Hollywood Animal Special Effects!

2011-07-06T15:27:00.000-07:00

Check out the fluorescent velociraptor we just made over at Animal Makers! Crazy, wild paint job! Skin is all silicone over a poseable armature. Something different, that's for sure! Want one for yourself? email us at: info@animalmakers.com for a quick quote...

2011-02-18T23:29:00.000-08:00

HOG TIED!

There is framework inside the animatronic pig's legs, that makes it feel like there's a skeleton inside. The leg has a flexible framework inside that needs to be adjusted a bit as you bring the legs together, or apart, or up and down. Hold the legs by the ankles and flex them into position. They are meant to be moved about.

2011-02-18T23:23:00.000-08:00

Radio Controller

This controller is programmed for your production. There are four movements you control by moving the joysticks. There is a large battery hanging on the back of the r/c controller. These are swappable on the go, and three are included in your kit. The radio controls various facial features. The radio must be turned on before the animatronic animal's power supply is plugged in. Charge all batteries before the day of work. The batteries shipped with your animatronic animal are charged here. That charge can quickly wear off, so we do recommend putting a battery on the charger!

2011-02-18T23:13:00.000-08:00

Animatronic Wild Pig stand

There are six screws in the clamping plate. Those can be loosened enough to either hold the pig in place or allow it to removed from the stand. If a person is sitting on the pig, this clamp should be tightened.

2011-02-18T23:04:00.000-08:00

Dual Whammer Jammer cable controller B

This controller is labeled 1B, 2B, 3B, 4B for the matching moves.

One of the moves is for the nose lift. Center the controllers before tightening down the cable clamps. Have a friend help, if needed. It is a three handed job. Mount the bottom of this controller to one of the boards provided, or to the stage floor. Cabling comes up from the bottom of this controller (see bottom arrow). The top arrow shows where the cables come up and the ferrules are threaded down. Then the bare cable wraps around the spindle and is threaded through the cable clamps. Then the cable clamps are tightened while the controller is centered.

2011-02-18T22:54:00.000-08:00

Cable Clamps

Loosen the clamps and slide the cable through. There are directional notches that will split each side of the move into it's own ridge. Be careful to not over tighten these screws. The multi Allen key tool is included in the kit.

2011-02-18T22:42:00.000-08:00

Cables clamp into the controller at the Arrow. Clamps that allow the operator to grab and control the cables. There is a notch in each side of the clamps to allow one of the cables through, while trapping the other one. The screws are backed out using a hex key. Cables are brought in from where the ferrules are screwed in, and slipped through the cable clamps. Center the controller while tightening down on the clamps. Adjust the cables to hand tight, but that's all. Face this side towards the animal. The third rotation cable is fed from below the spindle cluster.

2011-02-18T22:34:00.000-08:00

Controller mounts onto black board.

The controller usually requires a base to keep it steady while in operation. This base can also be mounted to other substrates, stage frameworks, or wooden panels. Two bases are provided in the kit. Use 1" screws to mount to the bases that are provided.

2011-02-18T22:28:00.000-08:00

Medium 3 Axis Controller Locks

There are locking screws for each of the axis. If you are not using an axis to move cable, it's best to lock off that axis. This controller is shipped with the locks in two axis. The locking screw is removed and stored on the stem of the controller (down at the base), by threading into the locks base. Use the hex keys which are provided with the kit.

2011-02-18T22:20:00.000-08:00

Animatronic Controller Cable Insertion Points

Each of the animatronic moves that are requested are hooked up to the corresponding controller. Each of the points are labeled to match the cable that matches it. If a move is not required, you don't need to hook up those cables. The smallest cables are used for the breathing mechanism.

2011-02-18T22:12:00.000-08:00

Animatronic Cables

These cables are coming out of the animatronic pig. they are connected to the mechanics inside. Each of the cables are labeled for each controller. The arrow is pointing to the cable that must be inserted into the "3B" spot on the controller. When inserting the cable into the animatronic controller, first remove the 2nd nut that's on the end of the ferrule. Then insert the cable through the controller mounting hole. Then fasten the 2nd nut around the ferrule and tighten.

2011-02-18T21:59:00.000-08:00

This is the Medium 3 Axis cable controller.

For the animatronic Wild Pig, you will hook up four of the cables to this controller. The ferrules of the cables go thru the holes marked with blue arrows. 3A and 4A are showing to camera.

2011-02-18T21:47:00.000-08:00

Animatronic Wild Pig!

