Kathi Zung Foam Latex 101 Video Review
- Sunday, 23 May 2010 10:46
- Last Updated on Monday, 16 May 2011 06:13
- Written by Marc Spess
UPDATE: The video now comes on DVD or download only
Ah yes, another one of those do-it-yourself low budget videos. But not just any video! This video is all about making foam latex puppets. And to our knowledge it is the only video of it's kind.
We admit we were more then a little excited to get this video. The video is made by Kathi Zung. Kathi made many puppets for the MTV Celebrity Deathmatch TV show, and this is where she built up her experience in this art form.
We were surprised how fast we got the video. The tape was sent US Priority Mail for around 4 bucks. It arrived in around three days and in perfect condition.
We got four things in our video box from Kathi:
The NTSC VHS video - An intro sheet with helpful hints and tech support info - A Resource and Supply sheet- An armature blue print sheet
The first thing we looked at was the armature blue print. The armature itself is super simple. No joints are added to it, and it consists of three main strands of 1/8" aluminum wire. The hands are made of small gage steel wire, and they are connected with aluminum tubing. This is good for someone starting out, but for someone with more experience we recommend learning better armature design.
We found the resource and supply sheet extremely helpful. Anything you could possibly need has a matching address where you can buy the supplies.
Finally we looked at the intro sheet. It has a few good tips on keeping your molds from warping, and also has information on how to contact Kathi if you run into problems.
PRO's: So onto the good stuff. What did we think about this video? The first thing you notice is Kathi's bubbly personality. She is fun to watch and throws in a few jokes while she works on making the Deathmatch announcer Nick Diamond. So overall the video is fun!
But how about the information? That's what your getting the video for right? We think overall this video has a lot of good ideas.
The major good points are how you learn to center your armature inside the mold. Although the armature is simple, the main idea will help even a seasoned pro to alter their armatures for centering.
Also the time saving mold tricks Kathi uses are good if your used to making 50 layers of Ultra Cal in thin layers.
We also enjoyed seeing all the materials and steps used to finish the puppet. Not one step was left out, and you see everything from painting, powdering, sealing, bending, shaving, baking, and molding.
And finally her use of the foam latex pour method is great for those who are just starting out in puppet making.
CON's: There are a few small issues about the video. The video is created from the eyes of someone who knows just about everything. And not someone who is starting out. So Kathi leaves out a few things that will leave you scratching your head. The big one is the tie downs are not explained. Only how to place small metal nuts on the armature's feet. But that's it. If your new to this you will have no idea what that is for.
Also how are those Deathmatch puppet heads made? Only a small amount of information is revealed on making the heads. So don't expect to duplicate an MTV puppet exactly.
There are more things we feel Kathi could have added. But after all - this video covers possibly more things then can fit in an hours time.[/important]
Conclusion We like this video a lot. If your new to the art form you definitely must get this video! If your a pro already we feel it will give you more ideas then you might already have. And if your looking for super complex puppetry tricks like adding fur, eye balls, teeth, mold injection, and air brushing - we suggest you look elsewhere.
Get Kathi's video here
We give this video 7 out of 10 stars
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