For the MS Drama Production, Gavin and I decided to take the job of creating the giant controller. When we asked Mrs. Northcott about this, she said that the controller’s size should be exaggeratedly large. This was a huge challenge.
First, we decided to use multiple pieces of cardboard for the product. Since we could not find giant pieces of cardboard, we decided to think out of the box. We tried to remember our projects in middle school and we decided to use a website called “MakerCase.” It can make small teeth in the laser cutter for cutting out cardboard, which can help assemble the box. We used Affinity to do jobs the website could not do, such as cutting out extra holes for the joy-stick and antenna. Designing it took us multiple classes, and our time was limited, so we needed to hurry. After we printed out the cardboard, half of it was burnt. But we did not have enough time. So, we decided to go with it and hide the burnt side on the inside of the box, which worked well.
Second, we needed to make the joy-stick and antenna. James’s group decided to volunteer to create the antenna, and they made it really well. The only obstacle now was how we would make the joy-stick. I suggested that we cut a small bit of tube, and but stick a foam ball on top of it. After we stuck it in the hole, it turned out that it could move quite a bit. That worked really well as it restored the original characteristics of the joy-stick. It was a perfect exaggeration and was exactly what Mrs. Northcott wanted.
Finally, after overcoming all of our obstacles quickly, we needed to assemble the box. We decided to use hot glue and spray paint for decoration and stableness. After easily spray painting the box, it was time for gluing. Because of the fact that our box was burnt on the inside, gluing was really difficult. Therefore, we decided to pressure each teeth to stick with the glue for 2-3 minutes. Although it took us some time, but we managed to complete it nearly perfectly. At the end, it looked really well, realistic and fun to play with. In my opinion, this was a huge success.
During this process, I learned how to spray paint. Shaking the bottle for the paint to come out was really satisfying, and I learned that people should spray from a distance, or else the paint would start dripping.
In conclusion, I feel that our prop would fit the needs of the production. The size was very “stereotypical,” which was the effect we wanted. Also, it looks very fun to play with which would be an attraction for the audience.