Gorilla Suit Test 1

2010-12-10T17:01:00.001-08:00

Gorilla Suit Test 1
Originally uploaded by Animal Makers, Inc

Brutus in action and getting ready for a Spike TV spot!

Hawksbill Turtle Replica 2

2010-11-03T16:45:00.001-07:00

Hawksbill Turtle Replica 2
Originally uploaded by Animal Makers, Inc

Didn't these turn out well? The molds took almost a month to complete!

LoggerheadTurtleFinal1

2010-11-03T11:32:00.001-07:00

LoggerheadTurtleFinal1
Originally uploaded by Animal Makers, Inc

Here come the new 2010 turtles! These are amazingly, lifelike! Come by our website, www.animalmakers.com/store for more information!

Capuchin Monkey Stunt Rig

2010-10-17T22:47:00.001-07:00

Capuchin Monkey Stunt Rig
Originally uploaded by Animal Makers, Inc

Here's a posing, Capuchin Monkey Replica. There is armature wire mounted inside the bones of this little fellow.

Lion Rigging

2010-10-07T18:17:00.001-07:00

Lion Rigging
Originally uploaded by Animal Makers, Inc

This is the speed rail rigging set up that will be built on set for manipulating the animatronic lion head. There are two paw hangers to keep the rig together while it's standing by. The shots can be lined up ahead of time using the rig, then puppeteers/special effects technicians perform the gloves during the filmed attack. This is a close up, lion attack rig, with the fake lion installed. Animal Makers

Lion Rigging

2010-10-07T18:16:00.001-07:00

Lion Rigging
Originally uploaded by Animal Makers, Inc

Lion Brazil Gloves Rig

2010-10-06T16:16:00.001-07:00

Lion Brazil Gloves Rig
Originally uploaded by Animal Makers, Inc

Here's the smaller package of just the animatronic lion head mounted onto a high roller, and a crew member with a lion glove on.

Animatronic Lion Animal Makers 2

2010-09-29T12:00:00.001-07:00

Animatronic Lion Animal Makers 2
Originally uploaded by Animal Makers, Inc

Another short, 1-man test of the boom arm "jumping" move for the Animal Makers' animatronic lion.

Animatronic Lion Animal Makers

2010-09-28T16:48:00.001-07:00

Animatronic Lion Animal Makers
Originally uploaded by Animal Makers, Inc

This video is under 30 seconds and shows only the approach of the lion replica towards an actor. This is the jump up and hit that has been illustrated in our client's animatic.

Lion Paw Rig Animal Makers

2010-09-28T15:37:00.001-07:00

Lion Paw Rig Animal Makers
Originally uploaded by Animal Makers, Inc

This lion has moveable paws that are connected to rods for easy control.

Animatronic Lion Animal Makers

2010-09-28T15:36:00.001-07:00

Animatronic Lion Animal Makers
Originally uploaded by Animal Makers, Inc

This rig is getting ready to attack an actor. It is mounted to the Animal Makers' boom arm which allows a great deal of movement.

Animal Maker's Lion On Boom Arm

2010-09-28T13:36:00.001-07:00

Animal Maker's Lion On Boom Arm
Originally uploaded by Animal Makers, Inc

Here is the animatronic lion rigged onto the Animal Makers' boom arm. The various moves are shown on this diagram. This does not include the facial moves which are radio controlled and cable controlled. This animatronic puppet requires compressed air (90psi), 6VDC (battery for servos), a dolly to mount "E" to, dolly track if it's chasing. Lion is set up from the side, which leaves room around the lion for camera.

Year of the Tiger

2010-02-25T13:46:00.001-08:00

Year of the Tiger
Originally uploaded by HQN

The Social Media coverage of our latest creation, a 4m long tiger on display at the Venetian Casino in Las Vegas, during Chinese New Year, 2010.

Tiger just installed at the Palazzo in Las Vegas!

2010-02-01T12:09:00.001-08:00

Tiger
Originally uploaded by Amdagny

Check out this fan photo of a tiger we just finished at Animal Makers! It really turned out well. To see more of Animal Makers' works, visit us on Flickr or on the web at www.animalmakers.com

Giant Tiger at The Palazzo in Las Vegas

2010-01-22T16:18:00.001-08:00

The Palazzo, Las Vegas
Originally uploaded by Kevin Dincher

Animal Makers has just finished this figure and sent it to the talented Design Solutions installation team! The hotel has already had to pull two people off of this tiger!

