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Hello, I have been bitten with the "cinematic bug" so to speak and have been in the process of making a sci-fi action "no-budget" movie. This is something I really enjoy and I am putting a lot into it. Anyway, I have been doing research into how to make props and set pieces on a "no-budget" budget. Through my research the idea of paper mache was presented to me. It's cheap, it seems fairly durable, it can be made into many things, and did I mention cheap...
Before I persue this idea further though, I have a few paper mache newbie questions. You guys seem to be the paper mache experts so I thought I would ask you guys first:
1. In your opinion, is Paper Mache durable enough to withstand the wear and tear of movie production?
2. The most important question, can paper mache be made to have a smooth enough surface that when painted looks metallic? It is sci-fi so think rayguns, spaceships, futuristic swords, etc...
any tips would be invaluably helpful, thanks
the amateur film maker.... 
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Yes, papier mache is an excellent medium to make props out of as it is so inexpensive to make and very light - provided that it is used within it's limitations of course.
For the answer to your second question, take a look a the work of Rick Pelletier in the gallery. 8)
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Thank you very much Jackie. After seeing Rick Pelletiers gallery I am very confident I can achieve what I want with paper mache. I have already started making cardboard and pvc bases for some of the props and will start applying the mache very soon. Thank you again,
the amateur film maker
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Also try http://www.halloweenfear.com for some excellent ideas and links to other prop places.
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Another good place to learn about prop making is http://home.eol.ca/~props/papier.html. LOL~Tammy
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oooh, another filmmaker! I too am an amatuer filmmaker. Do you have a website dedicated to your film(s) or production group?
Here is an EXCELLENT forum for anything that has to do with amatuer filmmaking:
http://www.fanfilmsforum.com/forum
Everyone there is knowledgeable and very kind.
As far as paper mache for props goes...that why i first came to this site! I'm currently working on a helmet.
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Thank you all for your help so far. Some great inspiration. I have done a few paper mache tests. It seems with the right base, and the right paint, and some work, you can make fairly convincing props that work just perfectly.
The amatuer movie forum ChristianNinja recomended also seems to be a wonderul source for informatian, so thank you for that one also. Unfortunately I have not had time to up a web site for my cinematic creations, but I may be able to soon...
again thanks,
the (other) amateur movie maker....
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hiya,
funny you should bring up the topic of a lo-fi sci-fi, but i've made one with papier mache masks etc. It also won a prize in a film competition!
i made masks to disguise my cast as a badger and two aliens. since making the film i have loved papier mache and made masks for every music festival i got to! this year's glastonbury theme was venetian masks.
my top tip is patience, research what you're gonna make thoroughly, mainly by printing out pictures and drawing a lot!
if you wanna see my film go here! http://www.cheeseinspace.co.uk/downloads/badger.ram
you'll need real player! the masks in this film look well amateur compared to my more recent ones! but as you can see they look ace on film! bright colours are the key.
cheers and lemme know wot you all think. the sequel is going to have a badger hoard and a fox! watch this space!
h
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