Peter Jackson has gone from shy fanboy to master of his craft; from Pukerua Bay to Wellywood. With six journeys into Middle-earth now behind him, he has few peers in the realm of large scale filmmaking. Led by early 'behind the scenes' docos this collection pays tribute to PJ's journey, from re-making King Kong in his backyard to err ... re-making King Kong in his backyard. 

In this installment of Sticky Pictures' award-winning art series, the show visits the idiosyncratic Matthew Squire of Levin — whose emergence as a painter in the wake of a life-changing accident is retold with poignant wit. Back in Wellington, Kerry Ann-Lee explains the influence of her Chinese heritage and hardcore-punk on her prolific run of 'zines' and collage-based work. Finally, conceptual artist Gill Gatfield prepares for an exhibition of sculptures using materials as varied as grass, electrified wire and disposable nappies.

In this one-off documentary Te Radar takes his roving reporter skills to Takaka, and immerses himself in the groovy world of The Gathering. The New Year's dance music festival ran from 1996 to 2002. Radar proves the master of the quote, whether chatting to 'Lords of the Ping', electronic act Pitch Black or avoiding immolation from fire poi enthusiasts ("who doesn't love a fire poi", he says grimly). Watch out for Black Seed Bret McKenzie, laidback DJ star John Digweed and the earnest 'Jesus Food' crew, whose free dosh proves a bit too popular for rival food stalls.

After a legal skirmish with ex drummer Shelton Woolright over rights to the Blindspott name ended in stalemate, the reformed members of New Zealand’s alt-metal institution opted to continue as Blacklistt. For ‘Burn’, the third promo from the band's 2013 self-titled album, London-based expat director Anthony Plant (By Your Side) transforms the brutal combat of Thai kickboxing into a slow motion ballet. “This clip was made to really showcase the beauty and peace of Muay Thai,” he explained. “...despite it being an aggressive sport there is a real spirituality that surrounds it.”

Formed in 2002 from members of DSM, Evil Priest, Malcontent and numerous other stalwarts of the Auckland hardcore-punk scene, The Bleeders quickly built a fanbase with a polished and pop-friendly take on the then-ascendant ‘post-hardcore’ sound. After numerous international support slots and EPs on the ElevenfiftySeven label, they signed with Universal, releasing two full length albums (As Sweet As Sin and Bleeders) in as many years, before disbanding after a US tour with Alexisonfire in 2009. There have been occasional reunion shows, while members have gone on to play in Cobra Kahn and Leeches.  

Comprised of veteran players from Auckland’s punk scene, The Bleeders quickly made a name for themselves with their polished take on the then-nascent ‘post-hardcore’ sound of the early 2000s. ‘Out of Time’, a tribute to friends of the band who were killed in a car accident, was their first single for Universal. The accompanying video has singer Angelo Munro stalking the tunnels and ramps of an inner-city skate park before joining an entourage of friends, fans and hangers-on for the song’s anthemic chorus — and a poignant gesture to the heavens. 

Emerging in the late 80s as a genre-bending live act, Hallelujah Picassos blended indie rock, ska, hardcore punk and hip-hop. They originated in Auckland, where an industrial gig in a cafe led a barista to introduce himself to the guitarist. The combination of Roland Rorschach and Peter McLennan was soon coupled with Bobbylon and Johnnie Pain. They released two studio albums, Hateman in Love and Drinking with Judas, then, after major membership changes, called it quits in 1996. The Picassos reunited in 2011, releasing a compilation of hits, and followed it up a year later with covers album Picasso Core Jukebox.