A studio that helped make some of Wellington's most famous movies, including King Kong and Lord of the Rings, has been seriously damaged by fire.

The huge blaze at Portsmouth Miniatures Studio in the Wellington suburb of Kilbirnie broke out at 3.10pm.

It set off an alarm, and was also seen by the crew of a fire engine which happened to be driving past, Fire Service spokesman Chris Dalton said.

At the height of the blaze, a pall of smoke could be seen all over the eastern suburbs rising from the building on Rongotai Rd, near Wellington Airport.

Mr Dalton said they were still fighting the blaze at 4.30pm.

"It's not out yet," he said.

Eight fire engines, a ladder truck and a command unit were at the scene.

There were believed to be some gas bottles inside the 75m by 25m building.

The studio's manager, Belindalee Hope was rushing to the scene this afternoon.

No-one was hurt, she said.

''And that's the main thing.''

Fire crews from all over Wellington region went to fight the blaze.

Portsmouth Miniatures Studio has had a hand in many Wellington films.

The studio employs Oscar Award winning cinematographer Alex Funke and a team of film technicians.

Its specialty is making miniatures - realistic models used in filming movies.

The studio's facilities have been used during the making of Sir Peter Jackson movies including King Kong and the Lord Of The Rings trilogy.