Max Factory Office Tour
(
81)
Sat 2008/03/15 11:13
Today we look at the Max Factory offices that I visited with Mikatan from Good Smile.
The Max offices were more dedicated to figure creation hence the lack of administrative staff. They work very closely with Good Smile and is a great example of how sharing and working together can bring about good things.
The Max offices were more dedicated to figure creation hence the lack of administrative staff. They work very closely with Good Smile and is a great example of how sharing and working together can bring about good things.
The Max offices had sculptors just about everywhere - loads of them.
Yes - cute sweet lady sculptors do exist too. Can you guess what shes working on?
Just thought I'd tease by showing bits of this gorgeous figure ^^;
Theres a strong smell of that yellow putty stuff that they use to sculpt the figures.
At the desk of a sculptor frantically working to finish something by the night.
My jaw dropped to hear that this was going to probably be binned. When sculptors work with the yellow putty stuff, they get bits left over which they usually wipe on the edge of the table or behind their ears. This sculptor has the habit of using the leftovers to sculpt cutie figures. Can anybody name this character?
An example of that putty.
A room at the back of the building holds more sculptors. More teasing as I Mirai mark the nekkid body in the middle of the table - me wants that nao!
Tools for drilling and cutting.
When the sculptors finish their work, the figure has to be duplicated a few times. One is the master copy and the other copies get sent to China.
The figure is cut up into pieces and then placed in these plastic containers. some molding liquid is poured into the container.
The figure is cut up into pieces and then placed in these plastic containers. some molding liquid is poured into the container.
The containers are then placed into these machines which get rid of all the air bubbles in the liquid. The container is taken out of these machines and left to dry. The end result is a mold for that figure part.
The first thing I ask is "what happens when you put a cat in there?"
Answer is "A mess."
The first thing I ask is "what happens when you put a cat in there?"
Answer is "A mess."
Hmmm, better cover that up or me gets in troubles - too early to show that one ^^;;;;
The painting room. The grooves in the wall have a constant flow of air sucking out the paint - I would just love a place like this to make Gundams.
And a ton of airbrushes. Wasn't surprised to see that the staff use the facilities to make their own Gunpla in their spare time.
"Kao wa Inochi" is a term to express how important the face of a figure is - sales of a figure shift tremendously based on how the face ends up looking. These are the guys who paint those faces. The room is completely silent apart from the hum of the air flowing through that grooved wall.
For me, its all about the face too and you may find it hard to believe but the eyes (the soft n bouncy variety) are not a deciding factor. Take a lookie at my Melissa for example - not much to hold on to but has an incredibly sweet face and gorgeous v-zone. If the figure has a face that I like, I usually get it - paid or as SAFS.
What do you consider to be the most important thing when deciding to buy a figure?
For me, its all about the face too and you may find it hard to believe but the eyes (the soft n bouncy variety) are not a deciding factor. Take a lookie at my Melissa for example - not much to hold on to but has an incredibly sweet face and gorgeous v-zone. If the figure has a face that I like, I usually get it - paid or as SAFS.
What do you consider to be the most important thing when deciding to buy a figure?
Figma Fate freshly painted. I cant remember if Im supposed to show this or not but hey ^^;
The Max bunch know how to have fun. If its not karting its having internal only competitions to see who can make the most interesting item.
Kyon gets it up the bottom.
A cute blob thing as part of the competition. Also not for sale.
Was greeted with a case of Max goodies on the way in.
More Max goodies.
And a lookie at Figma Rin.
I thought the Fraulein one looked good but this just blows Fraulein out of the water.
The pics you see is the master copy that was sculpted. This will be replicated and sent off to the respective departments for production.
And the Figma Haruhi which I got to play with a lot last weekend.
Too cute for words. I think I'm going to need a few - one for the car, one for the office and one to hang off my belt or left earlobe.
Kawaii ne.
Figma Lelouch out next.
Cant wait for the Geass girls to be Figmatized.
