Animatronics is back at MUD!

Animatronics is back at MUD!

Join us on this thrilling journey into the realm of animatronics and unlock the potential to create captivating characters that blur the line between imagination and reality.

With the popularity of film and television shows like The Mandalorian, Stranger Things, Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, and Jurassic World Dominion there is an effort from the entertainment industry to do effects practically!

Make-up Designory is offering the Animatronic Character Design and Creation course in July 2023. This is an exciting opportunity for students to delve into the world of animatronics and learn the skills needed to bring lifelike characters to life. This hands-on course combines both modern and traditional techniques to build budget-friendly animatronic characters, employing mechanisms such as cable, RC-style motors, and microcontrollers for precise control of movements.

Practical effects are more commonly used in film and television and this skill makes you more marketable by bringing characters and effects to life, even on a smaller budget. Learn “old-school” techniques paired with some of the newest technology in 3D printing and rapid prototyping , you’ll bring a unique skill to the table.

Throughout the course, students will be introduced to essential tools, materials, and suppliers specific to animatronic design. They will gain a comprehensive understanding of various mechanisms used in animatronics, including eye mechanisms for expressive movements, push-pull mechanisms for controlling eyebrows, lips, and cheek areas, wire lip mechanisms for realistic lip movements, neck mechanisms for lifelike head movements, tail/tentacle movements, and jointed mechanisms for fingers.

In addition to mechanics, students will explore the world of digital design using 3D design programs and harness the power of 3D printing to fabricate custom parts for their animatronic creations. They will create unique characters from scratch using sculpting and mold-making techniques to develop molds for key components of animatronics.

The course places emphasis on the creation of skins and the mechanical structure that underpins animatronic characters. Students will learn various techniques to fabricate realistic and flexible skins, using different materials and textures to achieve desired visual effects. They will also gain hands-on experience in constructing the internal mechanical structure, ensuring seamless integration of mechanisms and optimal functionality.

Furthermore, the course equips students with the skills to puppeteer their animatronic characters effectively for camera performances. They will learn the nuances of timing, movement synchronization, and character expression to bring their creations to life in a captivating and believable manner.

By the end of the course, students will have the knowledge and practical skills necessary to design, build, and puppeteer animatronic characters. Whether their interests lie in film, television, or other creative industries, this course provides a foundation to add animatronic characters to their repertoire.

Enroll in the Animatronic Character Design and Creation course today and take your first step towards bringing your wildest creations to life! Contact admissions at the LA campus at 818-729-9420 for more information. Class is scheduled for July 2023.