay, Mojo Barrier's New Zealand distributor, comments: "It's been nine years since the red carpet was rolled out to host the premiere of the Fellowship of the Rings which was held in the same streets. Mojo was a supplier then and we're delighted to be back again this year helping to keep the audience, stars and crew safe. It is vital at film premieres to create a secure environment but one that still allows intimacy for the public as well as enough room for the global press contingent for interviews and filming."
The 16-strong crew worked to strict timelines, building the entire configuration overnight starting at 9pm and ending at 6am, with just three hours to remove the entire system whilst the film was on.
The premiere marks a continued commitment from Mojo Barriers to the Australasian continent, after opening an official Australian office in Sydney last month.
(Claire Beeson)
