Art Creature

Here is a cool mini documentary on indie make-up and special effects artist Jeremy Selenfriend:


ART CREATURE: Jeremy Selenfriend from LUNARCY PICTURES on Vimeo.

Creating a Sculpture using Pink Insulation Foam

Here is a an amazing video tutorial on how to create a static sculpture using pink insulation foam sheets:

How to Build a Monster: A Look at Alex Pardee's Monster Hunter

Artist Alex Pardee has created a surreal and amazing series of photos called THE MONSTER HUNTER which includes the old fashion person in a monster suit.

Over at Propnomicon is some details as to how the creature suit was made including the tidbit how the teeth was made from Crayola Model Magic. It's a great read for those interesting in making their own monster suit.

Check it out here.

See Alex Pardee's The Monster Hunter photo series here.

Build Silicone Monster Gloves on the Cheap

Stiltbeaststudios is quickly becoming my favorite go-to place for Youtube prop how-to tutorials.  In this video is a fantastic method of making your own monster gloves, in this case zombie hands, using Lycra gloves and silicone caulking.

A bit of caution though.  I am not too familiar with the chemicals that go into silicone caulking and not entirely sure what it will do if it soaks into your skin during prolonged exposure so build these gloves at your own risk.  If anyone knows how safe this is please let me know in the comments below.

Inspiration: I Am Legend

From Steve Johnson's Youtube channel is another amazing behind-the-scenes video.  This time around it's a look at a early make-up/animatronic test for what could have been the monsters from I AM LEGEND.  For those who do not know in the film they decided to go the CGI route with the monsters which audience members didn't exactly approve of.

As much as I like phsyical creature fx over CGI.  I have to admit that the creature design here looks a altered version of actor Michael Berryman.  Judge for yourself if the right decision made:

Behind-the-Scenes: Movie Magic

Update:  The links below are now dead.  Here is the new link:  http://www.joda-entertainment.nl/mm

Over at Slash Film is a super-cool collection of twelve episodes of the 1994 Discovery Channel show Movie Magic;

Snipped from IMDB:

Documentary series dealing with every aspect of special effects in movies, from low-budget make-up to multi-million-dollar computer-generated graphics. The clear presentation includes descriptions of the creation and technical problems of the effects, and interviews with effects technicians, directors, stars and other crew. Each episode deals with one topic, effect or technician (eg theme park rides, CGI, Stan Winston), concentrating on one or more current or recent films. Written by Cynan Rees


Each episode is still a treasure trove of useful information for anyone interested in visual or special effects, prop building, creature fx, and miniatures.

Go here to see the vids.

Steve Wang Discusses Creature Suit Creation

Here is a set of amazing vids on excerpts from a seminar held by make-up FX artist Steve Wang (GUYVER, AVPR: REQUIEM, UNDERWORLD: EVOLUTION) discussing how to make a creature suit A.K.A. Monster Suit. (found at The Effects Lab)

More Steve Wang information and pics of his work can be found here.

Steve Johnson VFX Archives on Youtube

I recently discovered that visual effects and monster maker extraordanaire Steve Johnson has a Youtube channel.  On the channel he has been posting never before seeen (even on DVD or Blu-Ray) vids and pics of some of his past accumulated 30 years of work in the movie VFX industry.  This includes goodies such as behind-the-scenes looks at the Slimer puppet from GHOSTBUSTERS and the Pencil Gag from FRIGHT NIGHT.

Go here to watch his amazing vids.

A couple of my fave Steve Johnson vids:

Restoring Oscar

Here is a neat vid of the restoration of the werewolf prop, "Oscar", from the film American Werewolf in London which currently resides at Bob Burns basement.


 

(via The Replica Forum)

Tom Spina Designs
Bob Burns Official Site

Links-O-Rama 7-30-10

Here are a few links that you may have missed out by not joining the Lost in Schlock Facebook page:

Bob Burns remembers creature fx/puppeteer/monster suit maker Paul Blaisdell

Inspiration: A Re-Animated Limb Prop

Learn how to build simple mache fake rocks 

Tons more of great tutorials and inspirational vids can be found over at the Lost in Schlock Facebook page. Join today!

Inspiration: CROPSEY

I don't know why but I truly and dearly love any film that is shot with that "Blair Witch" style POV. Maybe because to me it's like riding a dark ride at a state fair or walking through a haunted house attraction.

It just seems more spookier when you get that feeling that you are there with the filmmakers.  Case in point, here is a spooky film that I feel anyone should put on their must see list. More after the jump.

How to Make a $15,000 Dollar Monster Movie

Recently at the SXSW film fest, filmmaker Gareth Edwards, screened his latest film Monsters.  One of the coolest things about this film was that it was completely made for less than $15,000.  It was all done with a two-man production crew, edited in a hotel room, and with visual effects done in Edwards bedroom. 

Go here for the full details and scroll to the bottom to see a behind-the-scenes video on a inside look at how this film was made.

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TROMA SHOWS YOU HOW TO DO THE OL' PLUCK THE EYEBALLS OUT OF A SKULL TRICK

MANY THANKS TO DAN FROM MONSTER-MAKER

I just wanted to give many thanks to Dan from Monster Man who was generous enough to donate to my monster making fund (which can be seen on the sidebar to the right). So be sure to visit his amazing site which contains a vast array of fantastic and brilliantly crafted monsters all from using paper mache and vids. You can even check out his studio in VR!

Now I'm off to gather ghoulish supplies (going to Hobby Lobby) so I can make some new monsters to share on this site. Thanks, Dan!

BUILD A SCARY MASK

Here is a nifty tutorial from Instructables on how to make a mask without the need to run any foam latex or extensive molds. Go here for more.

THE MAKING OF THE GODZILLA SUIT - THE SHORT VERSION

Tip of the hat to loomyaire for the vid:

GONE, BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN

REMEMBERING PAUL BLAISDELL

It's no secret that one of my favorite monster makers was Paul Blaisdell and his wife. In 2006 Bob Burns, who was a good friend of the Paul Blaisdell's, spoke on behalf of the two when receiving a Monster Kid Hall of Fame award in their honor. I came across the video clip of the event and thought that I would share it with you: