Creating the Robot for I Am Mother (Netflix): Inside Weta Workshop

[@Thegamercat420]

Now knowing the fact that it's a real suit. Makes me appreciate the movie even more.

[@mixey01]

Makes me want to watch the movie again :)

[@GuyOnAChair]

Here I was thinking it was really impressive or damn near flawless cgi.

[@nahimiYT]

Agreed. CGI is used too much these days. In some scenes the robot did move a bit too human tho

[@goobie7605]

And I thought it was iron man 1 level cgi

[@yudikhdk8928]

Most people think it was CGI

[@avo7007]

One of the best-designed robot in a movie I have ever seen. Great job.

[@jothegreek]

So mum was gender fluid this man an oscar

[@buzzikea]

yeah no shit have you seen any other robots? don't fkn tell me RoboCop is bad!!

[@mdalabs]

Too bad it was paired with the worst movie!

[@mdalabs]

@Memeorandum of Understanding i mean Netflix making bad movies seems to be a running meme nowdays and it's not only me saying that, they get the most talented scene designers and VFX artists and pair them with shit directors.

[@pane2125]

@@jothegreek lol

[@LanguascoAndrea]

This was the most real movie robot I ever seen. Amazing job. During the movie I continuosly guess if was CGI because was so perfect from shape to materials and for the way it moves. This is state of the art !

[@AkshayAradhya]

When the baby reaches out to mother and grabs her, I kinda started to doubt it was CGI cause that grabbing aspect is kina still hard to do

[@moneyboys7904]

If you think this is good watch chappie

[@nimblebimble]

King Danny, Charlie was a full CG model, this robot existed in the room

[@nimblebimble]

No No, Haha. What?

[@moneyboys7904]

C.M. H. Yea ik but I’m saying that chappie looked so real it looked like it wasn’t cgi

[@nasaandtheesa5400]

It looked so real to the point I thought mother was an actual robot lol

[@betterway7339]

For real I was questioning how far robotics has come

[@lorettabes4553]

Same! I thought it was real, but I can actually imagine robots like this already existing

[@mavisiu1387]

That's why we only need AI now hahaha

[@stefanos8547]

Mi too

[@dell7054]

Just watched It and loved it.. fact the budget was only 5 Million dollars. And was better then most big budget movies...

[@mannygsx]

Holyshit that's alot of money!

[@mannygsx]

@Demiclea true

[@TheOriginalGayman]

For example all Avengers movies....

[@Pepperjack57IsAwesome]

Yet sadly I looked it up and it only raked in $263,452, but I’m not sure if those numbers are accurate or not, it’s just what’s on Google. This definitely the most underrated movie of the century

[@ludeman]

Damn even the black foam one looks fantastic!

[@jackkraken3888]

I think they kept the black foam version for the droids

[@pattas2005]

Yeah, I was thinking the same!! I'd love to have my own lol 😊

[@nimblebimble]

While watching the movie I was entirely under the impression that Mother was predominantly a fully CG character. I’m amazed that there’s not an inch on the suit that’s blue screened over to hide parts of the actor in the suit. Really impressive job

[@AJ-pj6bb]

C.M. H. Same I thought it was completely animated

[@stockloc]

I actually thought it was an animatronic similar to ASIMO. I'm extremely impressed with the guy in the suit; I was fully convinced it was a machine.

[@MinorLG]

Lucky you. You get to watch the movie. I'd pay $12 to watch it a single time, but no, the Netflix people are too good to release it in theaters.

[@InkHyaena]

@@MinorLG Why would you only watch it one time? I've watched it 3 already. Would have been a fantastic movie to see in theaters though.

[@MinorLG]

@@InkHyaena ohh, I'll undoubtedly watch it at least 2 more times

[@BudhagRizzo]

Luke Hawker's performance in the costume was quite remakable as well. The entire package really reminded me of Honda's Asimo or Boston Dynamic's Atlas. Well done!

[@beremarquez]

Gardner De Aguiar me too ! For a moment my mind was thinking : that’s a real robot!!

[@luciferdern]

Now one of my favorite movies of all time. Blew me away and I was so impressed by the character design.

[@buzzikea]

feel sorry for you mate. there are plenty of movies out there with much more sense and bigger message than this one here.

