Jackson named as a 'Modern Master' of film

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Peter Jackson is going to need a very large suitcase after adding another award to his already large haul. Jackson picked up the Modern Master Award - along with a stuffed kiwi - at the Santa Barbara Film Festival over the weekend.

The award honoured the NZ director's body of work, including the Lord of the Rings trilogy. He recently picked up the directing award for 'The Return of the King' at the Golden Globes, and has been nominated in the category at the Oscars, to be awarded early next month (NZ time).

Jackson entertained a sold-out crowd at the Arlington Theatre with stories about working alongside the cast on the epic films.

He recalled contending with the formidable Ian McKellan, who plays the wizard Gandalf. At one point, McKellan wanted to know why, in Return of the King, he was doing hand-to-hand combat with orcs.

"He said, 'Why am I hitting these people, and not just blasting them with my staff?'," Jackson said. "I told him 'The batteries have run out.' He just looked at me and said 'Right, then'."

Festival Director, Roger Durling said "When I first came on board, I was asked who would be my choice for Modern Master. I could think of only one name that perfectly exemplified a Modern Master and that is Peter Jackson. My dream has come true. Christmas has arrived for me!"

Jackson's wife Fran Walsh and fellow co-producer Philippa Boyens were due to appear on a discussion panel at the film festival talking about script writing.