While at Fox Studios in Australia, on the production of “Superman Returns”, I created art department concept models. They were constructed before the sets were built, as part of the art design process. These were all hand-constructed from plans and designs, using a variety of materials such as polystyrene, foam core, foamex, and other card-like materials.
As part of the Weta Workshop team, I worked on this life-size replica of a Portal 2 Turret for Valve’s offices. My job started after getting a large block off of the mill, to which I fitted, sanded, and surfaced to prepare before molding. It was then cast in fiberglass. After that, I assisted in fitting and assembling the body, and dressing out the internal mechanical components of the moving turret gun.
Hours of working the surface, bringing out the different textures, lines and angles
My role in this prop was manufacturing the base functioning box, with working lid and flip screen. My very talented colleges designed the veil lift mech and back-light effect
For this functional set piece (prop), I hand model made the head and neck components for the rig, also manufactured the hand restraints and finger attachments.
GREEN GOBLIN Flick knife: Clean-up, fitting and surface prep of rapid prototype parts
GREEN GOBLIN GLIDER: assemble the 3D milling, resurface and carve back the undercuts that the mill left-out, then add the detail.
I model made the original helmet. Using stamped lead over a solid block. This was then reproduced into hundreds of on-set helmets.
The base armor with sculpted detail was machine milled. I resurfaced and textured the design, bringing out surface texture and detail. The trick was to obtain a metal like finish in the milled model.
I stamped sheet lead using a laser cut acrylic die. This embossed surface texture gave the look of traditional metal chasing design.
I was the lead model maker on Matt Damon’s HULC suit. Seems all my R&D work paid off as Matt Damon complimented it highly in this short video.
Workshop test fitting of Crugger’s exo-suit and the HULC exo-suit. Crugger’s suit was built over the top of the original exo-skeleton that was developed for Matt Damon.
Hobbit production video takes you to Weta Workshop, where I worked for 8 years.
I aim to create function protective armor that is lightweight and comfortable to wear.
I have been testing products and materials for strength, durability and flexibility. With the hope to sell these armor pieces to sword fighters, cosplayers, re-enactors etc.
See the Shari Finn Armor Facebook page for updates.