Energy Hogs Commercial Full Version

2009-12-15T12:47:00.001-08:00

This is a fun commercial that Animal Makers created and performed in cooperation with the Ad Council.

Latta commercial starring Jill de jong

2009-11-03T10:36:00.001-08:00

Very interesting "behind the scenes" look at working with and performing a huge, fake whale!

2009-10-14T16:53:00.000-07:00

Here's one of our clients using our scorpion as part of their logo. The scorpion at Animal Makers can pose any way a designer wants. In this case, Jim Boulden handled the stock photography of the model.

Top Search Here at Animal Makers

2009-10-14T16:46:00.001-07:00

Extremely Realistic Scorpion Replica
Originally uploaded by Animal Makers, Inc

With over 2,000 animal models presented online, which animal model is the most searched for? This scorpion! This scorpion sculpture always places in the top ten of our searches! Who would know that this would so popular!

2009-10-07T09:59:00.000-07:00

Check out the "Three Bears" in their newest video shot for ILVA Furniture.

2009-10-06T12:28:00.001-07:00

Here's an image of the actor getting into this costume for the first time...The costume is still "fresh" and clean. We age it as the last step. The costumer is assuring a tight fit. No mask is visible under the gauze.

2009-10-06T11:37:00.000-07:00

Mummies! Check out the deal we are offering on our one-of-a-kind, Mummy suit! We have only one, and it's for a slim person approximately 5'10" in height. The suit can be adjusted to fit other body styles.

BearCopenhagen_MG_8742

2009-09-04T09:20:00.001-07:00

BearCopenhagen_MG_8742, originally uploaded by GatorMoto.

Here's the Animal Makers bears taking direction from Pierre Winther (M2 films of Denmark).

2009-07-29T14:45:00.000-07:00

After struggling to keep the doors open, this prop house finally is closing it's doors. Many collectors will be happy to procure some of Hollywood's most amazing memories during the auction. One of our favorites is the lifesize submarine. There are currently approximately 100,000 individual items in the collection. The NY Times posted this story: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/18/movies/18props.html Quoted from that story: “The closing of 20th Century is a disaster for us,” said Melinda Ritz, who won three Emmy Awards for her work on “Will & Grace.” She added, “The fabric of Hollywood is fraying so fast that it’s scary.”

The decline of scripted television plus the production migration to other locations was a double hit, then add in the strike authorization that was set up by SAG, were all factors that cause problems. Also, there had been a market for his amazing collection for parties and events, but the sour economy put a huge damper on those.

Harvey Schwartz, the owner, is one of the nicest guys you could ever meet. We, here at Animal Makers, will sorely miss him.

2009-05-12T11:55:00.001-07:00

Researchers, bidders, producers should be interested to know that they can find ONLINE PRICING for hundreds of props, effects, and rigs! This is a first in the field, and we are offering some incredible deals! Why reinvent the prop? Book one of these money savers, and put the difference in your pocket!
STORE: http://www.animalmakers.com

2009-05-11T10:10:00.000-07:00

Here's another reason to leave live, exotic animals out of the rigors of entertainment (circus, movie making, television, live events). This is the story of what happened to a petting zoo owner in Florida. She was attacked by a camel that had just been purchased. The camel was a bull and in rut, so it was not controllable. The camel went on to be sold to someone else, without any notice of it's past. It was a lose-lose deal for everyone concerned, even the camel!

2009-05-05T11:52:00.000-07:00

Animal Makers just posted a few on-screen props used in the film, "Batman, The Dark Knight". These were seen in the amazing fight scenes shot in Chicago and London. Of the two props, one is heavy (like a real dog), and the other is lighter (so allow it to be attached to the Batman). Commissioned specially for the film. This art is created entirely of artificial materials. No animal was harmed during it's creation. Here's a LINK to see what's being offered.

2009-04-28T15:48:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder how you train a walrus? Check out this commercial on YouTube that we shot in the Chilean Andes during 2008: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyWoQo0ggkY It was performed with two different rigs. The first is a walrus suit and the second is an animatronic walrus. The first was for the wide shots in the snow, and the second is for the close up shots of the face animating. Both of these rigs are 100% of normal walrus scale size.

Mechanical Eyeballs

2009-04-28T12:25:00.001-07:00

Mechanical Eyeballs, originally uploaded by GatorMoto.

