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I'm after small plastic action figure/doll models to assist in mocking up models of stage illusions.

They need to be small (to reduce model making costs and time), with as much articulation as possible. It's vital that have human proportions.

A cheap and cheerful suggestion was some Playmobil figures, which aren't ideal. From memory, the old "Visonaries" figures they sold back in the late eighties had a very high level of articulation - they even had twisting torsos, ankles and wrists, which would be fantastic.

It's been a while since I've enjoyed the company of action men, so I'm not sure what's available out and about - does anyone have any suggestions?

You need to go to an art shop and buy a wooden Manaquin. You can get these in loads of the cheep book shops too.
these have anatomicaly correct positions. Also, the joints work.

Wilkinsons do them for....

http://www.wilkinsonplus.com/Arts+Craft ... vt/0253382


£2.97!!!!

Dolls, toys, ect dont have any hint of realistic proportions.. They are designed to be pleasing to the eye, even though in the real world, they would be crippled, and unable to move.

Take Barbie for example. Big boobs, long spindly like legs, and tiny feet. If she existed, She would fall over.

Incidently the traditional way is to get the person you intend to stick in the box, to lay down on a sheet of paper, in th eposition you want them in, and you draw around them. Then make a mock up out of cardboard, then use the mock up, as a template for your wooden box.
you get a much better end result, as it's bespoke.

I thought about an artist's mannequin, but they're often pretty large, or attached to a frame. I will have a hunt around for smaller ones though, and they're certainly articulated and proportioned correctly.

The practical issue with a large figure is that the model will also have to be very large, making it slower to build, more expensive to make, and awkward to transport.

There are some (not many) toys that have correct proportions - I know the old Star Wars models were pretty close, for example. Agreed that the majority are horrendously mis-shapen

the rod is only thin steel or brass. Just cut it off with pliers.

Heh, you know - I didn't think of that

Actually, I think I recall seeing miniature ones knocking about somewhere... that might actually be the way forward.

Cheers Dale

Poundstretcher are selling off stocks the Harry Potter, Primeval, Torchwood and Doctor Who figures, about 4" tall or thereabouts.

We sell these where I work (Hawkin's Bazaar).

The little dude is only 3 or 4 inches high, not sure if that's the size you're looking for...

(Fairly sure we sell them for £8 odd though, which I'd have thought is a lot)

There's a range of new Star Trek figures which seem to have quite good arm, leg articulation and have realistic proportions (ooh missus!). Ad says they're 3.75" high, but I think they also come in a 6" version which is a gift to scale for (1 inch to 1 foot on the nose!). Looks like they cost about £5 each.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Action-Figure-Scotty-Frozen-Planet/dp/B001U3Y8ZO/ref=pd_sim_k_h_b_cs_6

Oh, and if you need to go bigger you could try the new action man figures (made in partnership with HM Forces no less). Full articulation - elbows, knees, wrists, ankles - 10" high - about £8

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Character-Options-Armed-Forces-Infantryman/dp/B001UHOQSO/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=kids&qid=1263736078&sr=1-4

The Art figures are the most commonly used IN THE PAST but in truth the best way to actually figure things out is to get a girl, lots of cardboard and tape and build things up around her.

When I was with Creative we and Bill Smith's shop were amongst the first to experiment with "CGI" (for lack of a better term)... creating a virtual environment that allowed us to actually build the illusion on screen, even to the level of figuring out how to best finish the prop (paint & trim), lighting and actual blocking. I believe Michelangelo of VISIONS eZine has taken this concept further than most anyone else, so you may want to touch base with him.

In truth, you need to become familiar with basic illusion design of old and learn how that has evolved because of the newer materials & technologies now afforded us. Bill Smith has really lead the pack when it comes to this side of things but we've seen a surge in the past ten years, of some phenomenal thinkers.

I personally believe that computer animation is the direction things not only will but "Must" go if one is to become successful in today's highly competitive arena of effect creation. The other thing you need to make up your mind on right now, is to not simply reinvent the wheel. Let me give you an example...

There is a "New" effect in which a young lady is cut into multiple pieces... then we likewise have the Copperfield "Vanishing Torso"... both of which are essentially the same trick -- the classic Disembodied Princess. The "creators" of these other effects would argue that what they have is "different" but in truth you are still looking at the same foundation as far as the effect is concerned and in most cases, the method.

You also need to understand that most classic effects, such as the Disembodied, have several methods by which to work and not just one universal mod of operation. So learning as much as you can about the nuances around each effect system will empower you when it comes to creativity. My primary contribution to Shadow Vision came from this exact reality; my knowledge behind the Andre Kole Head-Slider. It was something Kenny had never considered, which added a whole new element to the illusion that made it significantly "better"... more impossible.

Feel free to PM me should you have any questions on this front.

Failing Craig's idea (which sounds ALOT more fun than playing with dolls!) those artists manequin things were on sale in The Works a few weeks or so ago, and may be still. Worth picking one or two up for just such a project and to place them in hilariously childish poses when you are done.

However I used to use these for graphic design and they can sometimes be a swine to balance unless you secure the base. Its like trying to hold a drunk up in some positions. If you opt for using them and you don't want to ruin your table/desk whatever, cellotape it to some stiff cardboard that is maybe twice as wide as the base of the model. This way you can put it in any stance you want and he won't topple over.

Pro desktop (Pricey) and Google sketchup (free) are some good 3d modeling softwares, if you want to take that route.

Ebay do small poseable mannequin things, just pull the rod out...

F x