The 'VFXLAB,' a company that specializes in visual effects and boasts past clients such as Walt Disney, Universal Studios and Warner Brothers, worked to design an animatronic shark costume which it tested in the pool of a California hotel.
The end result is almost too real, or at least real enough to prevent anyone from wanting to go in the water. With glossy eyes, a sleek skin and an array of sharp teeth, the shark costume looks like its ready to star in a new Jaws movie.
In order to get the large structure to move throughout the water, the VFXLAB got a diver to climb inside. Once doing so, the diver was able to control the shark costume by holding onto it from underneath and then swimming.
Animatronic Shark Costumes
VFXLAB's Terrifying Creation is Powered by an Unseen Human Diver
Trend Themes
1. Animatronic Costumes - There is an opportunity to create other realistic-looking animatronic costumes, like dinosaurs or mythical creatures, that can be used in movies, amusement parks, and even for educational tours.
2. Remote-controlled Diver Technology - Developing remote-controlled diver technology could enable the creation of more realistic-looking underwater creatures and animals without having to put a human inside the costume.
3. Augmented Reality Aquariums - Creating an augmented reality experience where visitors can see and interact with realistic-looking, animatronic sea creatures in an aquarium setting could be a new type of attraction for both educational and entertainment purposes.
Industry Implications
1. Film and Entertainment - Animatronic costumes have the potential to revolutionize the film and entertainment industry by creating more realistic creatures and characters.
2. Amusement Parks - Integrating animatronic costumes into amusement park experiences could provide a unique and thrilling attraction for visitors, while also cutting down on the expenses and risks associated with live animals.
3. Education and Tourism - Developing new technologies, such as remote-controlled diver technology and augmented reality, can enable the creation of public aquariums, museums, and other educational attractions that feature lifelike sea creatures and animals without harming real wildlife.