The most talented assistant I've ever had, James A Rotay, who passed away far too soon. On one particular film, the "fx" guy they had hired BS'd his way into the project, then as soon as they were about to roll, locations locked, talent flying in, went into a fetal position. I was recommended. This film was basically F13th in the snow, 32 major fx and props. But now zero pre-pro. It became apparent quickly to quote Jim "these people are ass#####, and dont know what the hell they are doing, we should leave". I told him he was right, but if we do, the story will be, "we had the world's best horror movie, but these guys Ken Hertlein, and Jim Rotay ruined it! They couldn't handle it, and they left." So our only option, we go to WAR, and we make sure the FX are the best thing about the film. So we did, and in order to do so, just to catch up, Jim and I worked 5 days and nights with zero sleep. (Of course the executive producer never told the crew they initially hired the clown we were replacing because that would have made him look foolish) so it was a very hostile environment on top of it. Humorously enough, people were telling Jim for years before he saw the movie The Big Lebowski, that he was Walter...and he really was. Very intelligent, very volatile at times...but exactly the guy you want in a foxhole with you. We went to war, and we won. I could never have done it without Jim. "Are you pissing blood Ken? Why yes I am" on that 5th day. He's my freind, a passionate artist, and my war buddy. I love you, and I will miss you forever.
Artsy shot of thee one and only Dick Warlock, wearing a repro mask i did. He looks the same as in 81. We were supposed to do H20 together, but afrer seeing that movie, I'd say we both dodged a bullet
A layover morph between the hero axe from The Shining, that was just located and went up for auction, and a masterfully restored exact model by johnnyblade81 👌 perfect. No rubber props here. These models are next to impossible to find, and a prop I've wanted for decades. There are exactly 2 besides the hero. Mine and his. He did amazing work on these!
The most serious female Shining fan I know @ariachablisking and a casual collector may think she's just holding a fireaxe. But there are hundreds of different manufacturers, and the geometry of the fireaxes they make are all different. Well this happens to be the exact model Jack Nicholson used in the movie. A vintage fireaxe masterfully restored and a new exact handle put in place by johnnyblade72 coincidently restored at the base of Mt. Hood Oregon..and we all know what's at the top. I'm so happy to have it, a prop I've been looking for for decades without finding anything close. And Aria is very happy to be holding it..I wouldn't make her mad :)
