Best Of

Re: Muffin Puppet Short Film Test

We dusted off the puppets this week and looking for a place to shoot. Hopefully we'll have a finished video by summer!

David DeMattia

1

Re: Muffin Puppet Short Film Test

Ya know the down fall of being creative is seeing these creations in many more dimensions than what the norm may see or hear. This one made me smile more ways than one.

Kahula

1

Re: Prosthetic on a tattooed skin

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5020761/uploads/editor/35/bfisu9nesekj.jpg

Thank you so much! Yes!! Pretty much all over the prosthetic, it was like this before coloring it

Bathoryfx

1

Re: What's Your Favorite Stan Winston School Course?

Can't decide between Richard Landon's "Animatronics Design Basics" and "How to make Animatronic Characters" by Rick Lazzarini.

Richard Landon's course was my introduction into the amazing world of character fx and will always be precious to me, I enjoyed every second of it!

Praise Kelechi

1

What's Your Favorite Stan Winston School Course?

With so many great courses here at the Stan Winston School of Character Arts, we've all had that one course that really clicked, the one that inspired you, leveled up your skills, or sent you straight into the shop to start building.

We'd love to hear about your favorite course!

Tell us:

Which specific course is your favorite
What you enjoyed most about it (the techniques, the instructor, the project, the "aha!" moment)
How it influenced your work or creative process

And if you have photos of something you made that was inspired by that course, please share them! Seeing how people apply what they've learned is one of the best parts of this community.

Whether you're a longtime member or just getting started, jump in and let us know which course left the biggest impression on you.

Looking forward to seeing what everyone shares!

/Chris

Chris Ellerby

1

Re: Thanks to the Stan Winston School. My First Creature Creation. A floating Dog Head.

So glad our courses were able to help you on your creative journey! The dog puppet looks great!

/Chris

Chris Ellerby

1

Thanks to the Stan Winston School. My First Creature Creation. A floating Dog Head.

Just sending thanks for your courses and knowledge base. I documented the process of making the main character to my short film "Dog Head." I wouldn't have been able to do it without you. There was so much trial and error and improvisation (as expected). I started applying the newly gained skill set from your courses in a free form manner–learning by trying, and using what I had available. It was really satisfying. All best!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKs26g9ZpMk

thesweetdood

1

Prosthetic on a tattooed skin

I sculpted and moulded this generic wound and I've tried for the first time to apply it on a tattooed skin. It was pretty challenging because the tattoo was super detailed and symmetrical but I think I got it!

What do you think?

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5020761/uploads/editor/ql/7y8ow8nu109t.jpg

for

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5020761/uploads/editor/0l/vowaa64dlduy.jpg

Bathoryfx

1

Re: What's On Your Workbench? (Winter 2025)

I am back around to finishing Benjamin Martin from The Patriot. I have posted some previous progress but stopped to complete Denethor from Lord of the rings and completely sidetracked and completed Lucius Malfoy.

My most recent prop/costume completion was the ornate powder horn shoulder strap. Mel Gibson's character has an embroidered and beaded full over the shoulder strap attached to his powder horn. I have completed a "good at ten feet" version. I clipped one of the repeating sections and printed it on tshirt heat transfer paper. I cut those out and ironed them to a white belt.

Now, on to hair.

Darrell Green

2

Re: What's Your Favorite Stan Winston School Course?

Among all the courses I have taken so far, the Monster Suit Performance class led by Tom Woodruff Jr. stands out as my favourite. My fascination with Monster Suit Performance stretches back many years, originating from my early experiences watching Peter Elliott, also known as the Primary Primate, during the 1980s. Those initial inspirations ignited a lasting interest in the artistry and discipline involved in suit acting.

Having the opportunity now to view a course taught by the legendary creature and suit performer Tom Woodruff Jr. has been both enlightening and inspiring. The course offered a comprehensive look at the immense physical and mental effort required to bring creature characters to life. I was reminded of my younger self, imagining what it would have been like to portray a xenomorph—even if just a very small one.

Nicola Power

2