Films/TV
The following are a selection of builds/models/effects and development pieces. From blockbuster movies to live action props and at every scale and detail level in between. Most recent at top:
Bollywood Film: 1/8th scale Victorian Architecture collapse build & development (currently in production).
A large and complex build both technically and architecturally, involving model make, moulds and casting. Beautiful Victorian Empire styled build allowing for breakaway, staged collapse and rigging. Below: I worked mainly on the central front elevation; Colour work: Laura Skinner.
MOD; Type 45 Destroyer. Display/sales model.
Working for Eclipse models with James Scoot I rebuilt and remodelled existing block elements and hull structure to create a strong, reliable model for display and transport. Below: The final piece (behind acrylic) and process shots:
PUMA 2010 World Cup Colour splash promo:
Working for Jason Troughton at Oxford based AGOG Special effects and after a (very) long drive to Lyon; we created this fascinating effect to promote the new colour strips for the Cup. Caught “in – camera” and comp’d in it looked great on the day and works well.
Live TV – “Paul O’Grady” action props:
Certain guests like to Swear occasionally…Ozzie behaved well on the day so this audio amped beep box was not needed. It can go loud, really LOUD! It has a tone generator and 11 Watt pure audio amp to give the oomph. 9v with volume control. Below: AD’s sketch and final piece.
“Buster” possessed:
Poor “Buster” RIP. For a special on “The Exorcist” a battery powered wireless “Buster” was required with glowing eyes and spinning head! Radio interference was a potential issue so no power transfer from body to head…This prop worked so well it was reused a few weeks later for Halloween! There was very little space in the head so I installed a rechargeable battery pack and used the digital speed controllers charge circuit via the under ear power socket.
Production supplied the plastic dog, and after I did my bit dressed it in fur:
Radio controlled Google eyes:
Designed to fit on a specialist mannequin to be used by the famous “equibrilist” gymnast “Eike von Stuckenbrok”. A tiny radio control mechanism and hidden wires make for a very neat solution.
TV Advert: Thomson; Sandcastle poly sculpt: http://www.thomson.co.uk/
Created in only a few short hours for this popular campaign. Below: Ref image, final piece, compare image process shots and sculpt detail.
Feature Film: “Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus” :
Babushka cottage:
1:6 scale Tractor. Foreground model set prop.
TV Advert: TV Licensing Agency/BBC Database:
Working for AGOG Special Effects I was lead model maker for this widely run trans media campaign. Below: Model shots from MOCO rig and abstract close-ups.
TV/Genie in Da House: Miniature prop model for opening sequence:
Production required a simple model to Ape the live action house to be used as a simple blend in for an intro sequence. Having bought a Dolls house model I had a very short time ( 1 to 2 days iirc) to adapt and remodel it to suit the screen grab image. Below: Screen grab image, original dolls house and final piece:
TV/Internet broadcast; Brass Eye action prop:
HELLO! I CAN’T HEAR YOU…A smashing little prop with LED and power kill button to facilitate easy power down between shooting periods to preserve battery life. A large screw down lid kept everything in place.
Alien V Predator Feature Film; Main unit models & Miniature Effects:
The following sequence of 4 shots gives an idea of the sheer scale of this build, from the wide image showing the huge Hanger and the rig to closer in and a person on this impressive 1/6th model build. Designed to be shot with 7 high speed cameras and fully lit, dressed both interior and exterior and specially pre-rigged for the collapse sequence. Having dropped her once we re-dressed and were reshooting within 1 week!
The following shots show detail of scratch model making, snow and ice effects, interior dressing and electrics.
AVP build in workshop; some pre-paint effects/snow:
Snow layout and dressing for huge floor set:
Model/set build for Pyramid scene:
“Five Children and It” Feature Film. Miniature model unit:
TV – Cosgrove Hall Films; NODDY:
My very first TV job was at CHF and my association with them continued for some years; Making lovely children’s TV props and models. After a few weeks into my first stint with them I was offered “Head of Props”, sadly the position did not stay available for long as a production deal fell through…
TV – Rosemary & Thyme/Emmerdale Action props:
Below: The Soft logs (3 on top of log pile) and breakaway in colour biscuit foam sheet roofing for various TV soaps.
TV Advert – Fairy:
The vase base shape had been hired and the wording sculpted. I was asked to make a special barrel mould to enable the roll slushing of optically clear resin to make the old glass effect casting.
TV – Cosgrove Hall Films; Rotten Ralph:
