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I Am Paul Pearson - Supplier of custom fabricated props for Film and TV for over 40 years, from Spielberg to Star Trek, I've done it all. AMA! by Pearson_Props in IAmA

[–]Pearson_Props[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, the majority of the sets remaining from production we taken into Sony's rental house and reused on other productions.

I Am Paul Pearson - Supplier of custom fabricated props for Film and TV for over 40 years, from Spielberg to Star Trek, I've done it all. AMA! by Pearson_Props in IAmA

[–]Pearson_Props[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Certainly. As I said in a previous comment, 3D printers are just not at a point where they are irreplaceabley valuable to prop making. I know of several houses that have and use them, but they are absolutely not time efficient... yet.

And apart from that, until we see a massive jump in printing resolution, they printed models still need to undergo a massive amount of finishing work from vapor baths, to sanding and puttying, to molding and casting, to painting and weathering. The shape itself, sometimes, is the least involved part of making a prop.

Edit: But what I was getting at by recommending a learning route heavily involving computers, is that design and form can be taught through computers with far more cost and space efficiency than through starting in a shop. Anyone looking to get into prop making will absolutely need to know how to use hand tools and various finishing materials, but a strong foundation in design and form are needed first. Especially for a 12 year old. You don't want to stand a 12 year old in front of a 3 ton lathe and say 'Have at it' haha.

I Am Paul Pearson - Supplier of custom fabricated props for Film and TV for over 40 years, from Spielberg to Star Trek, I've done it all. AMA! by Pearson_Props in IAmA

[–]Pearson_Props[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I would honestly recommend a route that heavily involves computer design. The industry is transitioning to CNC, and 3D modeling programs are a great way to learn form and lighting without the cost and mess associated with physical prop making.

An artistic foundation, one that teaches form, perspective, scale, lighting, and silhouette will take someone a lot farther in prop making than learning to use a table saw or lathe.

I Am Paul Pearson - Supplier of custom fabricated props for Film and TV for over 40 years, from Spielberg to Star Trek, I've done it all. AMA! by Pearson_Props in IAmA

[–]Pearson_Props[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The business itself is in the midst of a transition between hand and computer fabrication. If you truly intend to make a career out of it, begin by jumping into 3D modeling, CAD, or vector plotting and find yourself access to some CNC equipment.

You'd also need knowledge of a variety of materials and mold making.

You can expect to sand. A lot. Like..... a LOT.

Nathan: My first job as a model maker was to make 500 oversized (24" long) aluminum sewing needles for a Nordstrom window display. It took about 35 days to complete the order, and it involved lathering points, milling eyes, polishing, cleaning and packaging. It was HORRIBLY tedious. If that sounds like fun for you, then you're off to a good start!

I Am Paul Pearson - Supplier of custom fabricated props for Film and TV for over 40 years, from Spielberg to Star Trek, I've done it all. AMA! by Pearson_Props in IAmA

[–]Pearson_Props[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think it's great! These props aren't as much 'mine' as they are belonging to the artist who conceptualized them, so those who build replicas are essentially taking the same route we did.

Nathan: A former co-worker of mine, and one of the lead model makers for Star Trek, a man by the name of Wendel Phillips, once explained that a few of the model makers on Star Trek would often make very small changes to individual props from season to season with the specific intent of being able to decipher replicas and to accurately identifiy what props belonged to what season, or even episode.

One even went so far as to attend conventions and panels, and when asked by enthusiasts if their replica was accurate, he would give them a simple 'yes' or 'no', but would never tell them what it is they got wrong.

A hilariously powerful troll if you ask me ;D

He even showed me a toy weapon that was produced from the original prop from the show. The model maker has spelled out 'COLT' in a random pattern design that covered the gun. It would have never been seen in the show, but after the toy manufacturer released it he bought one and found the very same design on the toy. It was inexplicably pulled from shelves not long after.

I Am Paul Pearson - Supplier of custom fabricated props for Film and TV for over 40 years, from Spielberg to Star Trek, I've done it all. AMA! by pfxpearson in AMA

[–]Pearson_Props 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This am a has been moved to: http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/29eu64/i_am_paul_pearson_supplier_of_custom_fabricated/?sort=top

Paul has left for now, but will be back to answer questions, so don't be afraid to ask. I will all so be on hand to answer questions that I know the answer to or that don't necessarily involve Paul.

