In 2002, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring brought audiences to the epic world of Middle-earth, igniting a cultural phenomenon and setting a new standard for cinematic storytelling. For many, it was a defining moment in the history of film. For me, it was not just a moment—it was a life-changing event. Growing up in the UK during the 1980s, I was deeply immersed in the worlds of fantasy, sci-fi, and adventure. Movies, comic books, and tabletop games like Dungeons & Dragons shaped my imagination and gave me an escape from my tough childhood reality. Ralph Bakshi’s animated Lord of the Rings film had a profound impact on me, planting the seeds of an idea that I never thought would become a reality—Middle-earth could be more than just a dream. As a young boy, I could never have imagined that one day I would live in New Zealand—the very land where Middle-earth came to life. But here I am, living in Aotearoa, a place where the magic of that fictional world continues to resonate, and where the stories of extraordinary people are part of the fabric of the land. It was this connection to the magic of storytelling and creativity that led The Wild Side News Team to Wētā Workshop, the birthplace of The Lord of the Rings trilogy’s groundbreaking visual effects, as well as countless other cinematic masterpieces. When we were invited to visit Wētā Workshop, it felt like a dream come true. What began as a chance to meet with Richard Taylor, Wētā’s Workshop's Co-Founder, CEO, and Creative Director, to hear his philosophy on living an extraordinary life, soon became far more than I ever expected. I had no idea that this encounter would ignite a transformative journey, leading me to an unforgettable interview with one of the greatest creative minds of our time. Upon arrival at Wētā Workshop, we were led into the boardroom—a space filled with the essence of creativity, innovation, and decades of award-winning work. Surrounded by Wētā Workshop's history and achievements, it was clear that we were in the presence of something truly exceptional. Then, the door opened, and Richard Taylor walked in, beaming with energy and enthusiasm. With his signature radiant smile, he raised his hands and proclaimed, “Serendipity!” In that instant, I knew this was no ordinary meeting. It was the beginning of something profound—something that would lead me down a path I had never expected. Richard’s warmth, generosity, and passion immediately made us feel like long-time friends. He invited me to walk with him down the hallway to his office, and I assumed we were heading there for a casual conversation. But as we arrived, I was in for a surprise. The office had been fully prepared for a professional shoot. Cameras, lights, microphones—everything was in place. Richard grinned and said, “Let’s film this, shall we?” What was supposed to be a brief meeting turned into an in-depth, impromptu interview. The spontaneity of the moment made it feel even more magical, as if the universe had conspired to make this moment happen. That single day of filming sparked a seven-year journey of dedication, hard work, and passion. The interview was only the beginning. Every aspect of the project—from the editing and animation to the music and sound design—was meticulously crafted to bring the vision to life. It was a labor of love, driven by a commitment to honouring Richard’s legacy and the creative brilliance of Wētā Workshop. Journey to the Heart of Imagination grew into something far beyond my initial vision. It gained the full endorsement of some of the most iconic figures and organisations in the creative world, making it a truly collaborative effort that celebrates the spirit of imagination. This extraordinary project is officially supported by: Ridley Scott and Scott Free Productions: Sharing a special message and granting us permission to include Ridley’s first film, Boy and Bicycle. The Ray & Diana Harryhausen Foundation: Allowing us access to their archives and rare photographs, along with heartfelt messages. John Wagner, creator of Judge Dredd, who shared a personal message for Richard. Matt Smith, Editor-in-Chief of Rebellion Publishing and 2000AD Comics. Vanessa Harryhausen, daughter of Ray Harryhausen, providing rare insights and tributes. Andrew Clement, guardian of the Dick Smith legacy, sharing invaluable photos and stories about the godfather of movie makeup. Owen Williams, writer for Empire magazine, who offered a glowing review of the project. Contributors from the original Point Break movie, including Peter Iliff, Bojesse Christopher, Steve Rahm, and Jeff Jones, who shared their perspectives and stories. Life wisdom from: Ted Barba, BJ Worth, Gray Horsfield, Jeff Wolfe, Jeff Most, and Steve De Jarnatt and many more. The Southward Car Museum, who generously provided a Dodge Viper RT/10 supercar to feature during our time in Wellington. GCH Aviation, who provided a helicopter, lifting our adventure both literally and figuratively. Wharekauhau Luxury Lodge, who hosted us as their guests, providing unparalleled luxury and hospitality. Each of these remarkable supporters contributed their unique perspective and expertise, turning this project into a true celebration of creativity, imagination, and resilience. Reflecting on the journey, it becomes clear that Journey to the Heart of Imagination is more than just an interview. It is a tribute to the power of storytelling, the bonds formed through shared creativity, and the pursuit of a life filled with purpose and passion. It’s a journey of discovery—both about what it takes to live an extraordinary life and the profound impact that imagination can have on the world. Now, we invite you to join us on this unforgettable journey. Watch Journey to the Heart of Imagination and be inspired by Richard Taylor’s words to dream bigger, to imagine more, and to embrace the magic of serendipity. Best Wishes Jason A. Ford Producer - The Wild Side Profile Series.