[@fadilnatakusumah195]

@@buzzikea and what movies are that? Give me example

[@luciferdern]

@@buzzikea Seen a fair few movies... in fact I've watched the whole IMDB best list. I liked this one a lot because I work in AI and it's one of the first to actually represent the 'paper clip factory' scenario that we always talk about. Don't feel sorry for me, I'm doing just fine ;)

[@DEVINE.IMAGE.]

They did miss a big opportunity for some serious action when they went outside that bit was disappointing rest of the film fantastic

[@TheOriginalGayman]

@@DEVINE.IMAGE. I think the lack of action in the whole movie was a very good thing. You don't need useless action if you have good characters and a great story.

[@Tallacus]

Watched the movie last night, better then the new Terminator films overall

[@dirtysaint5324]

Lmao, come on. You can give a better compliment than that...

[@johanandersson2165]

how do you watch a movie that's release date is 20 june ? so next week.

[@sagemodejesse1556]

Johan Andersson it’s on Netflix already lol came out like 6 days ago

[@fadilnatakusumah195]

@@johanandersson2165 you livin under a rock or something? You can already download this movie

[@chrisreid5745]

this movie sucked too. so boring

[@Regelos]

Honestly this is one of my favorite robot designs and I didn't even thing about there was a person in the suit until I just watched your appearance on Adam Savages channel. This is amazing and I hope we get more of this character. Amazing job you have every right to be proud and I think you've created a design that will be inspiring others down the line. I would love a statuette of this for my office.

[@raychambers3646]

Sometimes you don't realise how much goes into a "simple"prop hours and hours of dedicated work by a very talented team of people. Well done.

[@OvAeons]

i have to say, seeing that suit run full tilt was amazing

[@virginiapicker]

Yep. And legitimately scary.

[@fernandogarza9180]

For the perforce of the robot, I think the best part is when Mother runs to the main entrance, great movie, excellent job! 👏👏👏👏👏

[@HaveAGoodOneBud]

Fernando Garza shit was scary

[@rodrigogandini3995]

it remind me to darpa robots

[@chaiTV]

Mother runs too far though, making the compound seem much bigger than it was meant to be. The sense of scale and space in the compound was not properly explained. All good, a minor criticism.

[@tr3471]

that was the scariest part of the movie 😭But soo goood🙏🏻

[@jadso1465]

You guys are years ahead ILM. I hope you be in charge for the upcoming Robocop!! Robocop must be in WETA!!

[@ehenyor]

@J C The new RoboCop movie, if it gets made, would be based on the original Robo 2 script from the 80s... (Not thw movie they actually made) And it would be a continuation of the original RoboCop.

[@ehenyor]

@J C The original (unused) script was for a movie called "Robocop 2: Corporate Wars". Basically, it is completely different from part 1 in that Robo gets revived many years into the future. (Verhoeven) had nothing to do with it. They are using this as the basis for the proposed sequel. Yes, Weller is too old (big) for the suit now, but they are trying to use his likeness and voice. He reprised Robo for the Kentucky Fried Chicken commercials earlier this year, in voice only. They would likely do the same for this sequel. I'm looking forward to Terminator Dark Fate.

[@Techntricky]

Man this is the best robotic movie i have watched so far!!!

[@Kirby915]

I was going back and forth with my wife wether or not Mother was CGI or not because it looked so amazingly real. I was looking for a way to fit a performer inside the dimensions of the frame of the robot, but I thought it was too tight...then there was the movements! The way mother ran sold me on the idea that she was CGI...well done to the actor who brought her to life!

[@ytuseracct]

The running scene is CGI but the rest are mostly practical

[@petrichorweather350]

I havent seen netflix make a movie so amazing before in a long time. Amazing job you guys

[@chaiTV]

Netflix didn't make it. They were the highest bidder of the distribution rights, after it screened at Sundance.

[@btsxnik53]

I love watching behind the scenes; they always make me cry because of the amount of hard work is put into things.

[@classmst89]

Lol well thats a bit emotional for someone building a cool costume 😂🤣😂🤣

[@btsxnik53]

@@classmst89 I'm an emotional being, what can I say?

[@Angelothecomedian]

I cried reading your comment

[@cliffedward]

Being a Kiwi I get a feeling of pride when I hear the Kiwi accent and realize this is an all Kiwi effort. So much talent at Weta. 👍

[@EnclaveEnthusiast2077]

Practical effects will all ways beat cgi.it creates a better atmosphere which can makes it all seem so real and help actors act to the best of there abilities. weta once again you have created a master piece.

