I know I’m an adult, I know Harry Potter is a kids film….but it was these films that helped me realise what exactly I want to be. I love the props in the film and I love the graphic elements, what I didn’t know was which of these two elements had the strongest pull. To help narrow this down I took myself on a Basic Propmaking Skills course via a company called Creative Media Skills at Pinewood Studios.
The course was overbooked (25 students instead of 8) and dreadfully run with very little basic Health and Safety applied – I had to stop someone drilling through their own foot. Despite this, thanks entirely to the superhuman efforts of the industry Propmaster who came in on occasion to give guidance, we managed to create some articles.
Initially we were briefed to make a flat clay item that could be used to make a mould from. I chose to make a penny coin.
I’m aware of all the errors in this recreation. Aside from the intial 5 minute brief there was zero guidance or assistance provided, we were left there until 5pm to muddle along – seriously this was a dreadful waste of about £1000. But my point is, bearing in mind all the errors and circumstances, I’m happy with my penny, it’s a miracle it exists!
From that we made silicone moulds;
After this we eventually made hard plastic casts of our creations. Well we tried to, the venue initially didn’t have enough chemicals in stock to make the casts. On acquiring the chemicals they were then the wrong ones or out of date so the moulds didn’t work. Maybe I’ll try it myself in the shed at some point!
After that we moved onto making foam weapons. Made from blocks of roof insulating foam we were given a range of images to work from. I chose to make a battle axe from Warhammer.
Whilst I enjoyed making the items, the course was so badly run that I would not want to repeat it. In the future I may at times make props to amuse myself, or for exhibitions, however I would not wish to have to churn them out on an industrial scale.
I will stick to the visual imagery side of the house from now on!
Creative Arts Today 