This is my first post chronicling the work and struggle of designing the Panda Mech’s for the Panda Girls film.
Nick and I discussed at length what these Panda Mechs should “be” well before we discussed design. He talked about how the Panda Mech is the star of this movie the same way the mechanical shark was in Jaws, the alien puppet in ET, or the CG dinosaurs of Jurassic Park. He felt that since our budding crew had only a few credits under their belt we wouldn’t have the draw of a popular actor. Nick’s choice of making the Panda Mech the front-face of the project, I think, is rather prudent.
But this puts a lot of pressure on my role as the Panda Mech’s primary designer.
These are some of the elements Nick and I discussed about what the mech should “represent” in the minds of the audience. They should”
embody Panda-like design elements
have more natural materials than the manufactured variety
play with the black vrs white, yin yang motif
be a size that the girls can fit into
be a size that the girls can interact with (beauty and the beast)
appear “at the ready” for action
be “endearing” (but not overly sentimental)
“seem” to have a soul
“seem” to have individual personality
carry a Buddha enlightened quality about them
This list is ordered from the easiest to “capture” in the design to the more difficult. Those last few points on the list will be the most challenging of all. To be honest I have notions of how to acquire these qualities in the design, but I know it will take several attempts and iterations before catching lightning in a bottle, so to speak.
I’ve worked with many directors and game designers but Nick has always provided a vision that isn’t just paying attention to detail, but possesses an absurd harmony that really has the potential for capturing the audience’ imagination. It’s why I decided to come aboard and work with Nick on Panda Girls... I feel charged with a vision that will not only challenge me, but if I can capture it visually I will have contributed to a project that may connect with an audience the same way I’ve connected with certain films over the years.
PRE-PRODUCTION 
