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

[John Harvey]

Mr. Harvey -

On one of the Fellowship of the Ring documentaries, they went into how Weta fashioned a small knife and sharpening stone for Aragorn, based on input from Viggo Mortensen. How often have actors involved themselves in the design/fabrication process in your movies, and have any impressed you with their insights or suggestions?

Hi SmilingOtter

That doesn't happen too often. Viggo really got into his character, nice but rare.

Cheers

John

 

[John Harvey]

Mr. Harvey:

Writer's often create whole bios of each character, regardless of how insignifigant the character and whether any of that information is important to the larger story. It helps them conceptualize the character.

My question is: do you do the same thing with props when you're creating them from scratch?

I'm thinking specifically of my favorite prop that you had a part in: The Samaritan from Hellboy but it really extends to any other prop you had a hand in creating.

Hi Deanwormer

I didn't paint myself red, but the samaritan was the first hero gun I got to make so that seemed to be inspiration enough

thanks

John

 

[John Harvey]

of all the projects you have worked on what is your favorite and least favorite?

Hi tk1055

I have enjoyed all the movies I have worked on. I love making things, but there is always a love, hate relationship with them all. I hate the long hours you have to work but love making things.

Cheers

John

 

[John Harvey]

John,
I know you must strive to make your props as realistic and detailed as possible, but have you found yourself under increased pressure to make them that extra level better knowing that the work will end up on on higher definition systems when viewed by the folks at home?

Whereas a single prop might be seen fleetingly for a few seconds in a theatre, now it lives forever on Bluray, that sort of thing

Hi Aztek Dummy

From the beginning at Weta we always put extra effort into every detail (down to buttons and buckles). This I would say has prepared us for the HD revolution. A stroke of luck I would say.

Cheers

John

 

[John Harvey]

When you build stuff, and mess up halfway there, do you keep going and see whats the final result or do you throw everything away and start again?

Hey Alex

I'm not big in polishing turds. If it is wrong I like to start again and learn from mistakes

Thanks

John

 

[John Harvey]

When making swords and armor for the LOTR movies I was blown away by the detail that went into the pieces. But how much "function" if any, is discarded to crank up the "form" or wow factor?

Hi Goodwolf,

None, LOTR design was based on "a real world" design process, so if it didn't function realistically it wasn't really used, which I think gives Middle-earth it's reality

Thanks

John

 

[John Harvey]

How does Weta set themselves apart from the competition when it comes to propmaking for the movies? By that, I mean, can you describe some of the processes, be it mockup or final prop, that you feel are unique and take pride in?

Hi Rollerboi

Weta design, the quality of build, it's practicality and it's durability. My motto is "I'll make it - you try and break it"

Thanks

John

 

[John Harvey]

Seems as though a lot of people are asking where the creative juices are coming from so I thought I'd ask from a different angle of if he ever has to put the brakes on those creative streaks

1.) Do you ever feel limited in your design process if you are making a piece that is a non-CGI prop, or 2.) Do you feel that sometimes you have to limit yourself in the design in the CGI realm to keep the believability of the prop?

Hey GA

Never limit yourself, there is always a way around it

Cheers

John

 

[John Harvey]

What are the top three essential & most used items in your toolbox?

Hi JQ

Power file, craft knife (Tajima) and a dremel

Cheers

John

 

[John Harvey]

When working on a job, are you locked into what the contract calls for or do you get to explore your personal ideas?

Hi jedistine

it's a fine balance of both - meet the client's brief but push the limits

Cheers

John

 

[John Harvey]

what did WETA use as a base for their warthog (vehicle, body, wind shield) as i am thinking of making one. also i must say you guys did an awesome job on the halo shorts. i only wish they would make a movie already!

Hi rvb18

Thank you, Halo shorts were fun. The warthog started life as a nissan safari 4x4 and was completely modified (new chassis, suspension, steering, etc) the body was hand modeled, molded and cast in fibre glass, and the windshield was vacuum formed polycarb. It was not an easy process, good luck.

Cheers

John

 

[John Harvey]

As replicators, I think the board kind of misses the "thrill of the hunt", trying to figure out what a prop once was, in it's former life. With all the computer designs and CGI props, us DIY guys have no chance, unless we can get access to 3D printers and multi-axis lathes.

So, having said that, in this day and age of CAD programs and fancy 3D printing, do you ever wish you could go back to the old days of prop building, ala Star Wars? Digging through piles of "junk" and sticking them together with bolts and duct tape? Seeing if you can realize your dream, with stuff you found in the back corner of a pawn shop, goodwill or local junkyard?

-Fred

Hi Gigatron

The 3D process has become a tool, we use it to our advantage, but we still do bolt and stick stuff together

thanks

John

 

[John Harvey]

John,
You've worked on all my favorite movies it seems and you have my dream job. I'm a sculptor and mold maker for Sally Corporation, we do animatronics for theme parks. I get to do a little of everything artistically, most people say I have a dream job. We don't do movies however so I do that on the side for myself. I've made my own fan-made movie props from Star Wars stuff to Iron Man and even Avatar. Currently I'm working on my own fan-made Neytiri statue. The RPF and sites like this give me a great forum to show my work and get great critiques.
My question is how does someone like me who has talent, experience, and impressive resume', connect with a studio like Weta, and what can I do to set myself apart from a sea of artist?

Hi Russell

Send in a C.V. and be prepared to move to the "other side of the world"

The Weta recruitment process is here Contact Us

Cheers

John

 

[John Harvey]

What got you started in the whole industry of special effects and prop making? What kind of tips do you have for those of us who are just getting started? What would you say is your favorite movie you have worked on? What are your favorite type of props to make for a movie?

Hi keikeo

It was luck, what was only meant to be a two week job turned out to be a 20 year career. I do enjoy making the guns - stunt through to the live firing versions.

Thanks

Tim

 

[John Harvey]

Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions. Have you ever seen a fan made project (weapon, tool ,gear ,ect) that you thought..Wish I had that!, or one you thought was made better than the one from the movie ?Cosplay.com - Me and My AMP SUIT! - Colonal Quaritch - Tom DePetrillo...Shamless self promotion.
Check out my 10'6" Amp suit!

Hi BumbleBee

nice work ....... but, if you can make them better than we can, you should come work for us ....... (shameless self promotion !)

cheers

John

 

[John Harvey]

Hello Mr Harvey. I can only think of three questions.

Have you ever worked on any real items? as in, not props.

Have any of your props ever got broke during filming?

And, is it possible you could sign any of the replicas that are sold online?

Thanks!

Hey Frosteon

Yes, lots

Yes, not many .....(damn stunties)

and not sure, don't think so

Thanks John

 

[John Harvey]

I would like to know how you determine the style of weapon to create for a type of character? What is your inspiration when creating an "alien" weapon and keeping it from being similar to others you have created?

Hi Cenobyte

That is normally determined by the directors and designers ....... we do try to make the build style and quality original as to make them look like they are built by different makers.

Cheers

John

 

[modeleers]

Would still like to read - something / anything - from you about - Dambusters.

 

[philip7]

hi john

how did u get into model / prop making ?

phil

 

[John Harvey]

Hi Guys

Apologies again for the delays in reply. This will be my final answering session, and then Tim will be announcing the prize winners tomorrow.

Thanks again to everyone for showing so much interest

Cheers

John