EVer wonder what's under all that skin and shell? Here's an up close image of the animatronic design and construction of a talking character. In this case, it's a talking shark character. Originally built for Kelloggs for ad agency,Leo Burnett (Chicago). The final commercial can be seen at: http://www.animalmakers.com/videogallery/Kelloggs_sharks.php

2009-04-27T16:46:00.000-07:00

Roland Emmerich books Animal Makers onto "2012". Click here to see the hippo, rhino, or bear suit that traveled up to Vancouver, BC. Three Animal Makers crew attended the rigs and suit. There were four stages operating for the disaster film, plus a giant water tank.

2009-04-09T12:04:00.000-07:00

CSI (Crime Scene Investigations) was back in the Animal Makers' studios during February 2009. This time it was for a eagle attack rig. This bird attacks something, and they needed to make that happen on camera. One of our best television clients! Thanks CSI!

2009-04-09T11:42:00.001-07:00

"The Office" returns to Animal Makers once again for an artificial trout. At last minute, the propmaster for the series (Phil Shea) had to instruct that the insides needed to be just like they would be in a seafood window. No problem! Check out the before and after shots! Great to see Phil and his production crew back in the studio!

2009-04-08T16:02:00.001-07:00

Fiat dealers from all over South America came together near Recife, Brazil for three days. Fiat corporate booked the animatronic animals of Animal Makers to shoot a commercial for their Palio Adventure model, as well as entertain the dealers. Here's a video of those dealers' families posing with an animatronic lion and bear.

2009-04-08T15:24:00.000-07:00

Thanks go out to the production team over at HBO's "True Blood". Nice folks, and a great propmaster, Steven Levine. Steven has been in the film biz since he was a kid. His father, Al, is well known to the Hollywood film-making community. Animal Makers built a bunny rabbit out of artificial materials. The bunny prop also has a hidden rig (click to see image). See the episode and let us know what you think. The scene will knock your slippers off!

jim@animalmakers.com

2009-04-07T13:48:00.000-07:00

Fake Animal Mummies: Can you believe that realistic fake animals have been around for thousands of years? In ancient Egypt, there were fake animal mummies created that were stored in the tombs. Some of the Cat Mummies that were made and presented to Bastet (a popular Goddess of the time) contained simple rags or possibly a bone. Check out this site for more info on these ancient fakes!

2006-06-20T15:25:00.000-07:00

De-clawed Cat Trees Bear!

This is one of the most interesting animal stories we've seen recently. The Boston Globe gave the story an in depth treatment. The National Geographic also covered the story and had better photos. It's about "Jack" the cat that doesn't like anybody in his yard. The black bears showed up foraging for food. Jack apparently kept the 400 pound bear at bay for over 15 minutes.

Send us story recommendations if you got 'em!

-Jim Boulden, Executive Producer
Animal-Channel

2006-05-04T21:57:00.000-07:00

Bould Productions Shots or Spots!

This is the new version of my production company's site. Would enjoy any constructive discussion of the layout and content.

-Jim

2006-05-04T12:35:00.000-07:00

Hello from Jim Boulden, Executive Producer at the Animal News Channel [http://www.animalnewschannel.com]. This channel is being built for the animal lovers of the world. ANC is beginning the search for positive and fun animal programming.

Do you shoot any video of your pets, backyard visitors, or on safari? You could have a shot at promoting that footage to advertisers and the mobile media. These markets are growing fast, and there is a chance for making some money with your shows.

You have probably heard of sites that take your video for free, and sell advertising based on the traffic these sites build.

Our concept is to build distribution in paid content. That means your video needs to be good. Real good. The main problems of a YouTube [http://www.youtube.com/] are: (1) lots of low grade videos; (2) difficult or impossible to earn anything with your video; (3) the animals section seems full of the same videos we've seen on "America's Favorite Home Videos".

In other words, to sell content, you need a "Hollywood Connection". A promotional vehicle of some kind.

The folks behind Animal News Network have been a part of creating animal-based content for television, film, commercials and large commercial venues for over 25 years. If you have watched anything on film or video in the past twenty years, you have probably seen our work. Here are some links to see now: [http://www.animalmakers.com/Portfolios/]

We've already sold content to this list of advertisers: [http://www.animalmakers.com/Portfolios/commercial.php]

Already, there are 10,000 interested viewers per month visiting our new site:
http://www.animal-channel.com/

You can get in the early development of this interesting entertainment site and earn with your video work.

Send us an email with info on your animal-oriented entertainment property.

Be well, and do good work,

Jim Boulden, Executive Producer, http://www.animal-channel.com

2003-09-02T13:53:00.000-07:00

If you have an interesting story about your pet, please share it with us!