University News Last updated 25 October 2013
Whilst Marvel fans await the long anticipated release of Thor 2 - The Dark World, out in cinemas for general release on 30 October, former 3D design students from Birmingham City University will also be waiting with bated breath to see costumes they helped create brought to life in the film.
Jordan Brocklehurst, Richard Barnett and Matthew Ward - all former students on the Design Studies Programme at the Birmingham Institute of Art and Design (BIAD) - helped create two of the space pirate suits featured in the film.
The three former BIAD students were approached by Barry Hacker, set and props designer, who has produced costumes and set designs for numerous Hollywood blockbusters, including Van Helsing, Gladiator and Troy.
Working in a secret location in Worcestershire, and provided with just sketches of the characters suits, they had only two weeks to help produce the prototype suits. Each suit consisted of a helmet, together with various different pieces for the body, shoulder, forearm, upper and lower legs, with each suit featuring over 40 separate parts.
On working on the project, Jordan said: "There aren't many people who can say they have worked on a Hollywood blockbuster! So not only is it a major claim to fame, but it was a unique experience. It was gratifying to apply the skills developed at university in a real life scenario and taste a sample of where the degree could lead. I would happily do it again if I could."
Jackie Norton, 3D Programme Director said: "The graduates involved with the live project really enjoyed engaging with industry and this type of opportunity helped them realise their transferrable skills that had been developed whilst studying on the programme".
For further information on art and design courses at Birmingham City University, please visit www.bcu.ac.uk/biad.