Chappie
Some of my concept art for Neill Blomkamp's Chappie (2015)
A really enjoyable film to work on, Neill always has the funnest design briefs. An ED209-ish flying bipedal war-monster and a chain-wearing infant gangster robot?! Come on! I'd be drawing that stuff anyway!
Watching the physical props being built - and then getting to play with them! - here at Weta was one of the raddest things ever. There's a short video at the bottom that shows a bit of that work.
As always, film design is a collaborative process and this stuff was created by building on the work of Greg Broadmore, Doug Williams, Leri Greer and others. But really it's all Neill Blomkamp's vision.
http://www.dazeddigital.com/artsandculture/article/23829/1/how-to-create-a-gangsta-robot
Final design of Chappie pre and post Gang Lyfe. All dem little stickers are by the powerhouse known as Leri Greer
Some of the very early head concepts from 2011. These were done over a sketch by your favourite Greg Broadmore!
Resolving the head a bit more...
Early colour passes
Fairly late in the process, after Image Engine had begun modelling him. I started using their fantastic work as the basis for the little attachments and other bits
Some bits that do things
SpecOps attachments
Pilot interface hardware for the MOOSE
MOOSE concept based on a design by Neill Blomkamp himself! Seriously, that guy can do anything.
MOOSE details and damage state
The MOOSE full size prop built here at Weta Workshop. Pretty much the best thing ever!
Robo-Yolandi sketches
EMP weapon initial sketches
EMP weapon final design and as waved about by Hugh Jackman
Deon's little robo-pal Rory. Built as a working prop here at Weta Workshop
Deon's little robo-pal Dexter. Built as a working prop here at Weta Workshop
Rough photobashed storyboard images
Behind the Scenes at Weta Workshop: CHAPPiE (2015)