Martin Mclean Posted March 5, 2014 Report Share Posted March 5, 2014 I'd like to start with saying hello to the group! I'm currently working on a project that is movie related. I'm building "Drakes" Smart-gun from the movie Aliens. After speaking to Steadicam, they sent me to the forum to ask all of you for the advice I need to do this properly. As it sits, I at least need the Zephyr model because of weight, the gun itself weighs 17 to 20 pounds and the Zephyr will support up to 23 pounds. Now, what I'm looking for is a beat up old used model that I can adapt to my needs. Since the movie was made in 1986, a model from that era would be perfect, even a "Boneyard" rig just may fit the bill. Cost will be a major factor in this build as what I'm really looking to do is build two of these for use in "Fan Expo", "Comicon" and other related events here in Canada. I would even indulge in a sponsorship as well to make this build happen! Looking forward to any advice and critique you may have! Cheers Martin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Kris Torch Wilson Posted March 6, 2014 Premium Members Report Share Posted March 6, 2014 Martin, I'm not sure you will find what you are looking for here. Even an older arm is going to cost a few thousand dollars. If you haven't already, browse the Market Place thread. You will find all kinds of stuff for sale but almost exclusively working gear. With all due respect, you might find what you are looking for on ebay, perhaps a Chinese knock off for a few hundred. Good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Scott Baker Posted March 6, 2014 Premium Members Report Share Posted March 6, 2014 I actually just watched Aliens tonight. It looks like they use a 3A arm. The same one I use B) I second Kris' comment...this is the one time I'd recommend buying a cheap knock-off from e-bay. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Alan Rencher Posted March 6, 2014 Premium Members Report Share Posted March 6, 2014 This might be the only instance where I would recommend looking into a Laing stabilizer arm. It's no good for shooting, but it looks close enough to the real thing to work for Comic Con. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiel Michael Eulberg Posted March 6, 2014 Report Share Posted March 6, 2014 (edited) I was thinking of doing the same thing for my rig, put a prop on it and do the whole aliens thing should I ever get to go to comic con. Already got the steadicam so the rest should be easy enough. Also (assuming you are still reading these comments) you should keep in mind this is no easy device to wear around all day. If you try and wear it all day without training your body to get used to it, even if it's just a prop, you will most likely hurt your back. I've read the actors in that movie could only wear those things 10 minutes at a time, most likely because they just assumed they could handle it. Edited March 6, 2014 by Kiel Michael Eulberg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members joe mcnally Posted March 6, 2014 Premium Members Report Share Posted March 6, 2014 Gentlemen the arm as used in Aliens ex John Ward 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Victor Lazaro Posted March 6, 2014 Premium Members Report Share Posted March 6, 2014 Gentlemen the arm as used in Aliens ex John Ward Hmmm, so this is the single reason why I decided to go toward Steadicam. (I did my thesis on the 4 Alien movies in film school in France) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members RonBaldwin Posted March 6, 2014 Premium Members Report Share Posted March 6, 2014 Colin Hudson did this for halloween a few years ago Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mariano Costa Posted March 6, 2014 Report Share Posted March 6, 2014 I've read the actors in that movie could only wear those things 10 minutes at a time, most likely because they just assumed they could handle it.Jenette Goldstein (Vasquez) couldn't handle it for very long, the prop master jumped in right after each take to take off the weight, you could see that in the extend making of on the 2nd DVD for Aliens. Gentlemen the arm as used in Aliens ex John Ward Yours?? Still working with it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brett Manyluk Posted March 6, 2014 Report Share Posted March 6, 2014 You could get away with an EFP arm and paint or anodize the covers black. Same as the 3a, just lighter springs. Do you have a source for the MG42? Deactivated, resin cast, or airsoft? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Brad Hruboska Posted March 6, 2014 Premium Members Report Share Posted March 6, 2014 Brett just put the pics up..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members joe mcnally Posted March 6, 2014 Premium Members Report Share Posted March 6, 2014 Hi Mariano yep mine and still use it lots . Its very very good for basic walking shots very smooth and easy to maintain. Relatively light weight too BTW a client last year hired one of my smaller kits so as their West End theatre prop dept could make a light weight mock up for a paparazzi scene in the show and light enough for the actor to wear every night. Joe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Howard J Smith (Temp) Posted March 7, 2014 Report Share Posted March 7, 2014 Hi Guys This was my first Steadicam - the smart gun from Aliens - I bought it from John Ward after the film, I got Vasquez and Vince McGahon got Drakes. It was funny you would walk on set and people would say - 'Oh that looks like the thing from Aliens" and I would say it is... :-) The odd thing about it is - If I lined up 6x 3a arms on a table I bet you could spot it.. it had a certain something about it.. Cheers Howard 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Peter Abraham Posted March 7, 2014 Premium Members Report Share Posted March 7, 2014 Welcome to the Forum ! Might I respectfully suggest that you get some basic pointers on how to wear and "fly" a Steadicam from someone who is experienced? It may save you quite a bit of pain. Don't buy a vest and arm. What city are you in? Find someone willing to let you borrow/ rent the arm and vest. The arm has a 5/8" post sticking up from it. That's the hole you need to have in your "rifle". Having the prop rifle made may be fairly easy, unless you want absolutely picture-accurate. But hell, don't buy and arm and vest. Just borrow one and get some tips on how to walk with it in the most stress-free manner possible. And enjoy !! Best to all, Peter Abraham,, S.O.C. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Howard J Smith (Temp) Posted March 7, 2014 Report Share Posted March 7, 2014 Hi Martin I am selling the uniform on ebay if you are interested http://www.ebay.com/itm/ALIENS-COLONIAL-MARINES-COMPLETE-COSTUME-1-1-FIRST-TIME-EVER-OFFERED-/201047322767?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2ecf5ab08f There is also a guy on Ebay selling the arm and vest for a smart gun for around $3k and this would suit you better as he built it to look like the film. Also there are some nice resin kits out there for the smart gun :-) Hope this helps? Cheers Howard Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.