Chimera (aka Monkey Boy), Chad close-up creature head for Chimera
original movie prop
Chimera was a British TV mini-series shown in 1991 and was about genetic engineering of a ape/human hybrid, it was also released in the US as a shortened movie called Monkeyboy. Image Animation worked on the suits and makeup effects and their credits include Hardware, Hellraiser and Nightbreed.
From the Chimera press kit: "Three heads were made for the creature. One for close-ups, one for mid shots, and one for the stunt action. Employing the animatronics the team was able to create a range of expressions. A movement of the eyebrows changes Chad from happy to sad, and moving his mouth brings snarls, sneers and teeth baring.
The movements were achieved by cables operated by four technicians working beside Chad, but out of sight of the cameras. A wide shot demanded the use of remote control.
A body cast was made for actor Douggie Mann to wear as he brought Chad to life on set.
It took Image Animation six months to create Chad in their workshop at Pinewood Film Studios near Slough. The meticulous work included securing each hair on his head individually, a job which took two weeks alone.."
This is the close-up head which has ten cables all of which remain their full 4 metre length. The foam rubber skin shows wear in all heavily used areas and the most obvious is the missing nose/muzzle revealing some of the inner workings. Elastic is also visible which enabled the spring-loaded jaw mechanism. The skin is attached to a fabric hood which has poppers around the neck to have attach it to the muscle suit. A hard underskull beneath holds all of the workings and was made to a lifecast of the actor's face.
This second image shows the inside, the cables and a promotional shot as well as captures down the right hand side from a behind the scenes video of the workshop. The captures show the head before skin and the cable hand controls.
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