Learn how to make a rod and cable-controlled monster puppet. From sculpting to mold-making to mechanizing and performing, veteran special effects character creator David Monzingo shares two decades of FX wisdom in this comprehensive lesson on making monster puppets.

Intermediate Level

3h 7m of duration

English, Spanish (Latin America)

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Curriculum

1. Title & Introduction - 3min

2. Getting Started - 1min

3. Sculpting Armature - 7min

4. The Finished Sculpture - 2min

5. Drawing the Parting Line - 3min

6. Building Your Mold Frame - 12min

7. Surface Coat - 4min

8. Bondo Resin Application - 2min

9. Applying the Polyester Mud - 7min

10. Removing the Clay Wall - 5min

11. A-Side Clean-Up - 12min

12. Molding Side B - 7min

13. Parts of the Skeleton - 8min

14. The Fiberglass Underskull Mold - 2min

15. The Jaw Mechanism - 7min

16. The Hand Control Cable Mechanism - 3min

17. Assembling the Skeleton - 3min

18. Mounting the Center Spine - 8min

19. Parts of the Armature - 3min

20. The Sternum - 8min

21. Attaching the Arms to the Sternum - 2min

22. The Wrists & Hands - 5min

23. Laying in Fingers - 8min

24. Attaching the Head Core to the Armature - 2min

25. Measuring & Mixing Silicone - 7min

26. Spray Painting the Hands of the Armature - 2min

27. Drilling Bleeder Holes & an Injection Spout - 5min

28. Applying a Mold Release - 4min

29. Suspending the Armature in Place - 8min

30. Concealing the Rod Connection Points - 4min

31. Constructing Supports for Pouring the Silicone - 2min

32. Pouring the Silicone - 2min

33. Adding the Catalyst - 3min

34. Air Removal--The Evacuator - 7min

35. A Brief Word on Evacuators - 1min

36. Demolding - 10min

37. The Finished Puppet - 1min

38. Puppeteering the Creature - 2min

39. A Breakdown of the Puppeteering Controllers - 5min

40. Wrap Up - 1min

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.

Mouldlife USA

Mouldlife Europe

Naimie's Beauty Center

McMaster Carr

Reynolds Advanced Materials

Smooth-On Inc.

Monster Clay

GreatArt UK

FOR YOUR WORK STATION

Evacuator

Rubber Gloves

Safety Glasses

CLAYS/PLASTERS

Klean Klay

WED Clay

White Clay

CLEAR COATS/GLOSSES/MATTING AGENTS

Crystal Clear Acrylic Paint

EPOXYS/GLUES

Propoxy 20

Superglue

Zip Kicker

LATEX/SILICONE

GI245 Silicone Moldmaking Rubber (Catalyst Included)

Silicone Fluid

PAINT/BRISTLE BRUSHES

Chip Brushes

PAINTS

Flesh Tone Spraypaint

RELEASES

Blue Wax Mold Release

Hand Soap

Isopropyl Alcohol

RESINS

Bondo Resin

Bondo Resin Catalyst

Fiber Glass Fiber

Polyester Mud

Polyester Resin

TOOLS

Bits and Indexes

Dremel Cutting Wheel

Crimping, Pliers and Gripping Tools

Needle-Nose Pliers

Cutting Tools

Dremel

Razorblade

Measuring Tools

Digital Scale

Power Tools

Cordless Drill

Sculpting Tools

Armature Wire

Other Tools

Hairdryer

SUPPLIES

3” Screw

Aluminum Foil

Aluminum Rod

Bike Brake Cable

Brown Paper

Buckets

Colored Tape

Custom Aluminum Attachment

Custom Head Core

Custom Shaft Collar

Fiberglass Cast of Head Core

Fireline

Foam Pieces

Nut

Paper Towels

Round Aluminum Rod

Scrap Wood Pieces

Sharpie Marker

Silicone Injection Tube

Small Aluminum Rods

Small Brass Pieces

Small Piece Spring Steel

Small Spring

Steel Music Wire

Threaded Rod

Toilet Attachment Tube

Vinyl Tubing

Wood Screws

Wooden Board

Wooden Stir 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 BiographyDavid Monzingo

Special Effects Character Creator & Master Artist - Stan Winston Studio/Legacy Effects

See Full Bio

Additional Purchasing Options

Notice: DVDs do not include closed captions.

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