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Newcastle United star struck at WETA Workshop

Newcastle United in New Zealand

While New Zealand football fans are going wild for English Premier League side Newcastle United – visiting New Zealand for the Football United Tour – members of the team were left with stars in their eyes in Wellington

Players and team management where treated to New Zealand movie magic with an exclusive tour of parts of Sir Peter Jackson’s film empire in the Wellington suburb of Miramar.

The team, including Rob Elliott, Samuel Ameobi, Ryan Taylor and Haris Vuckic, played around with larger than life trolls standing guard outside Weta Cave and had a hands-on experience of swords, guns and other The Lord of the Rings, and The Hobbit Trilogies film memorabilia.

The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies fan, Samuel Ameobi was keen to put himself right in the picture, dressing up as the legendary Wizard Gandalf, complete with hat and staff.

Inside Weta Workshop, players and managers were fascinated by the creative genius and expertise of the artists as they posed questions and tinkered with movie props from the likes of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, King Kong, District 9, The Hobbit Trilogy and The Chronicles of Narnia.

Weta Workshop – the latest addition to the expanding Weta compound – gives visitors an insider look at the making of costumes and props featured in the award-winning movies. Lucky visitors may even catch a glimpse of the creative minds in action through windows into the real work rooms.

After the Workshop tour, Newcastle’s Samuel Ameobi spoke of his joy of being able to visit the attraction and New Zealand.

“Weta Cave was amazing,” the winger said. “I never thought I’d have the opportunity to go and see something like that. All the intricacy that goes into films these days is crazy.

“When I heard we were coming to New Zealand I was really excited. I’m a massive Lord of the Rings fan but I also couldn’t wait to see the landscapes from the films.”

Newcastle goalkeeper Rob Elliot was equally impressed.

“The Cave was really good. I’m a big Lord of the Rings fan; actually I’m a bit of a geek – like Sammy [Ameobi]. When I heard we were coming to New Zealand I got really excited because of Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. It was fantastic to get an inside look on how they make things for films, to actually see things that you don’t even think about.”

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