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

[John Harvey]

What is your favorite movie prop that was not designed and built by either Weta or yourself?

The briefcase in Pulp Fiction ...... what was in it !!!!

thanks

John

 

[John Harvey]

Which of all the props you have designed, had the most moving parts or functions such as electronics or lights? Did this factor make it the most difficult prop you've ever created? And if not, which prop took the most trial-and-error to finish?

Hi Soulinertia

The Avatar guns. Yes, yes, yes and yes, hard work but lots of fun

thanks

John

 

[John Harvey]

When looking back on your career of movie props, what moment in the shop stands out to you that says this is all worth it. What makes you go back in every day when work can often be frustrating.

Hi Torment

The Samaritan was a highlight ( a long time ago).

Food and .......the next thing.

Cheers

Tim

 

[John Harvey]

Does it bother you, if one of your porps/models wind up in a deleted scene, or are you just happy you got the work, in the first place?

Hey Jason,

No, that's just part of the job.

Cheers

John

 

[John Harvey]

how did your parents reacted when you said you wanna make a living by building props?

Hi Tribal

Mum was happy - she didn't know what I would end up as

thanks

John

 

[John Harvey]

Do you find yourself designing things to keep for your own collection with no intention of using it for a possible production item?

Hi teecrooz

If I get a chance, yes. I like to keep my mind and hands busy.

thanks

John

 

[John Harvey]

How much of a connection do your departments usual have, to the costume departments, and how does that effect your choices? For instance, if your working on a sword, do you hear from them, if it would clash with one of their costumes, or perhaps wouldn't fit in the glove they've made for the character, and if so, is anything done about it on your end?

Hello again,

Oh, yes. We are all very close and are all conscious of each others work.

thanks

John

 

[John Harvey]

In such a creative industry, theft of ideas must happen often. Even if it is inadvertent (ie, thinking something is a new design, but in reality it's something someone might have seen many years ago)

Is there any rules / enforcement of rules for things like that. Or is it mostly a honour code amongst the trade?

and part 2 of that, does it ever feel like there really isn't much left to do , to truly be original?

Thanks for your time!
Mike

Hi Mike,

I haven't really come across this

And no, we all feed off each each other

cheers

John

 

[John Harvey]

Although you have THE DREAM JOB, everyone has a dream to go farther...what's your "dream" next step?

Hi Mantis

Production Design

thanks

John

 

[John Harvey]

Do you prefer Pizza or burgers. (sorry I'm all out of ideas, and wanted to through in one more question. :lol)

Burgers or is it Pizza ?

That's a hard question.

John

 

[John Harvey]

Do you have any advice for a hobbyist working out of his basement with barebones tools? Like someone said earlier alot of us are doing things with whatever is laying around.

Hi cobalt crimson

If it works, use it

Cheers

John

 

[John Harvey]

What can we expect the of the prop(weapons) for Panzer 88?

Hi thx

???

 

[John Harvey]

Two questions,
1) Do you put yourself into your design? For example is the design personal or are you just following guidelines?
2) Do you design a prop towards a function (once you are done you decide how it works), or do you design a prop from a function (knowing how it works you can make the design to fit the operation)?

Hi jwm,

1. I put as much of me in as possible

2. I think function around design. Then there is no limitation on what it looks like, if that makes sense

Cheers

John

 

[John Harvey]

1. If you had to choose one prop that would best represent who and what John Harvey is all about, what would it be?

2. What single prop (or series of movie props) would you say that you put every ounce of your heart, soul and creative effort into?

3. What brings you the most satisfaction? A)Seeing your creations on screen. B)Seeing fans rally around a particular prop. C)Receiving accolades from peers in the industry.

4. What movie or movie franchise released within the last 25 years that you were not involved with, would you say "Man, I really wish I had been the prop supervisor on that film!"?

5. Any chance of WETA releasing a 1:1 set of realistic Hobbits in costume? And by 1:1 I mean they look exactly like Elija, Sean and company, but proportionately scaled down to screen accurate "Hobbit" size.

Hey Sid

1. The one on the cutting room floor, like me ..... never seen

2. The guns of Avatar. They had to do a lot.

3. Not a cop out, but A, B and C.

4. BOND, BOND, BOND, I love that guy

5. Over to you Tim.L

cheers

John

 

[John Harvey]

Hi John,

I guess I have a couple questions also:

1) Who or what event in your life would you say was a great inspiration that set you on the path towards prop-making?

2) More specifically, what project or event led up to working at WETA? Was working on the team at WETA something you dreamed of doing and pursued, or did life take you there on it's own?

3) Life has many different parts, and perhaps your position at WETA is one dream accomplished... what do you dream of accomplishing next in life?

4) Does WETA have a need for a seasoned barista on staff??

Thanks for your time!

Hi Tsuyosa

I always loved making things. And Weta was sort of a progression of where I was and what I was doing. Also, NZ isn't that big.

Mmmmmmmm.... coffeeeeeee

Cheers

John

 

[John Harvey]

Sorry Guys

Gotta get back to work. Will answer the remaining questions next week

Thanks for all your support for Weta

Cheers

John

 

[Weta]

Thanks Everyone for posting questions.

Don't forget you can keep up to date with Weta news by signing up for our free newsletter Inside Weta

And we have just opened up pre-orders for our new D9 book The Art Of District 9: Weta Workshop

Cheers

Tim

 

[CB2001]

Again, thank you Mr. Harvey for your time and thanks for answering my questions. You have a great day (or night).

 

[OldKen]

The briefcase in Pulp Fiction ...... what was in it !!!!

thanks

John

I'll answer YOUR question.

Marsellus Wallace's soul.

 

[CB2001]

I'll answer YOUR question.

Marsellus Wallace's soul.

Wrong. It's a MacGuffin. It's not important what's in it, just that they got it and it helps advanced the plot forward (even in the disconnected continuity of the story). But, the original script explained it was diamonds.