Been owing you a tour of the Good Smile offices for a while now and a post on the offici...(more)
Wed 03/12 12:41 comments (64)
So up until now we talked about places that you can shop at like Tokyo Midtown, Shin Mar...(more)
Tue 03/11 12:33 comments (79)
Student and full-time otaku
Really nice to see how things actually go down at a sculptor's facilities, tnx for the footage Danny. I always look at the face for my figures, but also if they 'have something' that makes them a little unique; a pose, a look, whatever makes you want to keep looking at them for other things than just eyes.
(ID #156274) Posted on 2008/03/14 20:52
Pianist, Writer, Teacher
Thanks Danny, Max Factory is my favourite. That's Rin, not Saber!!
(ID #156276) Posted on 2008/03/14 21:01
Student and full-time otaku
BTW is that big Mirai-marked image what I think it is?
(ID #156278) Posted on 2008/03/14 21:04
Student, Part Time Programmer
Ok now i'm curious with that hidden picture...
(ID #156281) Posted on 2008/03/14 21:09
Director/代表取締役
Doctor, Thanks for the correction ^^; Evil King, Not sure ^^;;;
(ID #156285) Posted on 2008/03/14 21:13
The face is pretty much the deciding factor for me too. The Figma Haruhi and Rin looks amazing. Also saw that the Saber was out sold everywhere, they seem really popular these days. I want these 2 now!
(ID #156290) Posted on 2008/03/14 21:27
Deathseeker
Max Factory FTW. Saw some figures that I actually own in that display cabinet when you walk in. Hopefully they come out more for characters I like. Liking the character is important, as well as the overall figure look, and the face, to me.
(ID #156292) Posted on 2008/03/14 21:28
Wow, nice workshops they have there ^^ Wish I have those facilities for my Gunpla building ;_; That "messy" yellow putty figure, my guess would be that main heroine from "Air"...forgot her name though ( > _ < ) and that Haruhi with the mech...just too awesome for words!! I probably could guess on some of the "Mirai Mark"-ed figures ^^; One of them I think it's Figma Kyon, which due this May ^^; Looking forward to the video!!
(ID #156296) Posted on 2008/03/14 21:36
to me, face is an important factor when buying a figure. the character is a factor too; I normally won't buy a figure which I don't know about. But above all these, the price is always the first thing I look at. I can't afford more than 60USD for a figure even I like so much.
(ID #156315) Posted on 2008/03/14 22:30
Most important point for my figure buying would be to like the character. Another point is the costume, I can buy figures of characters I never ever seen before if their costume looks good
(ID #156322) Posted on 2008/03/14 22:37
Animation Student
Max Factory Tour woot! I own a few of their figures, the quality is very good, and I like it. I'm hoping a good release from them again~ Waiting for the video tour ^^
(ID #156328) Posted on 2008/03/14 22:42
AH! the nendroids in the mech is so kawaii!!
(ID #156329) Posted on 2008/03/14 22:43
Otaku Webmaster
Thanks for the insider pictures, it's always nice to see how everything is done ^^ For the question, I don't ofcus on one part, but on the global look, and the quality of the figure. And with Max Factory, I'va always be happy with their products !
(ID #156330) Posted on 2008/03/14 22:44
University Student.
Haruhi and gang with that mecha is way tooo cute!! and I'm really interested in what's behind that giant Mirai-marked image...maybe Danny will eventually reveal it in time to come? Can't wait to see the Figma Fate ^^ (Fate fanboy), need her Riot Zamber though.
(ID #156332) Posted on 2008/03/14 22:45
For me the most important one for a figure definitely the face, especially the expression, since I really want it to really look as close as the original. Second is the paint job and the pose they use ^^; Then maybe the costume and other misc stuffs. Price is last for me XD but if it's too expensive, I won't get it either ^^;
(ID #156341) Posted on 2008/03/14 22:59
Thanks again for another great tour! Can't wait to add some of those upcoming figures to my ladies/booze pix collection.
