AVP: Alien vs. Predator: The Creature Effects of ADI
Book Description: Foreword by Lance Henriksen
In 1979, Ridley Scott introduced moviegoers to a new definition of fear and horror with his sci-fi classic, Alien. To coincide with the release of AVP, special effects gurus Alec Gillis and Tom Woodruff, Jr. opened the doors of their Academy Award-winning creature shop, Amalgamated Dynamics Inc. (A.D.I.), to invite all to a behind-the-scenes journey, as they once more breathe life into the characters that have been scaring audiences for over two decades. Different from many "making of" books, it focuses exclusively on the creature effects of AVP; what it takes to create some of sci-fi's baddest baddies. It follows Gillis and Woodruff and their talented crew of over 100 artists and technicians throughout the design, sculpting, fabrication, and finishing processes. The story continues on location in Prague where, as the cameras roll, their creations truly come to life.
Subjects: Design - Textile & Costume, Film & Video - Cinematography, Film & Video - Direction & Production, Cinematography, Performing Arts / Film / General, Performing Arts/Film & Video - Direction & Production, Science fiction films, Special effects, Art & Art Instruction, Pop Arts / Pop Culture,
Great behind the scenes book
If you're interested in either special effects, or the Alien vs. Predator films, this is a fantastic book that covers both. I had the mini version of this book that came with the DVD, which was really a sample of this. Everything from pre-production to the actual shooting is covered here with details on how the creatures were created with lots of beautiful photos showing each step in the process. Great item for anyone interested in the creation process of these two science fiction icons.
Brings You to the Production Floor Literally
This book is the tour guide to the production floor of Amalgamated Dynamics Inc (ADI), a studio specialize at creating creatures and effects.
Prior to reading this book, I thought all the creatures in Alien vs. Predator (AVP) were computer generated, but somehow they look too real to be products of 3D models. After reading the book, I have more respect for the people in the field of creating these creatures. They are good, very good.
You'll read about how the movie was conceived. There are numerous biography on the artists involved and the two founders of ADI.
Every single page of the book is filled with photos and captions detailing the process of creating the characters and bringing them to life on the big screen. It starts on the drawing board where sketches were done, the creature was then modeled into clay, photographed and made into mold, painted for textures and goes onto the set.
A lot of effort was put in the making of this book. You can tell just by the incredible number of photos taken and put onto the pages.
If you're a fan of AVP, this should be in your collection.
There are some pictures of the book on my blog. Just do an Internet search on "parka blogs alien predator"
A must.
This is a must have for anyone who likes either franchise or just loves to see the behind the scene special effects stuff.
Best view of AvP I've ever seen
From the moment I saw the first Alien and Predator movies I was hooked on the franchise. AvP heightened my elation even further and then I got this book. The detail of each creature, the techniques of the artists and engineers, and the overall format are beautifully done! A totally inspiring glimpse into the world of making monsters.
