New Zealand visual effects company Weta FX is joining forces with the Taiwan Creative Content Agency, known as TAICCA, on an initiative aimed at establishing Taiwan as an Asian hub for AI-driven screen production. The company’s credits include the “The Lord of the Rings” and “Avatar” franchises.
The partners will formally introduce the initiative on Nov. 6 at Taiwan Creative Content Fest in Taipei. Their presentation is scheduled for the festival’s main stage immediately following its opening ceremony. Joint investment, AI research and development, and training new talent will form the partnership’s three areas of activity, with further details reserved for the launch.
TAICCA chair Sue Wang is due to attend alongside Weta FX CEO Daniel Seah, chief technology officer Kimball Thurston and visual effects supervisor Sheldon Stopsack. The collaboration is intended to connect Taiwan’s creative professionals and technologists with opportunities throughout the international screen industry.
The arrangement brings together Taiwan’s strengths in AI, advanced technology and creative talent with Weta FX’s visual effects expertise, international production experience and worldwide network. For Seah, who grew up in Taiwan, the agreement also has a personal connection. Weta FX has already been developing relationships on the island, including an appearance at the Taoyuan International Film & Technology Forum in August.
The initiative aligns with TAICCA’s broader work supporting the use of emerging technologies in content creation. Another example is the recently concluded TTXC Innovations market platform, which brought together creators, technology developers, investors, buyers and distributors to help cultural content and technology reach the market.
Established by Taiwan’s Ministry of Culture in 2019, TAICCA supports Taiwanese content through development, production, distribution and international marketing. Its remit spans film, television, animation, publishing, comics, music, gaming and performing arts. The agency uses investment, co-production arrangements, industry programs and overseas partnerships to support that work.
Weta FX operates from Wellington and also has offices in Vancouver and Melbourne. Its honors include eight visual effects Oscars, 17 Academy Science & Technology Awards, eight BAFTAs for special visual effects, 10 VES Awards in the photoreal feature category and five Emmys.
The studio’s most recent contribution to the “Avatar” series was “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” released in 2025. Its current production slate includes “The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum,” Marvel Studios’ “Avengers: Doomsday” and “Children of Blood and Bone.”
