Participants will learn how to work with plaster, how to make a rigid mother mold, make “feet” for the mother mold, and more about casting. This is a versatile technique that can also be translated to more complicated multi-part molds.

Details

Language: English

Format: In-person

Trainer

Simonette Berry & David Whatley, IATSE Local 478

Location: New Orleans, LA

Simonette Berry is a classically trained artist who graduated from Tulane with a BA in Fine Art, has a long background in sculpting, painting, designing, and mold-making, working for her family’s fountain shop in the molding and casting division. She began working in the film industry in 2012 as a sculptor, mold-maker, and scenic artist, training under many industry veterans over the years to build her skills. She has created props for many films, as well as sets for Southern Rep Theater, the New Orleans Opera, Fringe Festival, the Marigny Opera House Ballet, and other theatrical companies and events. She is also a documentary producer, with a film about New Orleans history slated to premiere in 2021.

Dave Whatley is a film industry veteran. David entered the industry in 2007, apprenticing as a sculptor under Anthony Henderson. He took to sculpture quickly and soon added plaster and mold-making to his skill base. He has been in leadership positions on multiple shows and shown his artwork in local galleries in New Orleans. His skill set combination (sculpture, plaster, paint, mold-making, and carpentry) makes him uniquely qualified on a film set. He has created props for many films and sets for Southern Rep Theater, the New Orleans Opera, Fringe Festival, the Marigny Opera House Ballet, and other theatrical companies and events. He has built a reputation as a talented artist, a troubleshooter, and an expert craftsman.