A New Zealand film director, he began his career in visual effects and storyboarding, notably collaborating with Peter Jackson. He gained recognition for his work on "The Lord of the Rings" and "King Kong," earning an Academy Award for the latter. Transitioning to directing, he made his feature debut with "Mortal Engines" in 2018. His expertise in visual storytelling and long-standing industry connections have established him as a notable figure in the realm of fantasy and adventure cinema.