In this paper we draw on the high-profile, project-based, self-managed career of New Zealand film-maker Peter Jackson, which reflects an accumulation of knowledge creating an example of a new style of career, transforming the industry environment around him. We consider his career capital through three key "ways of knowing" that comprise his values and motivation, his career-related skills and expertise, and his social and professional networks. The relational aspect of Jackson's knowledge is grounded in communities of practice he engaged in which established legitimacy amongst his peers in a global industry. This example has implications for knowledge transfer in higher education.