[@banjobill8420]

Practical effects create an excellent sense of tangibility but CGI is also great for touching up and creating things that can't be accomplised in screws and wood.

[@TannerK.]

Both paired together can create a wonderful and visually pleasing movie.

[@raphaelamatias9376]

Holy Mother! I thought it was CGI! This is AMAZING!

[@enzobambino]

Congratulations to Weta Workshop! Mother was a fantastic design. It was a great asset in the success of the movie.

[@Christos-pr8ql]

"The blood just rushed from his face...." *points down*

[@GregDelfeld]

Just makes me think back to the scenes when mother is running 😂

[@nimblebimble]

I’m still wondering if some form of visual effect was added to those scenes...? The running looked just like real life bipedal/quadrupedal mobility/multi terrain robots. Fast and w purpose

[@beremarquez]

C.M. H. I think it’s the sound, like something really heavy running so fast , that makes it kinda scary.

[@georgewillems32]

Indeed. The running was edit with metalsound. And if you be chased by some humanoid robot with that sound.........I bet you will running too, after you wet yourself!!

[@dudleybarker2273]

brilliant, wonderful, thrilling, thoroughly engrossing film. thanks to all who made it. it's going to become a classic along with i Robot, the Matrix, Alien, 2001, and a whole lot more. beautiful.

[@waithereivegonetogethelp3240]

4:28 - let's be honest, you could've given the foam a good paint job and no one would've complained. That 'mock-up' looked amazing. Of course, the finished costume was incredible.

[@jelloman4238]

I wish I could have the print files for that suit

[@matty894]

Oh my god yes

[@masonmancoffey1722]

jollyman423 somebody could cosplay as mother

[@anne4373]

mason man coffey agreed

[@xanderunderwoods3363]

I soooooo agree!!! I am soooo gonna try and build that suit!

[@OmarElmasry1]

this is literally my dream job. spectacular in every aspect guys, thank you for a great movie.

[@winnardalba6258]

So 'Father' is inside the Mother? Mindblow!!! 😁

[@Tepnox]

I know I am late to the party but you guys did an amazing job! Mother felt so special in the film. I thought there was much more CGI involved but watching some making of's just kept me baffled and speechless. I hope you get many more contracts in the future! Thank you so much for this incredible work of art.

[@tauhid9983]

Loved the MOVIE....directors, cast members everyone.

[@ReasonMakes]

I watched the Adam Savage interview and watched the movie immediately after. I know this is an amazing achievement because I forgot about everything and felt completely immersed in the film and believed in the character even after seeing how it worked. I completely forgot about the man inside

[@colin5577]

Never occurred to me watching the movie that it wasn't a practical suit. It was too beautiful, grounded and real.

[@Phex1]

Watched the Movie yesterday, great work.

[@mkrbc8765]

Absolutely stellar. One of the best sci-fi films I've seen in a while. Congratulations!

[@johndimelu1247]

Such a flawless design, every component of the robot served a certain purpose. The movie was great and I commend you guys on a job well done! Better to come!

[@embott1]

So cool. I was totally immersed in the narrative. I never once thought the robot looked hokey. Beautiful execution

[@stuffnstuff1252]

I enjoyed the movie, the story and how it unfolded in the End actually caught me slightly off guard. I'd score this one a solid 8/10.

[@ryans413]

It’s one those movies you start watching realize it different from all the others but a good different. Your amazed by the acting the special effects and story and it’s one those movies by the time the credits roll you actually stand up and clap

[@fns58]

You guys nailed it. One of the best droids I've ever seen in a film. Hard job pays off. Much luck for your future projects!

[@destinasiid]

what? it's not CGI? holy shock! 😱

[@xxstarvoidxx]

Whats CGI :-;

[@uncle_sam26]

I wish I could like this more than once.

[@TheGodEmperorOfMankind_]

If I didn't see the video Adam Savage made on it before watching the movie I would think Mother was CGI, great work. Also the movement is on point, the actor did excellent

[@jamesbuckley3256]

What a masterwork of prop and costuming. I was also impressed that it was a WETA person doing the acting. Big cheers all around on this one. I'd love to see more up-close shots of all the parts.

