The Oscar-winning picture-maker was best-known for his contribution to the production of the 'Lord of the Rings' and 'Hobbit' films, while he also worked on blockbusters 'Rise of the Planet of the Apes' and Will Smith's 'I Am Legend'.

The owners of his production company WETA Digital, Richard & Tania Taylor, posted a statement on his death on Facebook.

It read: ''Our memories of Andrew will always be of a wonderful and caring person who looked out for the technicians around him, was keen to have a good laugh and keep everyone jollied along even when things were at the most stressful for everyone.''

They said they were ''fortunate'' to have worked with him, and added: ''What an incredible man and we are very fortunate to have had the chance to work with him on so many wonderful projects.''

In 2002, Australian-born Lesnie, received his Oscar for lensing the original 'Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring' movie.

He was also inducted into the Australian Cinematographers Society Hall of Fame in the same year.