BT: Ian, as I understand it, you have been following Peter Jacksons' work since the release of 'Bad Taste', what was it the way the film was made that got you interested in his work, or was it something else?

IP: What first got me interested was never having heard of him, and getting the chance to see this movie which had come out of nowhere. That was shortly before Peter Jackson took Bad Taste to the Cannes Film Festival. I really enjoyed it. And then I did a story on the film and found out about how it had been made so cheaply, over a very long period. So it was a combination of things really.

BT: Your book is un-authorised by Peter Jackson, why is this? Was Sibleys book planned first or did P. Jackson just not like the idea of a 'fan' writing it? Also, how did you feel when he told friends & co-workers not to talk to you for your research?

IP: You would have to ask Jackson why he finally decided not to get involved. I understand that it was partly because he was concerned for the privacy of his family, which is an area I have steered almost entirely away from in the book. As far as I am aware, there were only a small number of people who were asked not to talk to me.

BT: When the rumour got out that you were publishing a biography on Peter Jackson, how did the man himself take it? Was there a chance he could have stopped you from publishing the book because it was un-authorised?

IP: Peter Jackson has known that I hoped to write a book about him and his movies for many years. I never made a secret of the fact. I'm afraid this may be another question for Mr Jackson, not for me!!

BT: Did New Line Cinema contact you and ask you not to write anything about ‘Lord of the Rings’?

IP: No they didn't. I contacted New Line and asked for interview with certain key executives, but was turned down.

BT: Were you more eager to complete the book once the news came out that Peter Jackson would be directing the Lord of the Rings trilogy, or did decide to wait until the films had been completed to add some more recent events?

IP: The news that Peter Jackson was making Lord of the Rings certainly gave me a kick up the bum in terms of getting the book finished. But actually I would have liked to have had it completed a little earlier than it appeared, perhaps in time for one of the earlier Rings films. The size of the task meant it just didn't happen. There is more work involved in writing a book than you would believe!!

BT: One of the first reports of the biography published on the internet, it states that you got information from sources in England, German and Spain, did you travel to those countries or was it just communication over the phone lines? How did you approach those people and what was their reaction about the book?

IP: It was a combination. I did some interviews in America and England, but the whole process began quite a long time back. I went off on my 'o.e' in 1993 - something that many New Zealanders do, it stands for 'overseas experience. Anyway I decided it might be a good idea to try and do some interviews while I was there, travelling in Europe. But I also did a lot of interviews later over the phone, and some by email.

BT: You must have some great memories from talking to people for research, what's been the most exciting?

IP: I’ve been lucky to talk to some wonderful people along the way. So many people have opened up their memories that it’s difficult to pick out names. The guys from Bad Taste that were able to talk to me were all really open and helpful, as were Michelle Scullion and Tony Hiles. As well as some of the key figures behind Jackson’s earlier movies, it was also great to talk to legendary names in Kiwi filmmaking that I’d never interviewed before - people like directors Ian Mune and Roger Donaldson, and actor Ian Watkin. I would have liked to include more of everybody in the book, but it's probably long enough as it is!! The interview I conducted with Kate Winslet on the set of Heavenly Creatures in Christchurch remains one of the most memorable interviews I have done to date. Her connection to the film, and the tragedy of the Parker Hulme murder was so strong, it was almost electric.

BT: My most favourite chapter in the book is "The Movie That Grew" which focuses on Bad Taste, have you got one that you're keener on that others? One that might be, a step above the rest?

IP: Why did I guess you’d prefer the Bad Taste chapter Hamish? Even if I had my own favourite chapter, I wouldn't want to say!! There are some sections of the text I'm quite happy with, but as the person who wrote it I’m always much more aware of the things I could have improved.

BT: 352 pages, THREE HUNDRED! Your book is amazingly interesting on each page, was their anyone that helped you throughout the book, or were there many people for each part?

IP: I had a lot of support and help from friends, flatmates and family, some of whom transcribed interviews and offered feedback. As for research, there were times when it would have been nice if I could have got someone else in to help out. But hey, it all got done in the end....

BT: Have you got any other projects lined up for the future after a much-needed rest?

IP: I have a few ideas for things, but nothing definite as yet. At the moment I am concentrating on lying in the sun, just to reacquaint myself with what it looks like!! I'm sure whatever it is I end up doing, it will involve movies in some way or other.