NIX + GERBER

The boat is sculpted out of foam, epoxy resin and wood. If you look close enough, you can see a miniature version of the boat resting on the prow.

We are constantly checking the scale of the boat and props against the scale of the puppet figures. The puppet figures haven't arrived yet, so a print stands in for the characters.

Kathleen is adding details to the boat, such as rivets and the prow. 

A coat of epoxy resin is applied to the interior and exterior of the S. S. Bean. 

We never know how much of the prop will be seen in the video, so we always make more than necessary.

This gives a good idea of scale.

Kathleen titled the bait bucket after Lori's father, Bob. She is especially happy with the galvanized finish she created. 

The angler fish starts out as a wire framework. 

A mix of wire and epoxy helps strengthen the model as it will be manipulated a lot during filming. 

The wire and epoxy skeleton is filled out with foam and latex rubber.

Foam and thread is added to the body for more support.

Body color and eyeballs are the last to be applied to the angler fish.

Before sculpting the main character and additional school of fish, Guppy begins as a series of sketches.

A plaster mold is made from the clay fish. Silicone is cast over a wire armature. 

Body, fins and mouths are ready to cast.

This little guy is camouflaged amongst the rocks of the trench walls. 

Kathleen makes sure the teeth fit properly with the bottom jaw.

The seagull begins as a combination of wire, thread and epoxy.

The wings need to be able to stretch out and fold under.

Cotton is applied to the wings.

Individual feathers are glued in place. 

The trench wall is created out of individually sculpted rocks and glued to a supporting board. 

Constructed from wire, thread, foam and latex.

The ocean needs to be transparent, yet viable for several months of shooting. Fifteen pounds of goo and clear vinyl fit the bill. 

Mike Healey helps seal the ocean in place. 

The viper fish begins as a clay character, ready for a plaster mold. 

After the main body is cast in silicone, an armature is created for the head. 

Wire armature inside starfish mold.