Weta Digital continued visual-effects work on Avatar: Fire and Ash in Wellington during the film’s pandemic pause.
Wellington, New Zealand, has long been a major production base for the Avatar series. Weta Digital—now known as Wētā FX—was one of the key visual-effects companies working on Cameron’s sequels, while live-action production was divided between New Zealand and California.
When COVID-19 restrictions halted or delayed parts of filming in 2020, not every part of the project stopped. Visual-effects work could continue through the studio’s digital workflow while the production dealt with closed borders, travel restrictions and safety requirements. The Wellington connection is therefore more specific than simply saying “New Zealand.”
The city is also associated with Stone Street Studios and other major New Zealand film facilities. A common mix-up is choosing Los Angeles, where Cameron’s team also worked, or Auckland, another prominent New Zealand city; the Weta Digital operation tied to the question was based in Wellington.