How to Build Durable Scenery and Props Using Crystal Gel

Goat prop needed to be durable enough to withstand a two-story drop

Rose Brand congratulates our second blog contest winner, Gary Duffey. Gary's blog entry described how he created a durable and realistic looking goat for Blame Society Productions of Madison, Wisconsin. The goat needed to be durable enough to withstand a two-story drop.

Here is how HE did it.

He used styrofoam to shape the skull and coated it with a thick layer of paper towels that were liberally coated with Rosco Crystal Gel. This treatment continued to the mid-point of the goat’s back. The goat’s knees and hips were a thick buildup of the Crystal Gel/paper towel mixture on a 2x2 wooden frame, which gave the animal bone structure. The hooves of the goat were done in the same manner, and while the product was still wet, he easily shaped hooves onto the goat's legs which made for a solid bond. Goat hair, as required, was made of carpet remnants that were stapled and glued to the wooden frame and/or the hardened Crystal Gel.

The goat was packed for shipment from their shop in Modesto, California, and sent on to the end users in Wisconsin. Blame Society Productions then filmed the dropping of the goat from a two-story rooftop. The drop showed the amzing durability of Crystal Gel -- the goat survived absolutely intact and was used for several takes. In fact, as a direct result of Crystal Gel's durability, the goat now lives in the home of one of the film company owners and makes regular "guest appearances" in some of his films.

Crystal Gel was the logical choice to use in this project as it is non flammable, non toxic, dries clear, easy to mold into shape when wet, bonds to objects well, light weight, and hard as thick plastic when it dries.

Rose Brand is accepting applications for the How Did YOU Do It? Blog Contest until April 25, 2011. For more information on how to have YOUR work featured on Rose Brand's Blog visit our Face Book Page.