press release from 32TEN Studios:

SAN RAFAEL, CA -- Over 70 people convened at 32TEN Studios last week to learn about the use of models and miniatures in feature films from some of the world’s best practitioners. The event, entitled “Models and Miniatures in A Digital Age,” was the first in a series of lectures and workshops to be regularly presented as part of 32TEN Studios’s Professional Workshop Series for filmmaking professionals and film enthusiasts.

Veteran ILM Model Shop Artist Fon Davis described the pros and cons of using physical models versus CG renditions during the presentation, and how those choices vary depending on the shot. He also discussed pre-production considerations involved in the design and fabrication of practical models, such as choice of scale, choice of materials, budget limitations, tips and tricks, motion control, composite shots, stop motion, etc.

ILM's Fon Davis

After the lecture, 32TEN Studios presented a Q&A session with three generations of former ILM Model Makers -- Lorne Peterson, Carol Bauman, Larry Tan and Pierre Maurer, who joined Davis onstage. The documentary film "Sense of Scale," by filmmaker Berton Pierce, was also presented in collaboration with The Bay Area Visual Effects Society, with Pierce on hand for an additional Q & A session held after the screening.

Said Sean House, Professional Workshop Director for 32TEN Studios, “Fon Davis presented wonderful examples of projects where development of miniature assets proved the best option by comparison to using live action or digital workflow solutions. He revealed tricks of the trade used to make miniatures look full scale and seamlessly realistic. This event, the first within our ‘Professional Workshop Series,’ proved to be a memorable afternoon and drew a great crowd. We look forward to putting on similarly informative events in the future at 32TEN.