Walk Like an Animal, Talk Like an Animal
Is E.T. an animal or a person? Or maybe a little of both? E.T.'s creators' challenge was to make him alien, but still friendly. His look and personality include an assortment of human and animal characteristics. You can create your own alien by studying and sketching real animals and their movement, just like scientists do. But it's up to you to add the personality.
- You will need: one pet. Some suggested movie stars might be a guinea pig, a mouse, a dog, or even a fish. Yes, fish can be heroes, too. Or, for those of you looking for something a little more wiggly, a roly-poly bug or even a worm will do just fine.
- To get started, all you need is your animal, paper, and a pencil. Watch your animal carefully. How does it move? Does it roll, does it wiggle? Does it go sideways or backwards? Draw lots of pictures of its different positions.
- Now switch from scientist to cartoonist. Close your eyes and imagine you are your animal. Sense the world around you. Think of some of the ways you and your animal are alike.
- Can you move like your animal does? Use your body to imitate its arms and legs (or whatever it has).
- Create an alien personality for your animal. What's his or her name? How does your animal talk? What does it say?
- How does your alien look when it is happy? sad? mad? Draw your alien in different settings.
Curious for an answer? Look Behind the Scenes.
Special Effects Home | All About Special Effects
Theater Release Dates | Behind the Scenes