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

I Am Mother, the acclaimed new sci-fi film, is streaming on Netflix now. Rather than a prop, dummy, or fully CGI character, Mother is a complex specialty robot suit, worn by a real human performer. Featuring more than 300 components, LED lights, animatronics, 3D printing, and model-made elements, the suit takes 45-60 minutes to be bolted onto the actor.
Go behind the scenes with the Weta Workshop crew to see how we brought her to life, piece by piece.
See more of our work at:
www.wetaworkshop.com
/ wetaworkshop
/ wetaworkshop
/ wetaworkshop

[@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

[@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

[@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 😊

[@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

[@OvAeons]

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

[@virginiapicker]

Yep. And legitimately scary.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!!

[@Christos-pr8ql]

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

[@KirDbDy]

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!

[@qwertyboo]

The running scene is CGI but the rest are mostly practical

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@btsxnik53]

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

[@classtilton871]

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

[@btsxnik53]

@@classtilton871 I'm an emotional being, what can I say?

[@Angelothecomedian]

I cried reading your comment

[@raphaelamatias9376]

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

[@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

[@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

[@colin5577]

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

[@enzobambino]

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

[@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

[@uncle_sam26]

I wish I could like this more than once.

[@embott1]

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

[@destinasiid]

what? it's not CGI? holy shock! 😱

[@xxstarvoidxx]

Whats CGI :-;

[@adamfilip]

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

[@willingnessisheaven7473]

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

[@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!

[@SuccessforLifester]

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

[@jacknorton6560]

Sean yeah it was

[@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

[@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.

[@qwertyboo]

@@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.

[@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.

[@FartinHolesInMyUndies]

The film grew on me watch after watch, I definitely recommend! And Weta is legendary!

[@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.

[@omnibuildersnz]

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

[@mkrbc8765]

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

[@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!

[@ephtea614]

BEAUTIFUL work. From the technical aspects to the art.

[@katlan_2005]

Когда этот фильм начался по телику, я не сдержал слезы от начала с песней "Baby Mine" из "Дамбо" (Dumbo) от Disney, посмотрев дальше, я ощутил сопереживание и страх за весь фильм и вынужден сказать, автор "Дитя Робота" (rus "I Am Mother"), вы потрясающие режиссёр, создавший прекраснейшое произведение❤

[@Hummelsbusch]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@trabadix]

Epic job, thanks for all little details!!!

[@OspreyKnight]

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

[@RetroBerner]

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

[@Dfrantz87]

Flawless execution.

[@avielthealienfromplanetmex5679]

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

[@bubblecalf]

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

[@audreyh6628]

Love your beautiful behind the scenes videos, thanks for making them

[@meganjabsen7245]

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

[@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 ...

[@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 ❤️️

[@parkflyerindonesia8073]

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.

[@tombystander]

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

[@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.

[@Renclif]

Brilliant work! All the hard work paid off, the film was stunning! It's awesome to see the journey of how you brought the character to life. 👍

[@AKSourGod]

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

[@screamervisor]

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

[@OmarElmasry1]

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

[@dustinpaulson1123]

This was such a great movie. You guys did an amazing job

[@BrenainnJordan]

absolutely astounding work on so many levels, I loved the film and was fully immersed in the character. I had a little inkling that it was a suit but the mechanical design and movement made it extremely convincing!

[@piterpunx]

what you guys have done is just amazing! I gave for granted that the robot was some insane CG but turns out it's even better! Outstanding job

[@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:)

[@randomcitizen3939]

Amazing. The skills it took for this movie to come together is incredible!

[@TheCaboooom1]

The concept art looks so cool

[@LLab71]

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

[@JulianKable]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@thomassymonds6308]

well done, amazing, thanks for sharing!

[@Phex1]

Watched the Movie yesterday, great work.

[@geniusmodernus]

Amazing job, incredible movie, I'm happy there's still room for practical effects!

[@charlesberg6655]

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

[@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.

[@besi1974]

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

[@scriff70]

Brilliant job all round and a great movie.

[@carabus0354]

Fantastic all round!

[@winnardalba6258]

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

[@gregbaker351]

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

[@ITBERYAN]

I SWEAR I saw GLaDOS in those concept images :P

[@Un3xplainable3]

Just like daughters outfit in the end, looked just like the main character of portal.

[@simonpark5741]

2:07 there she is

[@dronyland]

Such an awesome robot design, along with some amazing amount of work too ! Well done ! Hope you kept it after the movie though. This could easily go to a museum now.

[@reinormand]

Brilliant work, great design, acting and unbelievably real costume. Congrats to everyone involved.

[@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.

[@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!

[@BrianAz]

I had noooo idea! Great respect for all involved in this excellent movie! Great respect for all the talent!

[@magnodesign]

El trabajo que realizan es hermoso!!!

[@MasterSighlis555]

Really enjoyed this movie! Thanks for your hard work!

[@jonx76]

Amazing job, amazing movie! Very well done team

[@avielthealienfromplanetmex5679]

Thank you for sharing your creativity with the world!

[@DavidJuk]

Marvellous work!

[@bothersomebertie1195]

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

[@Techntricky]

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