Fifth Element MultiPass Tutorial

Fifth Element MultiPass Tutorial

In this step, we trim the graphics and attach them to the pass.

The operation is going to go something like this. First, we trim the graphics. Then we test fit the graphics, and trim as necessary. Then we stick on the graphics, and trim off the leading edge. Simple, yes?

Interesting factoid: I recently acquired a "made for production" multipass graphic, and was really amazed to learn that the prop makers appeared to use the same technique for graphics printing that I employ here. They seemed to have printed on transparency paper in reverse, and backed it with white graphics. The pass I make here looks strikingly similar to the graphics made for the film.

For this step, we need the front and back graphics, our painted pass, a straight edge ruler, a box knife or x-acto knife with a fresh blade, some tape, and some patience.

Sand the paint off the leading lip of the multipass. In the final product, we want this part to be white, so we've got to make sure all the paint is off it now.

I started with the front graphics. First order of business is to secure the graphics to my cutting board. This is a big secret that took me a long time to figure out. By taping the graphics down, you avoid any slippage during cutting that can lead to you screwing up the graphics. I'm going to cut along what is the top edge of the pass. Orient your graphic on your cutting board in whatever way you are most comfortable with.
IMPORTANT: Do not trim off the leading edge of the graphics. Do the top, the bottom, and the part that touches onto the stepped part of the multipass, but leave the leading edge there. I take care of it at the end.

Next, place your straight edge down on your graphic. In this case, we want to cut INSIDE the black line. The final cut piece should NOT have any black border. Line your ruler up such that the cut will be inside the line.

After I line up my ruler, and press down LIGHTLY on the ruler. I think run the blad down the length of the ruler VERY gently. I do not push down hard. Pressing hard can cause the ruler to slip or the graphic to slip or bunch. Do not press hard. Do three or four gentle cuts, increasing pressure with each cut.

Here's the top graphics after my first cut.

I reposition the graphic on my cutting board to make my next cut.

I follow the same proceedure described above to cut off the back of the graphics
There's really no magic to it folks. Keep repeating this proceedure until all of the lines are cut. The corners are a bit rough, but just remember to always cut from the center of the graphics out towards the edge, and you'll be fine.

Here are my trimmed graphics.

Now I do the graphics that go on the back of the pass.

I repeat the same preceedure on the back graphics. No rocket science necessary.

I test fit the back graphics on my pass to make sure they are going to fit. It can be snug, and it can be loose, but if it's too tight, that's bad. Trim as necessary using the technique described above for cutting.

Test fit the front graphics. Now that everything is trimmed up, we're ready to apply the graphics.

This is the stuff I use to stick my graphics to the pass. It's VERY thin, and is very high tack. However, if I decide I want a leeloo pass, it is possible to remove the graphics without damaging the pass. You can use whatever two sided tape or glue you want, but I do recommend this stuff, or a like product. Glue will tend to not go on evenly, and could contain a solvent that will ruin the graphics or the pass. Traditional two sided tape is often very thick and lumpy. Be weary!
You can get this product at office max, staples, or any good office supply store.

I start with the back, and liberally apply the adhesive. I make sure not to double layer the stuff anywhere, and I try to avoid "balling up" of the adhesive. I don't want lumpy graphics!

Carefully position the graphic in place, then firmly press down with your thumb, using your index finger as support on the other side of the pass.

Now trim off the leading edge, using the pass body as the straight edge. Be really careful not to cut into the pass body, but simply use it as a guide for your razor blade.

Done with the back.

Repeat for the front.

Trim off the lip for the front graphics, just like you did for the back.

In adhering the graphics, I managed to get a little of the glue on the front of them, and on the pass. I use "goo gone" to remove it. It's a very gentle cleaner that will not strip paint or ruin the graphics. If you screw up, use this stuff.
This also applies if you put on too much of the tape prior to sticking it onto the pass, and need to start over.

Done!

	For this step, we need the front and back graphics, our painted pass, a straight edge ruler, a box knife or x-acto knife with a fresh blade, some tape, and some patience.
	Sand the paint off the leading lip of the multipass. In the final product, we want this part to be white, so we've got to make sure all the paint is off it now.
	I started with the front graphics. First order of business is to secure the graphics to my cutting board. This is a big secret that took me a long time to figure out. By taping the graphics down, you avoid any slippage during cutting that can lead to you screwing up the graphics. I'm going to cut along what is the top edge of the pass. Orient your graphic on your cutting board in whatever way you are most comfortable with. IMPORTANT: Do not trim off the leading edge of the graphics. Do the top, the bottom, and the part that touches onto the stepped part of the multipass, but leave the leading edge there. I take care of it at the end.
	Next, place your straight edge down on your graphic. In this case, we want to cut INSIDE the black line. The final cut piece should NOT have any black border. Line your ruler up such that the cut will be inside the line.
	After I line up my ruler, and press down LIGHTLY on the ruler. I think run the blad down the length of the ruler VERY gently. I do not push down hard. Pressing hard can cause the ruler to slip or the graphic to slip or bunch. Do not press hard. Do three or four gentle cuts, increasing pressure with each cut.
	Here's the top graphics after my first cut.
	I reposition the graphic on my cutting board to make my next cut.
	I follow the same proceedure described above to cut off the back of the graphics There's really no magic to it folks. Keep repeating this proceedure until all of the lines are cut. The corners are a bit rough, but just remember to always cut from the center of the graphics out towards the edge, and you'll be fine.
	Here are my trimmed graphics.
	Now I do the graphics that go on the back of the pass.
	I repeat the same preceedure on the back graphics. No rocket science necessary.
	I test fit the back graphics on my pass to make sure they are going to fit. It can be snug, and it can be loose, but if it's too tight, that's bad. Trim as necessary using the technique described above for cutting.
	Test fit the front graphics. Now that everything is trimmed up, we're ready to apply the graphics.
	This is the stuff I use to stick my graphics to the pass. It's VERY thin, and is very high tack. However, if I decide I want a leeloo pass, it is possible to remove the graphics without damaging the pass. You can use whatever two sided tape or glue you want, but I do recommend this stuff, or a like product. Glue will tend to not go on evenly, and could contain a solvent that will ruin the graphics or the pass. Traditional two sided tape is often very thick and lumpy. Be weary! You can get this product at office max, staples, or any good office supply store.
	I start with the back, and liberally apply the adhesive. I make sure not to double layer the stuff anywhere, and I try to avoid "balling up" of the adhesive. I don't want lumpy graphics!
	Carefully position the graphic in place, then firmly press down with your thumb, using your index finger as support on the other side of the pass.
	Now trim off the leading edge, using the pass body as the straight edge. Be really careful not to cut into the pass body, but simply use it as a guide for your razor blade.
	Done with the back.
	Repeat for the front.
	Trim off the lip for the front graphics, just like you did for the back.
	In adhering the graphics, I managed to get a little of the glue on the front of them, and on the pass. I use "goo gone" to remove it. It's a very gentle cleaner that will not strip paint or ruin the graphics. If you screw up, use this stuff. This also applies if you put on too much of the tape prior to sticking it onto the pass, and need to start over.
	Done!