Photo: Steve Granitz © WireImage.com

Born in Palmerston, North Island, New Zealand. Major's career in design began at Television New Zealand. His background ranges from production design for the Commonwealth Games ceremonies to designer for the New Zealand Pavilions at the World Expos in Australia and Spain. He was art director for KITCHEN SINK (1989), and his production design credits include AN ANGEL AT MY TABLE (1990), JACK BE NIMBLE (1993), HEAVENLY CREATURES (1994), THE FRIGHTENERS (1996), THE UGLY, ABERRATION and MEMORY & DESIRE (all 1997), the LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy (2001-2003), WHALE RIDER (2002), KING KONG (2005), THE RUINS (2008), and THE VINTNER'S LUCK (scheduled for release in 2009).  Nominated for Achievement in Art Direction 2001: THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING - Art Direction  Nominated for Achievement in Art Direction 2002: THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE TWO TOWERS - Art Direction  Best Achievement in Art Direction 2003: THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING - Art Direction  Nominated for Achievement in Art Direction 2005: KING KONG 4 nominations, 1 Award