Over 70 Attendees Learned about the Use of Models and Miniatures in Feature Films from some of the World's Best Practitioners
Over 70 people convened at 32TEN Studios last week to learn about the use of models and miniatures in feature films from some of the world’s best practitioners. The event, entitled “Models and Miniatures in A Digital Age,” was the first in a series of lectures and workshops to be regularly presented as part of 32TEN Studios’s “Professional Workshop Series” for filmmaking professionals and film enthusiasts.
Veteran ILM Model Shop Artist Fon Davis described the pros and cons of using physical models versus CG renditions during the presentation, and how those choices vary depending on the shot. He also discussed pre-production considerations involved in the design and fabrication of practical models, such as choice of scale, choice of materials, budget limitations, tips and tricks, motion control, composite shots, stop motion, etc.
After the lecture, 32TEN Studios presented a “Q & A” session with three generations of former ILM Model Makers — Lorne Peterson, Carol Bauman, Larry Tan and Pierre Maurer, who joined Davis onstage. The documentary film "Sense of Scale," by filmmaker Berton Pierce, was also presented in collaboration with The Bay Area Visual Effects Society, with Pierce on hand for an additional Q & A session held after the screening .
Said Sean House, Professional Workshop Director for 32TEN Studios, “Fon Davis presented wonderful examples of projects where development of miniature assets proved the best option by comparison to using live action or digital workflow solutions. He revealed tricks of the trade used to make miniatures look full scale and seamlessly realistic. This event, the first within our ‘Professional Workshop Series,’ proved to be a memorable afternoon and drew a great crowd. We look forward to putting on similarly informative events in the future at 32TEN.”
About FON DAVIS
During his entertainment career, Fon Davis has worked on over 30 feature films, including blockbusters such as “The Matrix” series. A member of the Industrial Light and Magic Model Shop for a decade, Davis worked on films such as “Star Wars,” “Pearl Harbor,” “Starship Troopers,” “Galaxy Quest,” “Terminator III,” and “Mission Impossible III.”
In addition to his work in film post-production visual effects, Davis has also worked in Disney’s art department as a concept designer/model maker and on several stop motion projects. These included “The Nightmare Before Christmas” and “Coraline.” Most recently, he served as the Miniatures Supervisor on “Big Miracle,” starring Drew Barrymore, and “District 9” Director Neill Blomkamp’s upcoming film, “Elysium.”
Davis is one of the many talented Model Makers in the Marin, CA, filmmaking community. He is regularly sought by 32TEN Studios to contribute to projects large and small.
About 32TEN STUDIOS
Launched in early 2012 by longtime entertainment industry leaders Tim Partridge and Greg Maloney, 32TEN Studios is a production services company offering digital and practical FX, as well as stage rentals, and whose facility was designed and first occupied by ILM. The company provides its services to producers of major motion pictures, independent films, TV programs, commercials, industrials, web content and multi-media projects.
32TEN Studios is located at 3210 Kerner Blvd., San Rafael, CA, 94901. The phone is (800) 717 3210, and the website is: www.32ten.com
Contact:Dan Harary The Asbury PR Agency Beverly Hills, CA 310/859-1831 Contact Dan via email
“Ǝvolution” Comes Full Circle At The Chelsea Film Festival
The Chelsea Film Festival, running from October 16th through October 20th, 2024, at Regal Cinemas here in Union Square, is set to host the East Coast premiere of Ǝvolution, a thought-provoking experimental micro-short film that proves big ideas can come in small packages and in perfect circles.
In just 1 minute 16 seconds, this cinematic gem by Award-Winning Director Romina Schwedler, with original music by Argentine Composer Ignacio Montoya Carlotto, explores a cycle as old as time: life leads to progress, progress leads to destruction, and destruction, well, leads back to life. But is this vicious circle unbreakable? Ǝvolution suggests the answer is yes, unless we decide to open our eyes.
Inspired by the overwhelming number of recent events that threaten human existence, Ǝvolution, possibly the shortest film in this 12th edition of the festival, plays out entirely through the symbolism of circles, cleverly illustrating —in the blink of an eye— the repeating patterns of history, and confronting viewers with the uncomfortable truth that our so-called “progress” may, in fact, be guiding us to our own ruin.Premiering at the Regal 14 Union Square, New York City, on October 18, 2024, at 11 a.m., Romina Schwedler's micro-short, featuring Leah Young with cinematography by Alan J. Carmona, will be sure to spark conversations longer than the film itself! Forcing viewers to reconsider the true meaning of evolution, not just as a biological process, but as a reflection of our collective journey as humans.
With a string of festival appearances across the globe, including CineGlobe at CERN (Switzerland/France), Oscar®... Read More