On the eve of San Diego Comic-Con at home and the Xbox Games Showcase, we check in to talk about our recent projects upgrading home theater sound systems and building a new PC. We discuss Netflix’s big bet on spy thriller franchise, the fate of Tenet, and the significance of 4K 60fps games on next-gen consoles. Plus, what’s up with that Oculus Quest render that’s been posted online. Thanks to Alex for creating this week’s theme music!
Adam Savage’s One Day Builds: Workshop Filming Slate!
Adam builds a piece of production equipment to assist with his self-filmed One Day Builds and other videos while we’re working remotely. It’s a classic production slate to help identify shots, sync audio, and is just fun to use! It also allows Adam to repurpose a variety of shop materials and make use of his tabletop bandsaw–using mini tools to make a mini slate!
Hot Toys 2020 Star Wars and Marvel Figure Reveals!
The protective glass is off for our visit to Sideshow Con’s showroom to check out the newest Hot Toys figures from Avengers: Endgame, Marvel’s Spider-Man, and Star Wars. It’s our first chance to get a close-up look at anticipated figures like the sixth-scale battle damaged Thanos, Mandalorian and The Child, and convention exclusives like Spider-Man 2099!
Adam Savage’s Favorite Tools: Ratchet and Socket Set!
Adam gripes about something everyone who’s worked with sockets can relate to: having an incomplete set because the cases they’re stored in aren’t any good. That’s why he’s a fan of Milwaukee’s ratchet and socket sets, which are stored in a robust and thoughtfully designed carrying case. What are tools you own that have great storage cases? (1/4 set, 3/8in set)
Life-Size Baby Yoda! Sideshow Collectibles’ The Child Prototype
We visit Sideshow Collectibles’ headquarters to get a close-up look at their prototype of The Child life-size figure from Star Wars The Mandalorian! This casting comes directly from Legacy Effects’ molds that were used for the making of the baby Yoda puppet used for production–the closest we’ll get to seeing the real prop!
Adam Savage’s One Day Builds: Air Tools Sorting Boxes!
Adam tackles the disorganized mess of air tools stuffed into his shop toolchests, building custom foamcore sorters for organizing and storing the tools. Adam guides us through the step-by-step process and tips to building this kind of sorter, which can be used for any kind of tool or gear storage.
Drone Cinematography Tips with the DJI Mavic Air 2!
We revisit the DJI Mavic Air 2 and share our 4K cinematic landscape footage as producer and drone pilot Gunther Kirsch offers tips and techniques for filming beautiful aerial video. Follow along as we discuss the use of HDR, shutter speed, ND filters, and parallax on DJI’s latest quadcopter.
The Beautiful Architectural Model Kits of Metropolitan Craft
Architect-turned-modelmaker Larry Srinivasan designs and builds elegant scale models of famous architectural landmarks like San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge and Seattle’s Space Needle. We visit his workshop to learn how he captures the essence of these structures in his laser-cut model kits and experiments with joinery at miniature scale. Find his model kits here!
Episode 558 – LEGO’s Big Flex – 7/16/20
We’re back after a short break and catch up on big news in the worlds of LEGO, Star Trek, and VR. The gang discusses the different reactions to the Hamilton film, and Norm gushes over two behind-the-scenes documentaries that put a spotlight on high stakes creative endeavors. Plus, a science update on the state of Covid, and the VR mintue!
Adam Savage’s One Day Builds: Custom Pistol Whip Controller!
Adam can’t get enough of the VR game Pistol Whip (aka leg day for working out in VR) and builds a custom machined aluminum mount for his Oculus Quest controller to add some heft to the gameplay. It’s also a chance for Adam to apply acid etching to metal, and Adam enlists Jen Schacter’s help in cutting out the vinyl mask for that process.