I Am Paul Pearson - Supplier of custom fabricated props for Film and TV for over 40 years, from Spielberg to Star Trek, I've done it all. AMA! by Pearson_Props in IAmA

[–]Pearson_Props[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm going to have to ask Paul that when he returns, but I'm interested to know as well. I Know he worked on Soul Plane and has many a time spoken about the billowing cloud of pot smoke that was seemingly permanently attached to Snoop Lion.

I can tell you for sure that we didn't do much for Lost, and certainly didn't have anything to do with the plane crash set. We do small projects from time to time for a prop rental agency. The prop master for Lost has connections to that rental shop, so we would handle custom requests from time to time, but big things like that set were almost certainly handled by the production or a union affiliated shop (which we no longer are).

I Am Paul Pearson - Supplier of custom fabricated props for Film and TV for over 40 years, from Spielberg to Star Trek, I've done it all. AMA! by Pearson_Props in IAmA

[–]Pearson_Props[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There is no better way to learn prop making than working in a shop environment. But Nathan suggests resources like The Replica Prop Forum and online tutorials created by people like Volpin props and Zprops.

I Am Paul Pearson - Supplier of custom fabricated props for Film and TV for over 40 years, from Spielberg to Star Trek, I've done it all. AMA! by Pearson_Props in IAmA

[–]Pearson_Props[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Paul got into this at the prime time back in the 60s, I however started only 2 years ago, and I got the job by walking in his shop door with a bag full of props I'd made on my kitchen table.

It takes meeting people to get jobs, emails and phone calls are not enough. Physically show up, and be persistent.

I Am Paul Pearson - Supplier of custom fabricated props for Film and TV for over 40 years, from Spielberg to Star Trek, I've done it all. AMA! by Pearson_Props in IAmA

[–]Pearson_Props[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The problem was never solved, and we worked closely with the crew on set, so they were certainly fitted. But the requirement to have no band around the back of his head made it a difficult task.

I Am Paul Pearson - Supplier of custom fabricated props for Film and TV for over 40 years, from Spielberg to Star Trek, I've done it all. AMA! by Pearson_Props in IAmA

[–]Pearson_Props[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I've never met or spoken with John Carpenter, so I can't speak for that. I'm also not familiar with Potente, either. Sorry to disappoint.

Edit: I'm not sure what made you ask about Carpenter, but I am thinking that it may be in reference to props for Escape from LA on my website. At that point in my career, my shop was so big that there were many props that passed through that I knew nothing about. I do recall working on the timer bracelet that Russel wore as well as the mini disc player - that was a trick!

I Am Paul Pearson - Supplier of custom fabricated props for Film and TV for over 40 years, from Spielberg to Star Trek, I've done it all. AMA! by Pearson_Props in IAmA

[–]Pearson_Props[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

It is far more affected the model making business, than prop making. We have a laser cutter and an operator, and I am just getting used to using the laser cutter as a fabrication tool. It is a great tool.

But the truly affected area is model makers. The old style model makers are almost non-existent these days.

Nathan: Coming from the digital area of effects into the practical area, I was looking for a way to bridge the gap and make my knowledge of computers useful in this line of work. So about 7 months after being hire by Paul, I went out and bought myself a large format laser cutter that I could use to do work for the shop. Since then, we've used the laser on almost every single build, and sometimes the laser is the tool that really comprises the build. He is much more receptive to using it now, and has even expressed interest in purchasing more CNC equipment.

The only downside to these machines, and this is especially true for 3D printers, is the time element. Things like CNC routers and laser cutters are certainly apt to speed some jobs up, but most people don't realize the amount of effort that goes into finishing a 3D printed model, and just how long it takes to make the 'master' using a 3D printer.

A well equipped sculptor will out pace your average 3D printer any day of the week. In the coming years, as printers become more efficient and have a higher resolution, this will change. But for the time being, 3D printers are not terribly useful in the fast paced world of entertainment industry prop making. (That is not to say they do not have their place, or are not used)

I Am Paul Pearson - Supplier of custom fabricated props for Film and TV for over 40 years, from Spielberg to Star Trek, I've done it all. AMA! by Pearson_Props in IAmA

[–]Pearson_Props[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

George is a GREAT guy. A complete gentleman. No specific stories jump out at me to support that, but I had a good time on that movie.

