Earlier this week Insider profiled Atomic Props.  Insider asked Atomic Props Director of New Business Development Stacy Colson to talk about process of designing and installing a special effects out of home project.

Pre-Project Estimating Process: 

This is where a potential project is sent to us for estimating.  Because the average tenure of our team members is over 15 years, key representatives of our various divisions meet  and use their expertise to tease out the best fabrication solution for the client’s budget, timeframe, length of usage as well as cost saving solutions.

Step 1:  Team Assignments

When we are awarded a project, the project team is assigned and consists of an Account Executive, who functions as the main point of contact, the Structural Designer, the Creative Designer, the Shop Lead and in some cases a Shop Dog who begs for treats.

Step 2: The Kick Off

The project kicks off with a formal Kick Off Meeting, where the Account Executive, designers and fabrication team gather to review and plan the details of the project; including determining the final materials that best achieves the client’s vision, reviewing the production schedule, onsite restrictions, shipping needs, installation needs on site and any other unique requirements.  We correspond with the outdoor companies, venues and installers to review the project, and answer questions for one another.  This eliminates any onsite surprises and unplanned costs for everyone involved.

Step 3:  Structural CAD Design

We generate structural CAD designs for every project.  These designs dictate everything from material cut lists to how the parts are shipped and installed.   When completed, the client will receive a copy of these designs.

Step 4:  Preparing Files

If we are bringing an animated character to life, we take the CGI files and convert them for programming on a computer-controlled router. We will take print files and prepare them for the specific use.  If the project involves technology or lighting, we use our specialist to prepare the fabricators for that.

Step 5:  Fabrication

As a project comes to life, we send updates and lots and lots of photos or video of the project as it is being built.  These are the touch-points that help us deliver what the client is expecting.  Final photos are sent for approval prior to shipping.  Upon final approval, the props are shipped with detailed installation instructions for the installers to follow.

Step 6:  Shipping

Our shipping team arranges for the shipment, prepares all packaging, labels, Bills of Lading, touch up kits and a hard copy of the installation instructions.

Step 7:  On-Site Services: Install/Strike/Disposal/Storage

We are a full-service company, so we can either stop at the shipping stage or we also offer install, strike, disposal and storage services.

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