Brandon is akin to a sci fi Santa! You never know when the sound of the sleigh is going to thump on the roof, and a shiny new toy is going to  will drop down through the chimney! For the first time ever, we get a really good luck at the Malon shuttle, hinted at about a week ago here : http://drexfiles.wordpress.com/2009/06/20/toxic-tanker-voyager/ where the rascals can be seen escorting Toxie. This ship was designed by Brandon and Dan Curry. Let’s see what B has to say about it -

I remember that I came up with the design for the Malon shuttle directly in the 3D application, and Dan Curry approved it in house.. we needed something quick.  My thinking was an industrial looking steel hull construction meant to shield the crew from toxic gasses and radiation.

Dan was always fun to work with!  His understanding of art always had a positive impact on the show.  To be frank, some some of the Foundation Imaging supervisors where intimated, but for me it was like working with a old friend from day one. He would come by Foundation once or twice a week to check up on shots, then spend the rest of his time going over details with me…  that is when he was not telling a joke or two… and he was funny! 

 

Dan was someone with history, and experience with physical models but loved what 3D could do. We would talk about grazing light angles and spec highlights across the shapes of a ship foils, all the while cracking up, because th jokes were plentiful!  I modeled it quickly and had it about 90% finished before showing it to Dan. He liked the design and textures some of them from the toxic tankers. I remember “Q”, one of out CG geniuses at Foundation ribbing with me about the plentiful usage I got out of the rust surfaces. It was the surface to the month for sure :)

(Above) Don’t be confused! It’s the bottom!

A little seen design, as evidenced by these screen caps courtesy Jörg -