Australian artist David Willis, who specialises in special effects, makeup and prop manufacturing, spoke to DirectedBy about the various props he helped make during The Matrix films, the change in the filmmaking process from then to now as well as some moments he shared with the Wachowskis, Keanu Reeves and Hugo Weaving.
Name: David Willis
Department: Makeup and Props Manufacturing
Films: The Matrix, The Matrix Reloaded, The Matrix Revolutions
Other Credits: Star Wars, Superman Returns, Wolverine
Hey David, firstly I’d love to know how you got the job working on ‘The Matrix’ films?
Well, in the first film I was doing my apprentice training ( basically a workshop trainee) as I was just out of high school. On the other 2 Matrix films I was working on Farscape and it was pretty much meeting the right people to jump onto the films.
Could you outline what exactly you did?
First Matrix I was a trainee at a makeup effects group basically doing everything and anything I could to learn. The Matrix 2 and 3, I was part of the mould shop in models and props which was called props manufacturing back then. We basically made so much stuff for a 2 year period. Was awesome. Made moulds, and casted all the weapons, sentinels, APU, we did Hugo’s (Weaving) bodies (made around 90 in total) made breakaways, items for many different departments, we got to experiment. We also had the first 3D printed model made, which was a sentinel which we then moulded and made about 100 of them. We made all the parts for the ships and for Zion, from set props to costume props and more. A lot of things.
The first film is quite revolutionary in all aspects of film, in my opinion, when you worked on it did you have any idea of how successful it was going to be?
Not at all, it was a film that was really cool and interesting but yet no one had any idea it would be so successful.
What are your opinions on the makeup in the first film and the models and props in the second and third? Was there anything vastly different about working on these films then other films you have worked on?
The first film had less budget and was more experimental in all aspects and in every department. The other two Matrix films were a lot bigger with more budget, plus we had the video game being created at the same time. It was an all out Matrix fest. The difference between then and now is that back then you had proper pre production time and department heads that were very experienced. Now filmmaking is run by people in the accounts department plus there is no real pre production any more, it's more about getting it made fast and finished.
All three films have such a distinct look, do you think this has an influence on a film's success?
Absolutely. My good friend Tani T was the concept illustrator on the film and I’ve talked with him on how he was very much influenced by the director’s imagination as they both were completely visual in their descriptions of what they wanted the film to look and feel like.
Did you have any personal contact with the Wachowskis? If so, what were they like? Did it seem like these two were going to become two of the biggest directors of our time?
Actually I met them personally in LA years after the filming with my good friend Tani (concept artist). It was through him we met and had drinks just talking with them was fascinating and was a real thrill. Also interesting to see their transformation as when I met them in LA they were already changed. Now the sisters.
I understand that after the first film’s success, there was a lot of pressure for the sequels to reach that same level. Did you feel any of this pressure when working on them?
Personally not really, I mean it was stressful but back then we just had an amazing and experienced crew so for us it was just so much fun going to work each day.
The sequels were not as well received as the first one, did this surprise you? Or do you believe the quality of the films dipped after the first one?
Like most sequels, what sequel is better than the original ( not many). Overall I loved the 3 films. Was not a fan of the 4th.
The visual effects in all three have been very well received and copied over the years. Why do you think this is?
This is because it was original and unique and that will always get everyone's attention. Also this was a film that used a lot of practical effects and was before CGI really took off. So this gives it a sense of being more real over the CGI we see today.
Would you be able to tell us any fond stories or memories that you have from working on the films?
Reeves (Keanu) coming in and thanking everyone personally and giving every crew member a bottle of some very nice champagne. Hugo telling naughty jokes while getting his full body cast done, had everyone laughing for ages. Was also the film ( 2 and 3) that really started the OHNS on film sets as there was a few accidents, was for sure a big change with crew safety after that.
See The Matrix: Reloaded review here.
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