> Transmit Date: 06.12.2008
> Inara’s Shuttle - Paint Test 1 [Data Source: admin]
In what may be the only example of a secret we actually managed not to blab in advance, folks who made it to Creation were treated to a little surprise – only 18 inches long, in fact.
At the very end of the “Building Serenity” session, to a standing-room-only crowd, we unveiled the very first casting of Serenity. Amid gasps from the audience, the legendary Whitefall himself carried a fully-assembled, unpainted Serenity on stage. Then, just so he could share in the moment, we called Wolvster (Serenity’s brilliant sculptor) and asked the crowd if they had anything they wanted to say to him.
The resulting tumult just about brought the Burbank Marriott down around our ears.
Over the course of the next week we will be sharing with you what those folks were cheering for: The finished Serenity sculpt. But before we start what will be a multi-part photo essay, I wanted to share with you another, smaller milestone: The first paint test of Inara’s shuttle, done by The FX Company. Below are the photos of that first unit. Just keep in mind this is only a paint test; it’s not the final master. I know the folks at FX already have plans for how to make it even shinier. Looking these photos, though, that’s kind of hard to imagine:
One last thing: While we still have a lot more work to do on Serenity, what would you think if we made up a couple hundred of Inara’s shuttles to, say tied you over until the main event? They would, of course, all be done by The FX Co., would be numbered limited editions and probably come in nice little acrylic display case – perfect for your personal work space. But, before we start on that, we wanted to know whether that’s something you’d be interested in?
06.12.2008 at 4:09 pm
As always, I’m interested! Is this the same shuttle that will come with the Serenity model? What kind of price are we looking at for this?
Can you gives us an update as to when you expect Serenity to become available?
06.12.2008 at 4:09 pm
That looks pretty good, I’m very excited to be seeing the full Serenity.
As far as selling the shuttle in a limited number before the Serenity goes out–I would be interested, but only at a low price, like $20-$30
I’m guessing it wouldn’t be that expensive since it would be so small and it doesn’t have any electronics.
06.12.2008 at 4:09 pm
Hi Keelhauler - still no firm date. Wolvster is basically finished with the sculpt, but now we have to do the electronics, proto builds, final paint master, etc. So there’s still some work left to do.
DV - Well, it is hand-painted and cast and even small acrylic display cases alone are running about $20-$30 a pop (don’t ask me why – and that’s what we’re paying for them). So, I don’t think it’d be doable at that price point.
06.12.2008 at 4:09 pm
I don’t think I’d be interested at the price you’d probably have to charge. I mean, she’s pretty n all, but my baby is Serenity… She’s the one I’m in love with…
06.12.2008 at 4:09 pm
Absolutely interested! I knew there was going to be something big at Creation. Here I thought the online crew would get the surprise hook ups! That means it’s getting close to being finalized, I couldn’t tell how far along you were with the detail updates every now and again. I better watch my spending.
06.12.2008 at 4:09 pm
Also, after reading the admin post I want to thank you guys for being so open and honest. Many companies clam up when it comes to price, like somehow that gets around the subject. I think most people understand what they’re paying for when it comes to collectibles like this.
06.12.2008 at 4:09 pm
I am VERY interested in owning a limited edition shuttle!! It’s beautiful.
06.12.2008 at 4:09 pm
I’d be interested depending on price.
06.12.2008 at 4:09 pm
TOTALLY want one! Not really wanting to spend much more than $100 (though I say that now, who knows what my greedly little mind will agree to when the time comes).
06.12.2008 at 4:09 pm
Not just yes, but HELL yes.
06.12.2008 at 4:09 pm
I am very interested in Ianara’s Shuttle. I was wondering if anyone has an estimations at how much Serenity is going to cost? I need to know now how much Im going to have to put away to not miss a chance to own it.
06.12.2008 at 4:09 pm
I will be in line to get one so I hope you make them. That should hold me over till the Serenity Ship is done. I will be in line for that one as well.
06.12.2008 at 4:09 pm
depends on the price
06.12.2008 at 4:09 pm
I wasn’t even thinking about an acrylic case, it seems like it would be something a bit small to have its own case. Definitely need one for Serenity, but it seems unnecessary for this.
06.12.2008 at 4:09 pm
Great work by all on Inara’s shuttle. Did anyone expect anything less than excellence from QMx and The FXCo?
I have a similar question as keelhauler. If we buy the shuttle in advance, would the Serenity replica we buy be one shuttle short with a discounted price? Either way, I would be interested.
Thanks for the update!
jim
06.12.2008 at 4:09 pm
DV - actually, it’s precisely because it’s small that it looks great in it’s own little display case – and it protects it.
Actually, I have to come clean – it was Jane Espenson who gave me the idea of having Inara’s shuttle as a separate item as well as having it be part of the whole Serenity replica ensemble. She really liked the little shuttle on it’s own and said it was something she’d love to have in her office
Keelhauler and Jim – If we do it, it will be a stand-alone product with it’s own case and plaque. Your Serenity would still come with two shuttles. Guess you could always have the shuttle at work and the whole Firefly set at home?
06.12.2008 at 4:09 pm
YES!!! Just what I’ve asked you for a few months back! Shiny!
06.12.2008 at 4:09 pm
oh wow!! I would love to have one of those!!!! My luck i wouldn’t be one of the lucky ones to get one but, atleast there would be some very serious Browncoats (like me lol) that would be honored
to have a piece of history like that!!!! sniffle*
06.12.2008 at 4:09 pm
I was able to get an uplose and personal look at the Serenity modelat Creation Con. You all won’t be disappointed in the complete ship!
06.12.2008 at 4:09 pm
Danged nice!
06.12.2008 at 4:09 pm
Haven’t a problem with Inara’s shuttle being a little pricer than some here are so concerned with. I’d be interested either way. However I’m having a little trouble finding any guestimates on availability time and likely costs on Serenity? Did I also see a comment somewhere about it being 18″ long? That would be sweet. I’m there for our girl unless it’s surprisingly pricey.
06.12.2008 at 4:09 pm
Hecks yeah, I’d be interested! The problem with being interested is that the price tag for all this still hasn’t been revealed, and my wife is not very forgiving of outrageous sums of money being spent on toys. She just doesn’t understand why a man has to stick with his boat …