#stagemodelboxmaking

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Unit 80 C2 - Stage Model Box Making

Explain in detail how pieces of a model are constructed; include methods of measuring, cutting and joining.

The key to making model boxes is to be able to measure accurately and draw accurately. To do this you will need a scale ruler and a sharp pencil as well as a set square to check right angles. All model boxes are done to scale never full size. We used the scale 1:25 for the model box. So for any object at 1:25 scale you would divide the dimensions by 25, and that would be the size of the model. When using scales and exact measurements its vital you get them correct. If you are 1mm out on a 1:25 scale it means when the construction team come to build the set going by them measurements they will be out by 3cm and if thats connecting one part of a set to another thats a big mistake. Top tips are to make sure you always have a cutting mat, a metal ruler and sharp knife. If you do not have a sharp knife you are more likely to cut yourself and not the card. If you do not have a cutting matt you will not get a clean cut as cutting matts are self sealing so they are used for the knife to lay into instead of the table. Make sure you alway use a metal ruler otherwise with the sharp knife you will just slice the plastic ruler up. To join two bits of mounting card you put some contact adhesive onto each part of the model you want to join together and then wait until both parts are tacky then place on top of each other. 

[alexsilvestersblogbook]

Unit 80 C1 - Stage Model Box Making

Research and analyse all of the materials and processes that can be used in model making.

As part of the design process a set designers job is to create a model box to give the director a more accurate image so they can imagine the set in the playing space. The model box is also used for showing the actors and other performers the set before it goes into production so they can see what they will be working with during the run of the production. 

To make a model box you need a variety of skills including, cutting and being accurate. Most model boxes are made out of card especially to make the main elements such as the steel deck and main structures. Before making the final presentation model box you use a white card model that you make ruffly made out of foam board or white card. Although if you have a texture finish that cannot be shown by card you can use filmo clay. Like plasticine you can use filmo to create effect that you can’t with card. For example in the Alice set we couldn’t show the trees trunk out of card otherwise the director wouldn’t be able to visualise the finished set. So to make the model box look like there is bark on the tree we used filmo. When using filmo you can get different colours and it can be moulded and crafted into what ever shape and object you want if you have the skills then to set the design and make it hard you can put it into the oven for 20 minutes and a high temperature as it sets the filmo.