[@Skauber]

I'm in awe, it's such a breath of fresh air to see a scifi movie like this avoiding CGI on a character like this, and actually make it as a real world costume! It was incredibly well done, and looked awesome on the screen!

[@willingnessisheaven7473]

You People are so Awesome with your Dedication of Work... I love your work 👌👌

[@ephtea614]

BEAUTIFUL work. From the technical aspects to the art.

[@mixey01]

Practical effects & CGI are a match made in heaven instead of full depending on CGI Great work once again by WETA Workshop!

[@terminatormetroplex]

Christian Pearce and the Hawker bros are hands down the most charismatic and comedic creatives to work with! Super proud of them and this film.

[@matthewgumabon7498]

The craftsmanship and cinematography involved in this movie were really stellar. I was so immersed in thinking that Mother was a real functioning robot that I did not even stop to think whether the character was practical or cgi. Now knowing that it was 100% practical and portrayed by an actor... blown away! So well done.

[@squidge125]

This whole production really stripped things back, minimal characters and sets, one central solid plot and could then focus the budget on creating this work of art as a believable immersive character. A masterclass in how to do sci-fi.

[@SuccessforLifester]

I think The Wandering Earth was also handled by Weta. Excellent job.

[@jacknorton6560]

Sean yeah it was

[@tombystander]

Still think about this movie from time to time. What a passion project all around

[@LLab71]

Just watched this movie. Mother was an absolutely stellar character and practical effect, it that's the right term for it. Incredible work.

[@slckb0y65]

thanks Weta for keeping magic alive

[@karin7442-i5v]

Oh, I love absolutely everything about this film. The robot is so real and so so scary!

[@MrExo_3D]

Hope they release screen accurate models for the cosplay community to enjoy and appreciate

[@charlesberg6655]

All of this, for one character in a single movie. I am not disappointed, the film was truly great.

[@omnibuildersnz]

Just watched this the other day pretty good flick, surprised to see there was an actor in mother very well done!!!!

[@avielthealienfromplanetmex5679]

You people are incredible. You're all truly gifted and special.

[@MladenGavric]

I love seeing Weta Workshop grow, from so simple a beginning at the time of PJ and TLOTR, to this amazing force, full of such a talented artists who are working on every major movie done these days. I remember being so in awe at seeing their work in TLOTR back in 2002 while I was finishing high school.

[@pattas2005]

After seeing other movies use full CGI on similar concepts, I was amazed to see this was a suit. Luke made it look flawless, and the movement was so fluid that it looked either real, or the best CGI it could be. I highly recommend this to anyone who is thinking of watching it 😊 Subbed ❤️️

[@Hummelsbusch]

You outdone yourselves. Fantastic design, credible and beautiful. This Robot will be remembered!

[@gregbaker351]

I never once thought about what was CGI and what wasn't. I think that's the greatest compliment that I can give.

[@mikelo303]

I am a hard core SF fan and this robot design is best I have ever seen. I thought it was CGI with some animatronics. When I learned it was human inside all the time I was amazed. I thought it was a robot. Best robot suit design in a movie.

[@fossil6845]

imagine having to act like a robot, the guys performance was absolutely breathtaking and very realistic

[@kawaininja9144]

Amazing work, great movie

[@Teaquamarine]

GLaDOS excepts it cares for humans Edit: Ok not the way I expected O_O

[@bergonath8851]

Yeah, not really.

[@Ven7177]

Laldinthara Khiangte I was thinking that too XD Cause the head

[@bubblecalf]

In my top 5 films for sure! It was incredible, and seeing this effort. Wow

[@LeesReviews69]

I finally saw this movie. Omg I loved it

[@TIMBEAU1962]

Just seen the movie.... I realized that I was more busy with looking at mother then the story! I do a deep bow of respect to those made this suit/robot!

[@stevenpreston7403]

I have wanted to work at weta since 10 mins in to the fellowship of the ring at the cinema, what like 20 years ago. Between this and the Adam Savage videos Im almost ready to drop everything and try again. Masters at work, u guys are amazing and what you do and legends all round. Thanks for making this planet a better place and keeping the magic alive:)

[@bikedawg]

I think this is the best robot I've ever seen! Fabulous movie---wish they'd do a sequel or make it a series.

