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Face Elite user 495 Posts |
I want to use something different than black vinyl. What do you suggest? If I watch DC "Snow" illusion, I see a beautifully designed base, is there fabric used to cover the base at all? Or is it just painted? But to be honest, this base looks too massive, and not as deceptive as it should. Maybe it`s the bright colour that does not allow this base to look as deceptive as it should? Anyway, what I am asking from you is to offer different solutions to cover bases (from fabricks to paints etc.).
PS! If here is anyone, who is also building his own bases and props, I really would like to ask for little advice also. This is not my first build, I have designed and built many bases for miself earlyer also, but now I have an exclusive idea and I don't belive enyone have used Zimmerman Base this way before that I am planning to use it. Please PM me (if you would be so kind to spend a little of youre valuable time on me) and I will send you my drawings and questions I have about it. Thanks, Jürgen, |
BRodgers Special user 543 Posts |
Face - I have pm'd you.
Creator of The Phantom Band 360
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ClintonMagus Inner circle Southwestern Southeast 3997 Posts |
Things are more like they are today than they've ever been before...
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Face Elite user 495 Posts |
Amos, do you suggest to cover the base with that material? Or is this the material you suggest for covering the hidden areas?
Jürgen, |
ClintonMagus Inner circle Southwestern Southeast 3997 Posts |
Personally I wouldn't use it to cover the base because I don't have any experience with it, but I think it is durable, so it might be a good material to use. I would use a material called "Milament" that is sold by MBA Coverings ( http://www.mba-worldwide.com ). Problem is, you have to order a minimum of five yards, and it is fairly expensive. It is tough, and looks very nice. Large areas might be sort of tough to apply, though, if you aren't familiar with it.
Something else I have used with success is the black "non-slip" spray paint that I get at my local Ace Hardware.
Things are more like they are today than they've ever been before...
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Chris Stolz Inner circle Mississauga, Ontario 1958 Posts |
Rand Woodbury recommends using car carpet for the tops of bases on his IllusionWorks video series. I haven't used it myself but it does seem to be sense due to its durability.
Chris Stolz
BLACK ART BOOK: Hiding In The Shadows. |
Face Elite user 495 Posts |
But Chris, what have you used yourself also?
Jürgen, |
Chris Stolz Inner circle Mississauga, Ontario 1958 Posts |
I generally prefer solid bases rather than fabric, but triple thick velvet is a good way to go for fabric. Laminate flooring can also be pretty amazing stuff for a solid wood look. It's virtually indestructible.
Chris Stolz
BLACK ART BOOK: Hiding In The Shadows. |
Face Elite user 495 Posts |
Oo, by solid bases youChris mean, that you paint them? Or are you building youre bases from metal at all?
Jürgen, |
Chris Stolz Inner circle Mississauga, Ontario 1958 Posts |
I do not build, at least not for sale. I do the full design work, blueprints etc and leave the fabrication side up to those who are far better at it than I.
Chris Stolz
BLACK ART BOOK: Hiding In The Shadows. |
collective foundry Inner circle 1404 Posts |
Face,
I've typically used airbrush to get a finish like the one from snow, or powder-coat / or just automotive paint / clear coat. I have an affinity for steel and aluminum, brushed or intersting designs grinded in them. If you had A LOT of money you could do the metal or plasic lamanant but it'll cost you a fortune and probably wont stand up to the rigors of touring. GET A GOOD CASE and stagehands with a white glove if your going that route... Good luck man... PS: You'd typically only use carpet or floc -lock (the automotive stuf INSIDE the base or used for black art. . . (or for table tops) Cheers |
Face Elite user 495 Posts |
Thanks Ryan, for a very helpful post.
But now I have another question. Is it OK to have different colours on main and top platforms? I mean for instance, isit OK if I use paint (airbrush) on main platform and black spandex on top platform? Or should I take the spandex (white) and paint it the same way? Can spandex be painted at all? Jürgen, |
collective foundry Inner circle 1404 Posts |
Well. With bases in general its important to honor the illusion for the eye. What is a base? A device to contain something or someone, that is typically made to look VERY small or innocent. (point being: if it looks deceptive, and the colors support the theory of illusion - then you should be fine . Even if its blue on black or purple on black or PINK (ew) on black - and so - on. As long as the colors facilitate illusional dimension you should be ok. (subtle is better) (unless its supposed to be a wacky crazy design or something)
Typically the flock lock or black felt would be used on the INSET bevel so the audience has no gauge of depth.The only reason one would NEED to use spandex is for a trap of some sort. So yes. if you need a trap - and a TRAP wont be practical - use spandex then paint it to your need. Keep it simple. (or not then brag about it later ) This process can be a bit of a trial by fire. Make a mockup out of cardboard & duck-tape, try to make it to scale before spending anything on any sizable or high quality materials . If you are computer inclined - make a model (cheaper and better typically) to check out different schemes and paint jobs / textures. . . hope this helps a bit .. . . good luck in your adventure ! ~Ryan |
magicjohn2278 Special user Isle of Man UK 544 Posts |
Totally agree with Ryan.. it's remarkable what a difference a good paint design can make to the apparant size or thickness of an object. Usually contrasting colours seem to work best. A mock-up is a great idea, although you can get a good impression of the look of the thing using scaled drawings, then trying different colour schemes. (Don't be afraid to add in an extra line of trim if you want!)
I reduced the apparant thickness a base that I made by nearly two inches, by adding a half-inch strip of black tape! - And that was after spending at least a couple of weeks trying out different colour schemes and designs before building the thing!. |
Face Elite user 495 Posts |
I can only completely agree with both of you Ryan and John. But in my oppinion, base that DC used in his "Snow" illusion was not painted in colours, that makes it look deceptive. So what I am thinking is to go with the more darker colours, something like truly dark grey (allmost close to black)?
Jürgen, |
leapinglizards Inner circle 1263 Posts |
One of the things to remember with some of the large illusions you are talking about (Snow etc) is that they are LARGE! In other words, if the table is 12 feet square, it gives you more area over which to displace the thickness.
One of the reaons why Wedge bases are typically more deceptive than bevels... but in today's world of travelling illusion shows, not as practical for most performers.
Leaping Lizards!!! Who knew it was possible.
<BR> <BR>www.LeapingLizardsMagic.com |
collective foundry Inner circle 1404 Posts |
One of the things I do as well is use the stage to dwarf the prop on deck. The stage is quite large , so can the prop - people don't realize how big these things really are, as many times they are dwarfed by the stages they sit on...
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Face Elite user 495 Posts |
I plan to use it outdoors at all, not on stage. So as I understand, this gives me even more "space for playing". I mean by that I can control how close audience will be allowed, etc. My base measures 50 square feet (main platform) and the top platform is 14 squeare feet, I miself am 77,2 inches tall. Just thought I would mention that. And the space I need to hide is 9 inches. I fit into 8 inches also, but then hideing miself really fast is bit too hard.
Jürgen, |
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