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

[John Harvey]

Alrighty, here's an oddball one for you, Are there any completed props that you've done that, after looking back, you've said "Oh my, What was i thinking?!"

Hi cwabby

I don't think so..... which one are you referring too, I might agree now, I do find unotanium quite funny though ! it's sort of hard to getium.

 

[John Harvey]

When you go about your life outside of the workshop, how often do you find yourself noting that objects that you see would make a really good ______? And, if you are with friends, loved ones or colleagues, do they laugh at you for doing so?

Hi Candlejack,

No, I kind of file it away and if we need a _____ for a _____ I know where to get a ______.

Cheers

John

 

[John Harvey]

I have a question regarding breaking into the industry as a professional prop builder. Whenever I see a prop shop in action, I always see that each person has a specific job (a model maker, a mold maker, a painter, etc.), but every time I ask an industry professional what it takes to get noticed, they always tell me that you have to have mastery over a broad skill set. Is it not possible to get into the industry by being a bang-out mold maker (for example) if you're not as good at other aspects of the job? I imagine it varies greatly from shop to shop, but it seems like it's a common thing to require mastery over the entire process from potential applicants.

Hi torsoboy,

Variety and versatility is a good thing, but there are people that do one job. But it is fun to try other jobs. Remember practice makes perfect.

Thanks

John

 

[John Harvey]

Working on props is a behind the scenes job. Have you ever wanted to work in front of the camera? Further, with all of us prop geeks around have you ever been recognized on the street as "famous" or had the "can I have your autograph" moment?

Thank you immensely for coming on here to answer our questions!

Hey TKBIG,

I don't like cameras, they make me nervous !!

and yes lots at comic con .... strange it took me a bit by surprise.

Cheers

John

 

[John Harvey]

Everyone has a person who they look up to professionally. Whose work do you just say, "Damn, that guy is good."

Hi Lear60man

Henson, Jim Henson.

Cheers

John

 

[John Harvey]

What was your favorite prop you had to ever make?

Hey bbplyer09

Susan's bow and quiver from LWW, but there are many

Thanks

John

 

[John Harvey]

Seeing as you design and make things that are quite notable on screen, how does this affect your own perseption of the films you work on? I mean take actors for instance - I hear that a lot of actors can't stand watching themselves on film and things like that so I'm curious if you being a part of making say... a futuristic gun, sort of takes the edge off watching the film in some way because it's hard to believe that the models or guns etc. are actually real?

You know, sort of like being a part of the behind the scenes process of creating the items has a negative effect in that it makes it all the more difficult for you personally to "believe" in the final result when you watch the finnished film.

Hi discjunkie

The "I KNOW HOW THEY DID THAT FACTOR" wore off a long time ago. I watch a film to watch a film now, it's humbling to watch a movie and know "I made that!!"

Thanks

John

 

[John Harvey]

Do you find that the industry is moving more towards people with high levels of specialization in one area, or does it favor some one who is well rounded and can pull concepts from many different types of craft?

Hi Knowone

Variety is the spice of life, never limit yourself. But yes there are specialists in Weta.

Thanks

John

 

[John Harvey]

What Inspired you to get into prop making? Do you ever say to yourself that you can make your props better and accurate on the next project you work on?

Hey Stark05,

It was luck, money (needed some as I was a student at art school) and I take each job as it comes, and try to do the best job I possibly can.

Thanks

John

 

[John Harvey]

Re: John Harvey - Weta Senior Model Maker - Q&A with the RPF

When working with a production requiring large amounts of replicated specialty props requiring a certain amount of quality and realism, do you feel that employing artisans of that actual craft, such as sword makers, forgers and metal workers to build the real thing is practical in the US?

Also, do you feel that the use of true art in film has declined over the years or just become so mainstreamed into the process that it is no longer seen as art? Compare the paintings made for such films as "The Portrait of Dorian Grey" with today's modern version and the difference in quality, size etc is very noticeable. Why is sculpting used so extensively but many times when a prop of a painting is called for the prop is an obvious photoshop or printed copy?

Is the art of prop making a 3 dimensional art or an art or replicating whatever is needed in the best possible way....within budget? Is this simply a matter of what prop artisans are best at?

