John Harvey - Weta Senior Modelmaker - Q&A with the RPF

[John Harvey]

What effect, do you think, the ever growing use of CGI, in film, is having on the Prop/model side of the industry? Do, you think the growing us of CGI, will force builders of Prop/Model to continue to push the limits of what they can make, or do you think CGI, will eventually, kill the Prop/model making side of the industry?

I am hugely grateful for the work all the folks at Weta do. I love seeing real props, that actors can reach out and touch, made by real people, on screen. I feel it adds a realize CGI will never match.

Hi jason

We will keep pushing, and no, I think there will always be a need for hand props.

And thank you, you make it all worthwhile

John

 

[John Harvey]

When designing a prop, do you consider durability and longevity beyond the production shoot since the market for original movie props have become a revenue source to the movie industry?

Does the thought of marketing replicas of a prop to fans ever influence your direction in designing a prop?

Hi Darth Mawr,

We have to make things bullet proof or the actors will break them, they can break anything, so we try and make things last forever.

No, we let someone else worry about that

Thanks

John

 

[John Harvey]

How does the design of a prop develop during the production process and how much do you take your inspiration from real existing objects?

Hi skynet,

Sometimes it develops, lots of other times they don't and they stay true to the design. It all depends on the drawing. If we have real reference, yes, we will, but if you know where I can find a working Arc Generatoror a Gas Projector, give us a call :cool

cheers

John

 

[John Harvey]

Whats the most challenging weapon or
prop you have ever built and why?

Hi bolsoncerrado

Dr Grordbort's Unnatural Selector The Unnatural Selector - Ray Blunderbuss

It has about 165 different components to it and Greg Broadmore is mad !!! in a good way

Cheers

John

 

[John Harvey]

If given no limit on time, money, or crew size, what is one project that you would love to tackle, that one dream job that you're always planning in the back of your head?

Thanks Wildwood,

I love Bond, and would love to work on one of them. Good clean gadgets.

Cheers

John

 

[John Harvey]

Since this is The Replica Prop Forum, do you ever look at us guys trying to replicate your designs and think, 'Nah, that bit doesn't go there', 'There's a funny story about that...' or just 'You guys are crazy!' :lol

Simon

Hey Simon

Most of the time I'm amazed how close you get them, and possibly that you're a bit mad. Just a bit though.

Cheers

John

 

[John Harvey]

was there ever a hellboy samaritan built that could actually shoot live rounds? The gun is huge, if it did fire, how many copies were made and what was it like handling such a beast? cheers.

Hi agliarept

Yes and no;

yes, we made a metal working gun, but no it did not shoot live rounds.

We made 3 stunt copies and one hero

And yes, it was cool, Very Cool.

Thanks

John

 

[John Harvey]

What do you think it is that makes replica firearm props so popular in comparison to other replica props?

Hey, guns are cool.

Cheers

John

 

[John Harvey]

This may tread dangerously close to questions already asked, but when designing various props (vehicles, weapons, whatever) do you often draw from real-world items, perhaps with the intent to invoke a certain feeling? or do you ever try to incorporate sort of inside-joke references to other films?

Hi d_jedi

I try to stay away from reference to other movies

thanks

John

 

[John Harvey]

What is your favorite movie?
Is there a movie from your youth that has influenced your current style?

Hi Zombie Killer

Fave movies - 5th Element, Grease, Labyrinth, Shawshank Redemption, Moonraker, LOTR & Pulp Fiction

cheers

John

 

[John Harvey]

Mr. Harvey,

Before I begin, I would like to thank you for taking time for answering our questions.

The first question I have is this: I am recently during my final week of film school, on the verge of graduating, and I am working on my Art Direction portfolio. And since props fall into art direction and production design, what items or details do professionals such as yourself look for in the work of someone who has stepped out of film school and starting out in the field of filmmaking? And is there any advice for someone starting out, like myself, you can share?

My second question (more of a topic) is this: though most props requires designs and sketches, have you ever created a prop from scratch without the use of a design or sketch? Has that prop ever come out the way you pictured it? And has it ever turned up in a production (and if so, what production)?

Hi CB2001

I look for quality in the build, Just keep trying, never give up, you only need one foot in then they never let you out.

All the time on Xena. Not so much these days.

Cheers

John

 

[John Harvey]

Hello John!

Have you ever made a prop that through design or appearance contained a personal/team 'in joke', but never told any outsiders or film studios who used it?

Regards:thumbsup

Hi Solaj

I can't say yes, that would probably get me in trouble !

John

 

[bubba fett]

Hi John,

Perhaps I missed it. Was wondering this weekend about the convergence between practical models/props and digital ones. Where you thought that was headed.

Also wondered about some of the new digital work that Weta is doing. I know several new apps from Weta are going through the good folks at The Foundry and was wondering where you saw some of that going. Not sure if you are involved in much of that though...

 

[John Harvey]

As a Senior Modelmaker, what type of team do you have?
How do you delegate duties and what is your main function on the team?


JESTER

Hi Jester,

A good one. When quiet, small. When busy, very large. I look after them, teach the younger ones, make sure things get made and every so often, I make as well.

Thanks John

 

[modeleers]

(sigh!)

 

[Dread84]

Has any of your creations ever hurt you while in the process of making them AND which prop caused you the most headaches?!?

 

[John Harvey]

You guys have already used most of the good questions I could think of!

I guess I will go with...
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What would you REALLY like to get the chance to work on next?

Maybe something that has been in the works or a script/book/play/game etc. that you would simply like to see made and be a part of? Like the Halo franchise etc.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You may not even be able to answer that legally it's just all I could think of that others haven't asked! Looking forward to seeing these really good questions answered.

Good luck and God bless with your future endeavors! Weta is the best! I have truly loved everything you guys have been a part of!

Hi OldKen

I would love to work on Bond. Maybe one day.

And thank you so much. Keep having fun

John

 

[John Harvey]

What equipment do you have at your displosal everyday you arrive at work? So many rpf members have become diy masters but i know we'd all love to have our own shop filled goodies.

Hey fotokid

Power file, hand tools, band saws, sanpaper, glue. You can make anything with those. But there are a few more tools at Weta.

cheers

John

 

[John Harvey]

John ,

I often wondered that after a movie is completed , do you get the choice to keep certain props yourself and/or do you choice to archive select ones ?

Hi Propologist

No, never !

John

 

[John Harvey]

What do you think is harder when making a sculpt? Impressing yourself; or impressing the client?

Hi

You have to enjoy what you are doing, and if you do, it shows in what you make

Thanks

John