Most large objects that are sculpted in film are made of expanded urethane or styrene foam. Smaller pieces are often made of clay, and can then be molded and reproduced in stronger material although many props are just 'coated' and painted. The process is always driven by practicality and budget.

All of the textures you see are contrived, such as 'cracks' in a 'wooden' totem pole, or hot-knifed bead foam 'tree bark.'The photos you see here are much more glamorous than the actual work, which may be performed in lifts up to 70 feet high on very hot or very cold, and always dusty, buildings.

Plaster and fiberglass are typical materials for film, but concrete is common in architecture, and all materials are fiber reinforced so as to make them hollow. Sometimes a steel framework is also warranted. Finishes in film can be ultrasmooth, as for automotive finishes, or 'stoney,' with grit added to paint or verdigris for bronze.

Home . About the Artist . Gallery . Feature Films . Sculpting . Email   © 2008 Steve Pinney