In this introductory "animatronic how to" lesson, Stan Winston Studio "Lifer," and Legacy Effects animatronic special character effects designer, Richard Landon, gives a comprehensive overview of the character mechanic's profession.

Beginner Level

052m of duration

English, Spanish (auto)

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Curriculum

1. Title - 15s

2. Introduction - 25s

3. Being a Mechanic - 33s

4. The Process Begins - 1min

5. Doing the Research - 3min

6. Know Your Mechanical Systems - 3min

7. Low Resolution Testing - 2min

8. The Sculpting Stand - 3min

9. Bringing it all Together - 2min

10. CAD Design of a Servo Block - 5min

11. The Process Begins - 2min

12. Example: A Tentacle - 3min

13. Example: An Eye Mechanism - 2min

14. Clevis Assemblies - 3min

15. Surviving Curve Balls - 59s

16. A Question of Power - 2min

17. Putting it all Together - 2min

18. Mold Making - 5min

19. The Core Toolset - 7min

20. Secondary Tools - 5min

Materials

CLICK on the links below to find the materials you need for this lesson.

Some items might be harder to find, but a little internet scouring usually finds you everything you'll need.

Naimie's Beauty Center

McMaster Carr

Reynolds Advanced Materials

Smooth-On Inc.

FOR YOUR WORKSTATION

CAD Design Computer Program

Calculator

CNC Mill

Computer

Lathe and Mill

Safety Glasses

Welding Helmet and Gloves

EPOXYS/GLUES

5-Minute Epoxy

CA Glues

Instant Accelerators

TOOLS

Crimping, Pliers and Gripping Tools

Regular Pliers

Parallel Jaw Pliers

Vice Grips

Hemostats

Cutting Tools

Center-Cutting Cables

Heavy Wire Cutters

Tin Snips

Scissors

Files and Rasps

De-Burring Tool

Hammers

Claw Hammer

Copper or Heavy Hammer

Measuring Tools

Ruler w/Center Finder

Steel Square w/Bubble Level Measuring Tool

Dial Calipers

Digital Calipers

Power Tools

Cordless Power Drill w/spare battery

Dremel Cutting Tool w/different bits

Screwdrivers

Phillips Head Screwdrivers

Regular Screwdrivers

Set of Jeweler’s Tools

Wrenches

Box-Ended Wrench

Crescent Wrench

Open-Ended Wrench

Set Allen Wrenches

Wrench w/Ratchets

Other Tools

Crème Brulee Torch

Digital Voltmeter

Hot Glue Gun

Inspection Light

Inspection Mirror

Nut Drivers

Pop Rivet Gun

Set of Taps and Dies

Soldering Gun

SUPPLIES

¼” Plumbing Pipe

Acid Core or Resin Core Solder

Clevis Assemblies

FILMS REFERENCED

Lake Placid

Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles

Jurassic Park

Jason and the Argonauts

What Lies Beneath

LITERARY REFERENCES

Cyclopedia Anatomicae

Gray’s Anatomy

Pocket Ref

MECHANICAL BOOKS

Basic Machines and How They Work - Prepared By the Naval Education and Training Program Development Center

507 Mechanical Movements - Mechanisms and Devices - By Henry T. Brown

HEALTH/SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

When working with toxic and/or dangerous materials or tools:

ALWAYS read labels for appropriate use guidelines

ALWAYS wear a high-grade respirator

ALWAYS work in a well-ventilated area

ALWAYS protect your skin

ALWAYS wear eye protection

Artist BiographyRichard Landon

Master Character Effects Mechanical Designer

See Full Bio

Additional Purchasing Options

Notice: DVDs do not include closed captions.

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