Peter Jackson
Early Life
Peter Robert Jackson was born on October 31, 1961, in Pukerua Bay, New Zealand. His parents, William and Joan Jackson, were both immigrants from England. Jackson's interest in film began in childhood, when he would make short films with his friends using his parents' Super 8 camera. After leaving school, Jackson began working as a photo-engraver at a newspaper company in WellingtonWellington, New Zealand.
Career
Early Career
Jackson's first feature film, "Bad Taste", was a low-budget horror-comedy that he wrote, directed, and starred in. The film was released in 1987 and gained a cult following. This was followed by "Meet the Feebles" in 1989 and "Braindead" in 1992, both of which were also horror-comedies.
Breakthrough
Jackson's breakthrough came in 1994 with the release of "Heavenly Creatures". The film, based on the notorious Parker-Hulme murder case in New Zealand, was critically acclaimed and launched the career of actress Kate Winslet. This success led to Jackson directing the 1996 film "The Frighteners", starring Michael J. Fox.
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
Jackson is perhaps best known for directing "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, based on the novels by J.R.R. Tolkien. The trilogy, consisting of "The Fellowship of the Ring" (2001), "The Two Towers" (2002), and "The Return of the King" (2003), was a massive commercial and critical success. "The Return of the King" won 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Jackson.
Post-Lord of the Rings Work
After the success of "The Lord of the Rings", Jackson directed a remake of "King Kong" in 2005, which was also a commercial success. He then returned to the world of Tolkien with "The Hobbit" trilogy, released between 2012 and 2014. Jackson has also produced a number of films, including "District 9" and "The Adventures of Tintin".
Personal Life
Jackson has been married to Fran Walsh since 1987. Walsh is a screenwriter and producer, and has collaborated with Jackson on many of his films. They have two children, Billy and Katie. Jackson is known for his love of aviation and owns a collection of World War I aircraft.
Legacy
Peter Jackson's impact on the film industry is significant. His work on "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy in particular has been hailed as a landmark in cinematic history. His use of groundbreaking special effects technology, combined with his ability to bring complex fantasy worlds to life on screen, has influenced a generation of filmmakers.