[@ajsky1066]

Never since ILM in the 70's working on A New Hope, have I seen this much dedication among a group of young filmmakers. Unlike VFX studios that are just body shops running on profit mode. These guys are the real deal and are gonna go very far in life.

[@smonte4300]

Saw the movie last week, the droid was INCREDIBLE. Congratulations.

[@OspreyKnight]

An absolutely gorgeous suit, and props for wearing it through the film.

[@that_weird_boi9631]

I seriously love this movie no joke

[@RetroBerner]

Amazing job, I had no idea that it was an actual actor in a suit

[@Dfrantz87]

Flawless execution.

[@screamervisor]

Wonderful work. Thanks for the real models and not just CGI.

[@cincyfan987]

Movie and costumes were fantastic! One of my favorite sci fi films of all time!

[@parkflyerindonesia]

Priceless .... The vision, the skills, the implementations, ... Weta workshop had done a tremendous work in making it real, not just in visual, but REAL convincing stuffs for the movie to have its own character. Endless respect for this simplification of so many anwers to the challenges, yet it's not simple tasks to do for sure.

[@bothersomebertie1195]

this movie was exactly the sci fi I had been waiting for, thank you all

[@xanxuszala8242]

You telling me it a person in the robot suit and not CGI ?!?!? Amazing , when I watch it I like the look of design ...

[@More-Space-In-Ear]

I know there is hundreds of people who work so hard to get the final look, but the way Luke played the robot was amazing, it’s the minute moves that can steel the film...well done everyone who put time into it...champions all 🏆👍🏼😊🍻

[@meganjabsen7245]

Weta has been killing it these last few years!!! Love their work.

[@ateleskier7066]

All that creative talent in one place. The energy must have been electric.

[@joemaluso]

Great movie. And I am glad you went with practical effects. It turned out marvelously and made Mother so much more believable to me.

[@JulianKable]

One of my new favorite movies. Amazing job on this character design and execution!

[@besi1974]

weta did an amazing job again,i thought it was cgi,wow.. ..hats down to Luke on his performance. Serkis better watch out !!

[@natw5040]

Best film ive seen this year

[@Gerald5000]

I'm guessing the running scenes wear CG? Impossible to tell but I figured it was too delicate to risk running or just impossible. Pretty scary to see this very utilitarian robot running at full speed. Perfectly executed build. Hard to imagine a human form inside it. I kinda wish the movie took more risks, but for a feature film first-timer it's not bad, and that robot design is just stunning.

[@luistigerfox]

Nope, he did running and stunts in the suit.

[@iAmTheSquidThing]

I think they were real but sped up slightly.

[@ytuseracct]

@@luistigerfox I read under the Adam Savage video that the running was CGI for safety reasons.

[@chaiTV]

I know what you mean about taking more risks. The film played it safe, and was close to being too derivative. They got away with it, but only just.

[@boshi_coyo]

I honestly want to make one.

[@chaiTV]

thanks for being honest

[@FrankXtreme76]

Luke did a fantastic job on the robotic movement! A awesome job! And a really great film!

[@Alex261979]

The moment the robot started running in the movie gave me the chills.

[@wy4553]

Wow!! What incredible craftsmanship. I absolutely love the facial design of this robot. The way they create the illusion of a smile with the little LED eyes and the curved pathway it travels on is so damn clever! While watching the film, I thought it was curious they decided to for such a gender neutral body instead of a more womanly shape, but it ended up serving the narrative really well. And holy crap, this was ALL practical? Never once in the movie did the robot seem fake, yet I still assumed the face, hands, and digital screens (and probably the majority of the robot tbh) were done in post because that's just what most films do now. Seriously impressed with the incredible work made by this team and the actor!

[@AKSourGod]

Awesome work guys. Loved the way Mother moved in the film.

[@rageintothelight]

This movie took my breath away it was stunning and the story is unique.

[@steprockmedia]

Phenomenal work, you guys. I literally did not know it wasn't CG. I simply watched the movie and never once questioned the character.

[@YourCritic]

Brilliant. The way it looks, moves and interacts is far superior to any current CGI counterpart ever could. Surely this is the new benchmark in cinematic robot construction. The movie is excellent by the way, highly recommend it.

[@Pepperjack57IsAwesome]

I loved this movie, and I got really upset when I learned that there wasn’t a sequel... there’s so much potential. Definitely the most underrated film in history