Hi Amadscientist,

Yes, but being able to see and hold it during the making is important for quality control, so local is good. USA may be a bit far away.

The second question I could write a thesis about and yes, it is a 3Dimensional art

Thanks

John

 

[John Harvey]

Have you ever made a prop that people were convinced had to be CGI and then surprised them by proving it does exist?

Thanks for taking our questions.

Hi Carenix,

All the Navi weapons, I walked out of the cinema myself and had to remind myself that I had actually made real versions of them !

Cheers

John

 

[John Harvey]

My question would be: 'Hi John, when you first consider building a prop, do you get inspiration from props that you or others have created, or do you find inspiration in everyday objects and see the basis for something new?'



Terry.

Hi Terry,

I spend some time nutting things out, sometimes process can inspire, sometimes everyday objects do. It really is one case at a time

Thanks

John

 

[John Harvey]

When walking, driving and generally going about your non-prop building day, do you ever look at something and think 'Holy cow, that would make a great............' or 'I could see this character using this'?

Are you often disappointed with the 'made for retail' copies of your work released, and do you ever design with an eye on how the item coud be adapted for the mass market?

Hi AGxM

Yes, it does happen. I file that info away into the deep dark places inside my head and retrieve it if the application arises.

Most of the replicas are good, I sometimes say to myself "damn that's good"

Cheers

John

 

[John Harvey]

Hi John,

How many times have you put you blood sweat and tears into a project only to have that terrible coversation with an art director,or a director, that goes "erm.. yeah it looks great but... can you do it again, from the beginning, it's not at all what I thought it would look like." ?

My impression of the company is that your one great big family. How well do the different departments in WETA interact? Are you quite department centred or do you all get together once a month for a nice big BBQ and some X-box?

Thanks for you time!

Cheers!

Pete

Hi Pete,

That hasn't happened too often, but it has happened. You just have to say ...OK ...and start again. The departments at Weta are all in close proximity. So we do see each other every day and yes we do have drinks often, but no XBox .... that went missing ....

Thanks

John

 

[John Harvey]

A general question: Although TV and movie production differs, now TV series are mostly shot in HD, how much care must be taken in making a prop today to avoid funny mistakes like a upside-down sticker and mispelled labels or wear of a often used prop that could be seen afterwards on-screen (Movie and TV-wise)? And do propmakers have the time to make it "perfect"?

Hi YenChih Lin

Quality control is very important. Missing quality is embarrassing, sometimes funny, we do strive for perfection. We try very hard and take pride in what we do.

Thanks

John

 

[John Harvey]

What would you say were your biggest influences? Working in prop design/building have you got closer to those influences than you ever thought you would?

Thanks for spending time with us John!

Hi David

It may sound cheezy, but my friends and colleagues

Thanks

John

 

[John Harvey]

What sparked your interest in making and designing props in the first place? Was it just a hobby at first or did you know this was the ultimate job for you?

Hi pop2bnzdak,

It was a way to make some money. Then I found I liked it a lot and kept going.

Cheers

John

 

[John Harvey]

I am 30 years old today and detest my current career. I love building props at home, but I am not sure where to start to get into the business. Can you recommend a course of action on where to go?

Thanks

Hi alm99

Happy Birthday ..... put a cv together and send it out to as many people as you can. Once you have a foot in the door you can just keep going and going and going.

Thanks

John

 

[John Harvey]

Sir

What direction do you foresee the art of modelmaking taking? i.e. what methods do you think will expand the abilities of modelmakers in the foreseeable future? Methods such as 3D rendering , altho cost prohibitive for the "garage kit maker", would expedite many projetcs. Do you feel that these methods take away from the "art" of design and the "hands-on" methods used to make props and models?

Thanks

Richie

Hi Richie,

the next wave of modelmaking hasn't happened yet. But when it does it will become just another tool just like 3D modeling has ... which I'm sure will come down in price and become more accessible.

Thanks

John

 

[John Harvey]

How common is it now a days to use found objects in the making of a prop? I know many star wars props are full of found everyday objects. Does this practice still excist or is everything scratch made?

Hi Grundy,

We still use found objects. It is a happy mix of Both.

Thanks

John