Learn lab work for animatronic characters with master FX technician Cory Czekaj (Avatar, RoboCop, Captain America: The Winter Soldier). In Part 1 of his 2-part course series, Czekaj teaches you how to modify an existing core, remold it, and create a fiberglass core for a mechanical character.

If you dream of creating lifelike animatronics, this master class from one of the industry's most highly respected lab technicians will help you get it right from the inside out.

Intermediate Level

3h 13m of duration

English (auto), Spanish (auto)

Discuss on our Forums

Curriculum

1. Title & Introduction - 1min

2. Tools & Materials - 52s

3. Applying Mold Release - 3min

4. Mixing & Pouring the Alginate - 12min

5. Opening the Mold - 7min

6. Preserving the Alginate Skin - 8min

7. Review of the Skin by Bud - 5min

8. Reviewing Bud's Notes - 45s

9. Tools & Materials for Modifying the Core - 2min

10. Modifying the Core - 14min

11. Adjusting the Lip Contact - 2min

12. Running a Second Alginate Test Skin - 9min

13. Opening the Mold & Inspecting the Skin - 8min

14. Softening the Lip Contact - 3min

15. An Overview of Platinum Silicone - 3min

16. Filling in Holes with Clay - 2min

17. Brushing Silicone Onto the Core - 23min

18. Adding a Filler Agent - 20min

19. Adding Plaster Bandages to the Core Mold - 16min

20. Tools & Materials for Releasing the Core Mold - 2min

21. Releasing the Core Mold - 11min

22. Creating the Fiberglass Core - 31min

23. Trimming & Sanding the Mechanical Core - 8min

24. Wrap Up - 40s

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.

Reynolds Advanced Materials

Revchem

Smooth-On

FOR YOUR WORK STATION

Air compressor

Air gun

Evacuator

Hair dryer

High volume, low-pressure spray gun

Scale

Scissors

Screwdriver

Stone core teeth mold

Respirator and filter cartridges

Rotary tool with bits

CLAYS/PLASTERS

Alginate

Cold cure monomer

Tooth shade

CLEAR COATS/GLOSSES/FILLER AGENTS

Bob's Thixotropic agent

Cab-O-Sil

EPOXYS/GLUES

3M Spray 77

Epoxy (for core adjustment)

FABRICS/FOAMS

Panty hose (size Q, sheer tan to waist)

LATEX/SILICONE

PlatSil Gel-10

Smith's Theatrical Prosthetic Deadener

PAINT/BRISTLE BRUSHES

Chip brushes

PAINTS

Brown silicone pigment

Paint sticks

Psycho Paint

RELEASES

PVA Release

RESINS

Fiberglass Cloth

MEKP

Polyester Tooling Resin ("ISO Tooling Resin")

THINNERS/SOLVENTS

UN1268 Naptha

SUPPLIES

1-gallon paper buckets

32oz Deli cups

70% Isopropyl alcohol

Black Sharpie

Blue nitrile gloves

Paper towels

Paper cups

Pen and paper

Small Dawn soap

Small jar of Vaseline

Tongue depressors

Wooden stirring sticks

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 BiographyCory Czekaj

Master Foam & Silicone FX Technician

See Full Bio

Additional Purchasing Options

Notice: DVDs do not include closed captions.

Get FREE Popular Course Content!

Free lessons from 16 of our most popular courses, taught by Hollywood's leading FX artists. Plus our newsletter with new courses, artist stories and special offers.