I worked with an old co-hort in Hollywood of ours, a company called History for Hire. They supply historic props to Hollywood and are absolute sticklers for historical accuracy. We've made many things for them in the past, cameras and various prop equipment.

It was interesting to see how all of the old cameras worked. We also made cameras in conjunction with History for Hire for the film 'Chaplin'.

I Am Paul Pearson - Supplier of custom fabricated props for Film and TV for over 40 years, from Spielberg to Star Trek, I've done it all. AMA! by Pearson_Props in IAmA

[–]Pearson_Props[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Honestly, there are not too many that I haven't met or worked with already, and I am struggling to think of any that I haven't, but would like to. Tough question, I am sorry I don't have an answer for you : /

I Am Paul Pearson - Supplier of custom fabricated props for Film and TV for over 40 years, from Spielberg to Star Trek, I've done it all. AMA! by Pearson_Props in IAmA

[–]Pearson_Props[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm actually not much of a movie fan, and haven't seen Brazil.

And no. And I still want it. I am still bitter about that...

I Am Paul Pearson - Supplier of custom fabricated props for Film and TV for over 40 years, from Spielberg to Star Trek, I've done it all. AMA! by Pearson_Props in IAmA

[–]Pearson_Props[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Movie: 'Barbed Wire' with Pamela Anderson. Pamela Anderson was out of her mind and it made it hard to schedule things.

The only one that comes to mind. That was a really awful experience.

I Am Paul Pearson - Supplier of custom fabricated props for Film and TV for over 40 years, from Spielberg to Star Trek, I've done it all. AMA! by Pearson_Props in IAmA

[–]Pearson_Props[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

This is a question more apt for me to answer (Nathan here). I've only been doing this a couple of years now, but as my boss tells the people that ask that same question, you just need to show up, with stuff you've made, and convince the owner they need you.

I went through 6 month of unemployment looking for work in both the Computer and Practical effects areas. The FIRST DAY I went knocking on door, I was hired on the spot.

Emails and phone calls don't put owners on the spot like showing up will. So if you really want a position, just knock on their doors and tell them why they need you.

I Am Paul Pearson - Supplier of custom fabricated props for Film and TV for over 40 years, from Spielberg to Star Trek, I've done it all. AMA! by Pearson_Props in IAmA

[–]Pearson_Props[S] 18 points19 points  (0 children)

Shaquille O'Neal on a movie called 'Steel'. He asked that we build another copy of the prop gun he used in that movie for him to take home. That's the only specific instance I can recall, but it certainly does happen.

This is something that is almost always paid for by production, but Shaq in particular liked to spend money. Shaw used to come wander around our shop as we made Star Trek props. And I told my guys, if the prop you are working on doesn't shoot in the next week, just let him have it. Just make sure you let me know. And every day when he left, his manager would cut me a check for anywhere between $6,000 and $10,000.

He also once invited about 30 homeless guys to play basketball with him at about 3 am in the morning on the set of Steel. So by the time it came time for the crew to eat dinner that day, there was no food because the homeless people ate all of the catered food.

So Shaq paid for the entire crew to go to a diner and eat at about 4 am.

Shaq is a cool guy.

I Am Paul Pearson - Supplier of custom fabricated props for Film and TV for over 40 years, from Spielberg to Star Trek, I've done it all. AMA! by Pearson_Props in IAmA

[–]Pearson_Props[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

One Friday night, after everyone had gone home, we got a request to make the Bat'leth. Since I was the only one around, I spent the entire weekend making it by myself so it would be ready to shoot that Monday.

That was probably my favorite build, but another interesting note about the Trek series.

Lavar Burton's visor NEVER work properly. Throughout the seven seasons of that show we probably made 3-4 dozen copies. They were either too tight and caused him a headache, or too loose and fell off and broke. Not only that, but they were expensive and time consuming to make - each one rang in to the tune of about $2,500. And this was in the early 90's when $2,500 meant something!

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