Living in middle earth - Production Weta Digital Employee Review

1.0
8 Oct 2016
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

1) Wellington offers nice scenic view; and it's a good place for: - people who enjoy outdoor activities - people with family (not so great for singles) - people who likes driving and short commute trips - people who'd like to get away from hectic city life 2) Weta offers relocation fees (people are nice and friendly on your first day of arrival) - Paid overtime (not easy to get approval though) - Provide fruits and vegetables in the kitchen - Because everyone IS a Contractor at weta, it's acceptable for people taking as many leave days, as and when desired. (They hardly say no cos that means they'll pay you more!) - Recruits people from onset background and with no vfx background (opportunity for people who like to switch to vfx)

Cons

1) Capped hours - not so flexible like the old days. Approval is needed for overtime hours (success rate is low and means lesser $$) 2) Contractor deal - no insurance, no sick leave, no public holidays. No work, no pay. 3) Be prepared that politics, conflicts and favouritism is very common. Departments, crew and sups; everything runs like a separate entity. Lot of competitions, conflicts and pushovers (and back mouthing too, need to watch your back) 4) Connection is key. Everyone is related to another some way or the other. Works well if you're related to someone inside. 5) Very poor systems and structure. Lot of struggles with old timers vs new hires. Strong reluctancy for change. 6) Living in dark - zero training and introduction to the company, 'system' and even the people. Lots of guessing to get your work done, (Feels like walking on eggshells at most times) Not a company that values loyalty and team work. Everyone is fighting to get a piece of bread. *important note for city life people* Wellington is a nice little Town, not a city. So pack and ship everything you need. It's hard to even get things commonly found in city places. Suggestion It's a nice place to be at if you like outdoor and a scenic environment otherwise, Work, get paid and get out.

Explore other reviews about Weta Digital

4.0
25 Jan 2022
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Weta is incredibly organized. They do some of the best work in the industry, and work on some of the most amazing projects in world history. Everyone is really friendly and professional, and great at what they do. They're very conscientious and make a concerted effort to treat their employees well. Generally, I was never overworked while at Weta.

Cons

It's nearly impossible to make any meaningful impact on this company without 1) years - even decades - at the company 2) working on site in Wellington (I was working remote). Practically speaking, nearly all wetafx employees are machine operators. While I honestly admire Weta, their organization, professionalism, culture, high standard, friendliness, etc. This was probably the least fulfilling position I've ever held at any vfx company. But that's likely because of my sorta 'overly-ambitious' personality, and the covid/remote circumstances.

4
3.0
1 Dec 2013
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

People are experienced pros on the whole. Tentpole projects. Paid for every hour you work with an OT rate for excessive hours. Usually high pay rates for overseas workers. Decent catering. Good parties.

Cons

Extremely short deadlines and mercurial decisions, leading to long hours for long periods of time and panic actions. Not a very cohesive company with each department having a different culture and questionable inter-departmental relations. Very little training and mentoring. Extreme pay differences between local and overseas workers. Supervisors seem to play favorites with work distribution and advancement. Poor pay increases, if any. Have had some poor on-screen credit classifications for outside clients. Weta Digital doesn't seem concerned about instilling loyalty or retaining personnel for the long haul. Recommend you work there for short-term projects and get out.

26
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