Complete your journey into modern miniature effects with creative director and master FX artist Fon Davis (Star Wars franchise, Guardians of the Galaxy, Interstellar).

In Part 4 of this deep-diving course series, Davis assembles the 3D-printed animatronic octopus and then collaborates with VFX Supervisors and a Director of Photography to capture the perfect shot for the post-production team. Follow along for industry tips & techniques for creating a professional, cinematic miniature FX sequence.

Advanced Level

1h 57m of duration

English (auto), Spanish (auto)

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Curriculum

1. Title & Introduction - 1min

2. Overview of the 3D-printed Octopus Skin - 4min

3. Overview of the 3D-printed Internal Octopus Structure - 7min

4. Building an Animatronic Tentacle - 9min

5. Assembling the Joystick and Testing with a Tentacle - 16min

6. Creating a Poseable Tentacle - 8min

7. Octopus Body Test Assembly - 22min

8. Adding Tentacles to the Body - 15min

9. Discussing the Shot with a VFX Supervisor - 20min

10. Lighting the Green Screen Set to Shoot the Octopus Attack - 5min

11. Rehearsing the Camera Move - 2min

12. Applying Tracking Markers to the Green Screen - 5min

13. Octopus Attacks the Container Ship - 1min

14. Wrap Up - 3min

Materials

CLICK 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.

Stratasys Direct

Reynolds Advanced Materials

FOR YOUR WORKSTATION

3D-Printed Octopus Body and Tentacles
3D-Printed ABS Interior Support Parts for the Octopus Skin
3D-Printed ABS Links Making up the Articulated Inner Tentacle
3D-Printed Controller/Joystick
Sliding Rig
UV Light for Curing Resin
Wooden Box for Controller/Joystick Base

FOR SHOOTING THE SCENE

Assembled Container Ship
Assembled Octopus
Assembled Supporting Structure
Camera
Camera Rig
Green Screen
External Monitor for Live View and Video Playback
Studio Lighting
Tracking Markers for Green Screen

FOAMS

Mattress Foam
Smooth-On FlexFoam-iT Expanding Flexible Foam (Part A & B)

BRUSHES

Chip Brushes
Paint Brushes

EPOXY/GLUES

3M Scotch-Weld PR40 Clear
Generic Clear UV Resin
ZAP Glue Kicker (CA Accelerant)
ZAP-A-GAP Medium CA+ Glue
ZAP PT-37 Z-Poxy 5-Minute Epoxy

GREASE

Sta-Lube Super White Lithium Grease

RELEASES

Smooth-On Universal Mold Release

THINNERS/SOLVENTS

Beauty 360 Pure Glycerin

TOOLS

Dremel with Carbide Tip
Electric Drill
Hex Keys
Pliers
Scissors
X-ACTO Knives

SUPPLIES

Armature Wire
Basic Cable Rig
Bicycle Brake/Gear Shift Cables (1/16")
Blue Tape
Cable Housing for Each Cable
Drill Adapter
Drill Bits
Lever Adjusting Barrels (7mm O.D.)
Nitrile Gloves
Painter's Tape
Paper Cups
Small Wooden Blocks
Throttle Cable Stop Lock Clamps
Tongue Depressors
Toothpicks
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 BiographyFon Davis

Fon Davis Model Maker, Creative Director

See Full Bio

Additional Purchasing Options

Notice: DVDs do not include closed captions.

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