San Rafael, CA, June 5, 2012 — 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.

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 .

(NOTE: Fon Davis is pictured above, at right)

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.”

ABOUT FON DAVIS:

During his entertainment career, Fon Davis has worked on over 30 feature films, including blockbusters such as “The Matrix” series. A member of the Industrial Light and Magic Model Shop for a decade, Davis worked on films such as “Star Wars,” “Pearl Harbor,” “Starship Troopers,” “Galaxy Quest,” “Terminator III,” and “Mission Impossible III.”

In addition to his work in film post-production visual effects, Davis has also worked in Disney’s art department as a concept designer/model maker and on several stop motion projects. These included “The Nightmare Before Christmas” and “Coraline.” Most recently, he served as the Miniatures Supervisor on “Big Miracle,” starring Drew Barrymore, and “District 9” Director Neill Blomkamp’s upcoming film, “Elysium.”
Davis is one of the many talented Model Makers in the Marin, CA, filmmaking community. He is regularly sought by 32TEN Studios to contribute to projects large and small.

ABOUT 32TEN STUDIOS:

Launched in early 2012 by longtime entertainment industry leaders Tim Partridge and Greg Maloney, 32TEN Studios is a production services company offering digital and practical FX, as well as stage rentals, and whose facility was designed and first occupied by ILM. The company provides its services to producers of major motion pictures, independent films, TV programs, commercials, industrials, web content and multi-media projects.

32TEN Studios is located at 3210 Kerner Blvd., San Rafael, CA, 94901. The phone is 800 717 3210, and the website is: www.32ten.com

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