MI6 caught up with Oluf Hartvigson at Sideshow Collectibles, to find out more about how the Pierce Brosnan figures in the James Bond series are brought to life...

Oluf W. Hartvigson Interview - Sculpting 007
5th December 2005

Sculpting for a toy company is a very unusual job, how did you arrive at your current position?
After 7 1/2 years of college, including an MFA in sculpture and 2 1/2 years of working in Hollywood, sculpting for animatronics and make-up effects, I sculpted a model-kit of Spiderman for a company called Horizon.

After a lot of work trying to get my work in front of the right people, I finally made the right connections, they liked my work and I have never looked back.

What has been the most rewarding figure you have worked on to date?
The most rewarding figure I have sculpted to date would have to be the 1/4 scale "Seven of Nine", then the 1/4 Scale Brosnan Bond.

When you sit down to sculpt a figure what reference materials do you use?
Depending on the vintage of the license, I usually use screen grabs from the film for my reference. On rare occasions, I am able to acquire photographs taken of the actor which are always much more clear and accurate.

Right: 1/4 Pierce Brosnan as James Bond

Sideshow Biography

Oluf W Hartvigson, award winning master sculptor (MFA, University of Michigan), began his freelance sculpting career in California in 1993, where he sculpted; fine art, model kits, animatronics and effects make-up. He also lead construction of sets for commercials and films and was Assistant Art Director on a Bruce Willis film.

Oluf began his relationship with Sideshow sculpting on the Universal Studios Classic Monsters Action Figures series in 1997. In 2001 he had the unique opportunity of working in New Zealand for six weeks with the talented artists at WETA.

Oluf currently resides in Alaska (his favorite place to work and play) where he sculpts using digital and traditional technique.

 

How do you go about researching these materials?
The research is typically focused on the film specific to the character I'm sculpting. When I feel the reference isn't clear enough to supply the clarity to do the figure justice, I turn to other films they've appeared in and glamour shots of them from magazines I can find. I'm always surprised at how many actors pop up in a thousand gossip mag.s and oddly enough the images are often much clearer than the films.


Above: Oluf working the wax

Of all the Bond figures you have worked on which has been the most changeling and why?
The most challenging Bond so far has been the Brosnan 007. Mr. Brosnan has played Bond over several years and it is very important to me that he be portrayed with a quasi "perfect" look. After floating back and forth from extreme realism and idealization, I think the figure captures the proper balance.

You sculpted the first female Bond figure in SideShow's range how did this differ from your past figures?
Sculpting the female figure was like caving. When I started sculpting on the Bond series figures, I was in blue skies and cool breezes, just starting the journey. After many figures, I realized I was deep into the tunnels and was anxious to find a cavern with a breath of fresh air, that happened when Sideshow asked me to do the Honor Blackman figure. It was great.

Premium Format ¼ Figures - Pierce Brosnan as James Bond

Can you talk us through how your product life cycle form start to end and your involvement? Tell us how these processes have evolved with the newer ¼ scale Bond figures? hat are the main differences between 1/6 scale and ¼ other than size?
The biggest difference between the scales is the bodies and pose-ability. While we are doing everything we can to be accurate in both scales, we were more interested in a quintessential pose and look for the 1/4 scale. The 1/6 scale has a stock articulated body with specific hands, feet/shoes/boots and portrait, and the 1/4 scale gets the same unique sculpts but additionally gets its own unique posed body.

Left: 1/4 Pierce Brosnan as James Bond

Do you use different process or material when creating the master figure?
I use Chavant P-40 for the initial sculpt, Pink Wax to add all the detail and resin for the prototype

How did you come to be working on the ¼ scale Brosnan?
I asked if I could do another Bond and this was the one they offered. Needless to say, I was very happy about it.

 

SideShow has created some extremely strong 1/6 scale Brosnan over the last couple of years, how do you feel this new ¼ scale figure holds up against them?
I think the scale change gives it a more significant physical presence, and my hope is that it is dead on with all the strengths the 1/6 scale Brosnans embody.

What other classic Bond figures will you be working on in the near future?
There is definitely another figure to come out very soon, but I really can't comment on that yet….


Above: Oluf with 1/6 scale Brosnan head

 

00-Seven Questions

How were you involved in the Bond series?
I've sculpted a large number of the Bonds and supporting characters.

What was your first ever Bond experience?
Movie at a drive-in with the family when I was very young.

What did you think of the last film, "Die Another Day"?
I'm a sucker for action, drama and who-done-it's...I loved it!

What is your favourite Bond film?
"Tomorrow Never Dies"

Who is your favourite Bond?
Pierce Brosnan

Which Bond girl should come back?
Teri Hatcher

What is your favourite Bond moment from the series?
Motorcycle jumping between buildings over the top of a Helicopter.

Sideshow Premium Format James Bond

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Many thanks to Oluf Hartvigson and all at Sideshow Collectibles. Images courtesy Sideshow Collectibles. Bond materials © Danjaq and United Artists. Bond trademarks ™ Danjaq.