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First, translucent versions were cast to help ILM and
the production team visualize how the characters would
look if they were slightly transparent. Having an actual
three-dimensional model that they could hold in their
hands, rotate, and analyze how the light shone through
was an incredible tool. Then, flexible white rubber
versions with poseable wire skeletons were created to
help ILM animators realize how the characters would move
and look in different poses. Then a third set of castings
were made; solid white versions were produced and given
to ILM, which they used to create their CGI models by
digitizing as 3-dimensional images into their computer
database. This allowed them to capture the contours,
forms, and proportions of the approved models to use as a
basis for all their subsequent computer animation. The TCS team then produced 4 full-scaled sculptures of
the main ghosts, measuring from 4 to 7 feet high! Special
lightweight molds were made of these sculptures, from
which lightweight, posable models were cast for
production use on set, providing visual reference for the
director, floor f/x crew and animators, and also eyelines
and physical characters for the actors to react to.
What's New | Features | Commercials | Resume | Realistic | Whimsical | Scary | Animatronics Prosthetics | Puppets | Publicity | Waldo® | TCS Fun | FX FAQ | Feedback | Reference Except where noted, all contents are the property of The Character Shop, Inc. and copyright 1995-2006
Although it's no secret that the CGI ghost effects in
this summer's hit movie Casper were generated by
industry giant ILM, here's one we'll bet you didn't know:
ILM used a little help from The Character Shop to get
them going. From designs approved by Steven Spielberg and
the producers at Amblin', The Character Shop produced 1/4
scale models of the ghosts Casper, Stinky, Fatso, and
Stretch, as well as two others caricaturing Bill Pullman
and Cathy Moriarty. Special silicone molds were made of
the approved sculptures, and then various formulations of
resin were cast into the molds. The replicas stood from 9
to 20 inches high, depending on the character.
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