Wellington feature in Jackson's next movie

Some of Peter Jackson's next film The Lovely Bones will probably be shot in Wellington, Oscar-winning screenwriter Philippa Boyens says.

The novel, written by American Alice Sebold, is set in Norristown, a town near Philadelphia. Though decisions still had to be made on where the film would be shot, Boyens said some of the filming would probably be in Wellington.

"Peter loves filming here and he has incredible facilities so I assume some of it will be here (but) it is quite an American story," she said.

Jackson confirmed last month that the adaptation of the novel would be his next project.

He will begin working on the script with partner Fran Walsh and Boyens early next year, after King Kong is complete.

Sebold said she had not seen Jackson's The Lord of the Rings trilogy as she was not a big movie fan.

However, by accident she saw his 1994 film Heavenly Creatures on video.

"When I saw that film it made me feel good about them doing it," she said from California.

"They get into that weird, creepy land of the unconscious in a way that's exciting."

Boyens said that when she read the book she thought it should be Jackson's and Walsh's next film. She was considering visiting the United States to get a feel for what might work on screen.

Though Jackson's team were now focused on King Kong, they couldn't help but bounce ideas for The Lovely Bones - scheduled for release in 2007 - off each other occasionally, she said. "It's always floating there in the back of your mind."

The three had spoken to Sebold over the phone and Boyens said she was looking forward to meeting her. "The book is just brilliant. I can't wait to meet her, I'm going to be a bit star-struck I think!"

Sebold said she wasn't expecting to have much involvement in the adaptation. "I like the idea of people taking it and doing what they're going to do to it. I can't make film."

Published in 2002, the novel, which has sold millions of copies worldwide, is narrated by a 14-year-old girl who reflects back on the events that led to her rape and murder, and how her loved ones cope.

Jackson and Walsh themselves paid to option the film rights from Britain's FilmFour movie production company.

King Kong is due to be released in December.

- NZPA