Oscar nominee Kim Sinclair says there more to Avatar than digital effects

WELLINGTON - Kim Sinclair, the Kiwi art director of Avatar, says there is more to the flick than just digital effects.

Sinclair, who has earned an Oscar nomination for the film, said it was not easy to make the movie, as everything had to be designed afresh.

“We were building and designing everything in an entire world, every little item,” the NZ Herald quoted him, as saying.

He continued: “Not only was the architecture built, but the food, packaging, knives, forks, spoons and vending machines were all designed.”

“It was certainly the most complicated and most technologically advanced film very, very complex.

“We had 13 electricians working full time, wiring up lights. We had three kilometres of fluorescent light tubes.”

Sinclair, the art director for Wellington’s film sets, pointed out it was the first time a Hollywood film had come to New Zealand without any interest in the country’s scenery.

He said: “Traditionally they come for the location. But Avatar had no location - it was purely for the expertise.”

Talking about helmer James Cameron, Sinclair said: “He was really delighted with the set and told us. Most directors don’t bother doing that.”

Since Cameron liked glossy black vinyl flooring in the alien world, the crew had had to work some long nights replacing their original choice, Sinclair revealed.

Sinclair, one of three listed on Avatar’s nomination for art direction, will attend the Academy Awards ceremony next month.

He said: “I like to be behind the cameras I’m a typical Kiwi bloke. I think it will blow over. I hope so.” (ANI)