Orbital FX: Inside the World of Practical Effects, Prop Building & the Future of Filmmaking

Orbital FX: Inside the World of Practical Effects, Prop Building & the Future of Filmmaking 🎙️ Episode Overview In this episode, Steve Otis Gunn sits down with Luke and Paul from Orbital FX , the North-East–based practical-effects and prop-building team whose work spans Star Wars, Marvel, Disney theme-parks, and fan-favourite replicas for collectors around the world. They dive deep into the lost art—and unexpected resurgence—of practical effects : from Ray Harryhausen to The Mandalorian , from clunky 80s prosthetics to cutting-edge CNC and 3D printing. Luke and Paul explain how they build everything from screen-accurate helmets to carbon-fibre Darth Vader pieces, giant convention displays, and even props that end up being purchased by Disney itself for use in productions. Along the way, they share behind-the-scenes stories involving Star Wars fandom, the 501st Legion, building a full-size Millennium Falcon event piece, restoring the original Boba Fett blaster for Adam Savage’s Tested , and navigating the strange legal/industry grey-area of replica prop making. It’s an episode full of nostalgia, technical nerdery, industry insight, and the occasional existential dread about the future of AI, streaming, and the entertainment industry. Highlights include: Why practical effects are making a real comeback The surprising ways modern CGI artists depend on physical props Prop-building tech: moulding, casting, carbon fibre, CNC, vac-forming, electronics 🎭 About Orbital FX Orbital FX is a UK-based practical-effects and prop fabrication studio. They specialise in 3D design and printing, mould-making, casting, carbon-fibre builds, CNC machining, vac-forming, silicone work, electronics, leatherwork, soft goods, and full costume fabrication. Their work has appeared at global fan conventions, in Disney Cruise Line’s Avengers: Quantum Encounter , across major Star Wars costuming groups, on Adam Savage’s Tested , and in film-adjacent commercial and live-event productions worldwide. From screen-accurate helmets to large-scale display pieces, Orbital FX blends high-end craftsmanship with genuine fan passion. 🔗 Connect with Orbital Instagram Facebook Website 📢 Follow the Podcast Stay updated with the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes content: Instagram TikTok YouTube Podcast: Television Times with Steve Otis Gunn Host: Steve Otis Gunn Guests : Luke & Paul from Orbital FX Duration : 58 minutes Release Date : December 11, 2025 Season : 4, Episode 30 All music written and performed in this podcast by Steve Otis Gunn Please buy my book, You Shot My Dog and I Love You , available in all good bookshops and online. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.