Podcast
Battles With Bits of Rubber
Hosted by Stuart Bray and Todd Debreceni · EN
Stuart Bray and Todd Debreceni talk makeup effects and prosthetics.
If you like rubber monsters, prosthetics and gore then you can listen, learn and suggest new episode subjects.
Todd is author of 'Special Makeup Effects For Stage And Screen', what many consider to be the modern makeup FX bible.
Stuart Bray is a working makeup FX artist with many years experienc. Credits include 'Saving Private Ryan', 'Shaun of the Dead', 'Dr Who' and more recently 'Game of Thrones' and 'Dr Strange'.
Email us at stuartandtodd@gmail.com
11episodes
Episodes
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#98 - Chris Clarke
Oct 2701:18:16Tap to summarizeCrafting Believability: The Art of Animatronics with Chris Clarke In this episode of 'Battles with Bits of Rubber,' Chris discusses his journey and experiences in the world of animatronics. He recounts various projects, including building the horse animatronic for 'Warhorse' and the massive head for 'Wicked.' Chris emphasises the importance of blending practical effects with digital methods, recounting his creative process, challenges, and innovations. He highlights how simple, logical solutions often work best and shares his early passion for special effects, driven by a desire to solve technical problems. Chris also touches on the broader industry trends, including the ongoing relevance of animatronics despite the rise of CGI. The conversation provides insights into the creative and practical aspects of animatronics, underscoring the necessity of believable results over mere realism. ------ Check out full episode notes, pictures and links here: https://battleswithbitsofrubber.com/98chrisclarke
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#97 - Richard Martin
Oct 1801:14:51Tap to summarizeRichard Martin is a multi-skilled and astute operator. He combines creative flair with a very sound approach to business, problem-solving and meeting deadlines. Often, as creative people, we love to dig deep into the joyful processes of making stuff, but often we lack the capacity to insist on sufficient time, money and space to allow that to happen. Richard talks about that in this episode, and we are so happy with the conversation we had. Fresh from his stint on the successful TV drama series The Day Of The Jackal with Eddie Redmayne, this was a joy to record, and we both met with Richard and recorded this episode in his workshop in the Midlands in November 2024. Richard did not start from an effects background, coming to the field later in life from a sales background, which has helped him approach the business of effects from a, well..., business frame of mind. In this episode, he presents a refreshing perspective on how we should support our talent. We cover various topics, such as: Discussing Flock & Flocking Techniques and Challenges in Flocking Insights in Pigmenting Silicone Painting Prosthetics: Tips and Tricks 3D Printing in Prosthetics The Evolution of Scanning Technology Life Casting vs. Scanning AI in Prosthetics and Beyond The Illusion of Progress Self-Sufficiency and Modern Life The Digital vs. Traditional Debate Efficient Workflows in Sculpting Breaking into the Industry Balancing Creativity and Business Full details and transcript of this episode can be found on the podcast website: https://battleswithbitsofrubber.com/97richardmartin/
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#96 - Brian Best
Mar 3, 202502:53:56Tap to summarizeMastering Digital and Practical Prosthetics with Brian Best In this episode of 'Battles with Bits of Rubber,' we delve into the intricate world of prosthetics mould-making with the talented Brian Best. Join us as we explore Brian's transition from traditional mould-making to mastering ZBrush, discussing the nuances and challenges faced along the way. We cover many topics, including the practicalities of clay and silicone, the difficulties of working with different materials, and the invaluable lessons learned through years of hands-on experience. From reminiscing about early projects like 'The Avengers' (the 1998 Ralph Feinnes/Uma Thurman number, nothing to do with the Marvel universe!) to modern digital techniques, this episode is packed with insights for both beginners and seasoned professionals in the world of prosthetics. Whether it's the importance of keeping meticulous notes, understanding the nuances of different software, or the cultural differences in mould-making across the Atlantic, there's something here for anyone passionate about the craft. The episode blog post is @ https://battleswithbitsofrubber.com/96brianbest ____ Stuart & Todd
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#95 - The Prosthetics Event 2024 Debrief
Nov 21, 202401:03:01Tap to summarizeThis episode discusses our experience following the Prosthetics Event 2024 in Coventry. We mention our highlights, including networking, speaking to hundreds of people with our presentations, and a series of insightful discussions, which we hope you will find very helpful if you are a rubber monster freak like us. We chatted with Adrian Rigby, known for his exceptional bald cap techniques. He shared his methods and discussed common challenges in creating realistic bald caps. We also discuss the advances in digital workflows in prosthetics moulding with Sangeet Prabhaker, who shares his innovative methods, including reverse engineering life casts and 3D printing to make lightweight, efficient moulds and very realistic appliances. The conversation touches on the importance of adapting to new technologies and continually innovating in the field. While technology has evolved, the basic principles of mould-making remain vital, so you should download the free notes we made for it. We try to capture the essence of these artists' passion and enthusiasm for their craft and the importance of sharing knowledge and pushing the field's boundaries. Be sure to check out the free workshop notes we give away, which are available for download on the website. https://battleswithbitsofrubber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Mould-Making-For-Those-Afraid-Of-Making-Moulds.pdf ----------------- Check https://battleswithbitsofrubber.com/tpe24 for detailed show notes and transcription of the episode.
