February 29th, 2008
From Poly to Pole
Every six months or so, my brother-in-law, Bruce Gordon, updates his website (which I designed a while ago) with his latest work. I’m generally not one to pimp sites, especially family, but Bruce’s work continues to amaze me. He’s a Head Sculptor for the film industry in the UK and his website is glimpse into the world we rarely see–set design and construction.
Fred Claus
His latest project (other than Wolf Man that he’s currently working on), is Fred Claus. He was the HOD (Head of Design) Sculptor for the project, which I think means he ran the crew whose responsibility was realising the art department maquettes. Now that just blows me away. Scaling up a clay model, that may only be a few inches across, into a life-size construction. Of course, the art department is concerned with the vision of the production, not if the thing can actually be built. That’s up to Bruce and his team to figure out.
These images from Fred Claus show the scale of construction and attention to detail. From intricate wood sculpting, to ensuring layered snow on roof tops looks like it actually might drop off any minute. All of this work, and it’s an incredible amount, can only be on-screen for a few minutes. I guess that’s the price for trying to accurately portray another reality.
If you have a mo, browse around his site. There’s some stunning work on there from production such as Charlie and Chocolate Factory, Batman Begins, and Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
Massive kudos to sculpture and set designers, love their work and attention to detail and it is one film watchers take for granted.
Love the work on your brothers site Mark, but as a side note the chick-flick “The Holiday” with Cameron Diaz in it had a house made from fibre glass, “Rose Cottage”.
I had absolutely no idea — it looked incredibly real. Just goes to show how skilled these people are!
Why the use of all caps in the headings Mark or should that be MARK?
(tuts loudly, wagging disapproving typographic finger)
Very impressive indeed.
he wasn’t at all pissed with the similarities of the site designs? i guess this was pro-bono ;)
that is the film industry in the uk? damned i thought thats are pictures from hollywood. its really impressive. nice shoots!
His work is gorgeous! I love the site too. It’s nice and clean like this one is.
Wow, always great to see set design, I always have a secret fondness for it, an underrated art that never really gets touched upon by film critics unless it’s a Tim Burton film. Never thought you’d be the second most talented person in your family Mark!
Just from the photoes I want to visit this place!
The Da Vinci code sculpture is amazing. hats off !