Monsters set to move into Waikato Museum

Dramatic, exciting, imaginative, scientific and a just little bit scary – ‘How to Make a Monster, the art and technology of animatronics’ opens at Waikato Museum next month.  

On display at Waikato Museum from 25 February until 15 July 2012, ‘How to Make a Monster’ gives an insight into the art and technology of animatronics.  

Waikato Museum Acting Director Andy Lowe says the exhibition, on tour from Australia, is based on the various stages in the creation of monsters and creatures developed for the film industry from scripting, to creature design and mechanics.

“This world‐class exhibition is exciting, imaginative and fun for all ages. It’s a truly interactive exhibition and the programme of events developed for it will bring to life the world of animatronics. There are opportunities to meet animatronics experts from the film industry, experiment with stop‐motion animation, competitions and an after‐school programme where kids can unleash their creative side and create their
own gruesome clay monster,” he says.

‘How to Make a Monster, the art and technology of animatronics’ was created by leading Australian creature effects company, John Cox’s Creature Workshop. Director John Cox has more than 35 years experience in the visual effects industry.

Mr Cox received a 1995 Academy Award for Visual Effects for the movie ‘Babe’ and in 1999 was elected as a voting member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. He was awarded the 2006 Kinetone Award for ‘significant contributions to the Queensland Film and Television Industry’ and is 2007 Australian Film Industry (AFI) Awards winner for Visual Effects for the film ‘Rogue’.  

“This is the only New Zealand showing planned for this exhibition and we’re very excited to have it here at Waikato Museum,” said Mr Lowe.

‘How to Make a Monster, the art and technology of animatronics’ is supported with a T Shirt design competition, monster storytelling , after‐school pottery classes , clay animation workshops, and live sessions with  John Cox the exhibition creator and Sam Doyle  from Weta Digital. Admission applies and there are costs associated with the after‐school programme and some workshops. The full programme of events can be viewed on the Museum’s website, waikatomuseum.co.nz or by contacting the Museum on 07 838 6606.

The exhibition is sponsored by Waikato Times.