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#94 - Practical Pixels & Imprudent Imposters
Aug 9, 202400:52:49Tap to summarizeThis time around we discuss the technical aspects of 3D modelling and printing for practical work, especially in creating detailed prosthetics and animatronic components using software like CAD and ZBrush. We delve into teaching and learning new techniques, particularly the significance of hands-on experience in moulding and sculpting. Then we look at taking on jobs without proper qualifications, highlighting the potential dangers and importance of safety in prosthetic and special effects work. With Sasquatch suits, severed heads and blood gags on stage, come and join us on episode #94 of Battles with Bits of Rubber! ---- Cannibal! The Musical (1993) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlMIFRXLW8c
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#93 - Falmouth Part 2
Apr 6, 202401:39:39Tap to summarizeIn this second and final part of our trip to Falmouth Uni, Neill Gorton joins us as we discuss making mistakes and learning the hard way in the workshop. We also discuss how to approach workshops and folio critiques and why latex and plaster are such great materials when starting and budgets are tight. Latex and plaster are a big theme in this episode. Be sure to check out the blog post with the show notes and the latest free workbook download, which is all about making latex pieces and plaster moulds from the UMAE 2024 makeups Stuart recently did. This is a hefty episode, and the workbook is 26 pages full of step-by-step processes and techniques! If you enjoy this podcast and got something out of it, would you do us a solid and tell people about it? Send them a link and help the show grow!
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#92 - Falmouth Uni Part 1
Dec 29, 202302:10:45Tap to summarizeOur trip down to Falmouth Uni preceded The Prosthetics Event 2023. It was a great trip, and so nice to see the work being done by students there and talk shop. As always, we have a rough idea about what we want to talk about, but it's always led by the feeling in the room at the time, questions that come up and current events within the group . We spoke for so long in a packed room using a single recorder, so the sound is a little different from our usual close microphone stuff. It went on for nearly three hours, and fell into two distinct sections - the first half we present here. The second part we shall release soon, and was when Neill Gorton arrived after just having beaten Covid again. Present were lecturers and all-round good eggs Brad Greenwood and Duncan Cameron, plus a room crammed with the students from the Prosthetic Effects MA who we had come to see. Thanks to Duncan Cameron for his awesome sketches which feature in the episode art of parts 1 and 2. Check his work out on Insta @brokensharkcage. Thanks for listening! Incidentally, the 'Hi, welcome to passes with bits of brother' bit comes from an automated transcript attempt in Word of the near 3 hour recording. Needless to say,I don't think we will be using that as a way to pull text from audio! More notes on the blog post found at https://battleswithbitsofrubber.com/falmouthp1
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#91 - Digital Tools In The Workshop
Nov 28, 202300:56:51Tap to summarizeMakeup artists typically like makeup. It is a tactile medium, and they enjoy products, how they feel and smell and respond to brushes and pressure. Making prosthetics similarly has its tactile qualities, and it is hard to separate these sensations from the very nature of the joy in the work. It is little wonder then that this same group of people may not have developed an extensive love of digital versions of the same work. Doing a digital makeup effect in Photoshop requires the makeup artist's mindset but somehow it is not the same thing, and I think this reluctance to do digital work can put the makeup community at a disadvantage. The digital ship has definitely sailed, but the opportunity to join the crew is always open. This is our attempt at starting a wider conversation within the makeup industry regarding digital tools in the workshop. Check out the extensive notes available on the blog post that corresponds with this episode. https://battleswithbitsofrubber.com/
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#90 - Joel Harlow
Dec 31, 202201:43:21Tap to summarizeJoel Harlow is an academy award-winning artist who started out in animation before he moved on to makeup. Gradually building multi-faceted skills, confidence and workloads, he has evolved and expanded into the makeup effects heavyweight we know today with a hefty rollcall of credits. Check out his company, https://morphologyfx.com/. It is always fascinating to go through the IMDb of an artist and see their credits creeping up the hierarchy over time. Evidence of trust earned as supervisors see a way to pass the responsibility on, and nothing breeds more work than showing up on time and doing more than the client bargained for, happily smiling through it all and happy to be doing it. This was certainly the impression Joel gave us in the chat too, and we think you'll love it! Drop us a line @ stuartandtodd@gmail.com or leave us a voice message on https://battleswithbitsofrubber.com/ --- Stuart & Todd
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#89 - Maddie Scott-Spencer
Oct 2, 202201:28:25Tap to summarizeMaddie is a talented concept artist and teacher known mostly for her ZBrush work. Coming from a practical background, her skills come from familiar ground - Fangoria, a love of monsters and sculpting for fun! She has taught classes for Gnomon since 2006 - we recommend the 'Introduction to ZBrush 2021' video course. Todd and I both cite this as the breakthrough moment for both of us, making what previously had been indecipherable to us accessible and understandable. The way she comes across reminded us of Dick Smith, with a generous nature coupled with a thorough understanding of the subject. Maddie graciously invited Stu and me into her museum-like flat in London, where we chatted for hours surrounded by an eclectic collection of curios and oddities; it is a little 'Ripley's Believe It Or Not' and a little bit Smithsonian, with a dash of Natural History thrown carefully in. We talked about everything, concentrating on how digital sculpting has become a permanent part of the special makeup effects world.
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