(ID #156345) Posted on 2008/03/14 23:14
Overall pose should be another option. Face doesn't really make a figure worth buying, but it can certainly ruin a figure with otherwise good qualities. Usually I get figs of characters that I know and like with cool poses, but recently I preordered that Chua Churam (a character I don't know) figure that was posted a while back, because everything seemed great in that figure, most notably its dynamic pose.
(ID #156348) Posted on 2008/03/14 23:18
http://www.dannychoo.com/images/photo/14004.jpg Must be Misuzu from Air. http://www.dannychoo.com/images/photo/13999.jpg Cute with Konata riding on that cat-thingy. ^^,
(ID #156357) Posted on 2008/03/14 23:40
Hm hm. That Misuzu will be an insta-get as soon as pre-orders go up. =)
(ID #156368) Posted on 2008/03/15 00:02
Woot, I'm with you on that one bro >=D
(ID #223574) Posted on 2008/06/27 16:44
To me its the Face because it look great posture to get the description of a character especially the eyes.
(ID #156380) Posted on 2008/03/15 00:18
anime/cosplay events organizer
wow! thanx for the insider tour of Max Factory office ^^ if it is not much of a trouble, may you ask Max Factory what's the name of yellow putty that they are using ^^ WOW! a fate figma! can't wait for that figure to be released ^__________^ HANYAAN~!!! KAWAII HARUHI AND RIN FIGMAS *heart heart heart* must...save...money...for...figures lolz XDDD
(ID #156387) Posted on 2008/03/15 00:34
Everything
I don't buy a figure because of the face, but I will avoid one if the face is bad. Usually it's the overall sculpt and design that gets me to buy. Knowing the character is nice, but not that important.
(ID #156389) Posted on 2008/03/15 00:34
Precisely. I've seen figures with a great face and bad sculpt or vice versa and that's killed it for me. Having said that, I will still purchase the figure if the quality / craftsmanship is high, even if I don't know the character or series. I'd say that about 1/3 of my meager collection fall into this category.
(ID #284325) Posted on 2008/08/30 12:48
ひきこもり/Hikikomori. Suits my current state more than a 大学生/University Student. ^^
Like the character. Well, although, I don't really buy figures, but if I am to buy one it'll be a figure of a character that I favour, Louise is a good example.
(ID #156390) Posted on 2008/03/15 00:41
Raven, AMV & MAD maker, Otaku
like the character lol danny your mirai picture thats covering the photo is really making me wonder how much it means
(ID #156407) Posted on 2008/03/15 01:27
宅男 Otaku/ 工程师 Engineer
there's no "pose' in the poll. >.< other than the face, whether or not the figure comes with a cool pose is also one of my main deciding factor when it comes to parting with my hard earned money.
(ID #156415) Posted on 2008/03/15 01:45
Service desk support
*agrees with super rats* I won't pick up a figure with a good face but I will avoid one with a bad one. There are lots of factors I consider when purchasing, such as cost, pose, etc so it's hard to say which one I will get, but I will avoid kits if I feel they don't look right. I decided agains an excellent Yoko kit because I thought the Face was too sharp and angular while I avoided an adult fate Testarrossa kit cos her butt was huge!!!
(ID #156428) Posted on 2008/03/15 01:59
Pose and character likeness to me. Both of which arent in the poll xD But then again I bought the Hikaru death cloth figure without knowing the char and after comparing them, the figure doesnt have character likeness at all. It's just really cute tho xD The new Kino figure has a great character likeness and pose imo. It'll probably be my next fig once I manage to finish all my school papers =/ and and plus like the char... so i guess I'll vote on that one *clicks*
(ID #156446) Posted on 2008/03/15 02:50
オタク by moonlight, Graphic Designer by daylight
To me, face is really important. The second is I like the character. But of coz there is some exception! e.g. Q-Joy. LOL. No matter how good the face look and how I like the character. I'll not buy Q-Joy figure!!!
(ID #156449) Posted on 2008/03/15 02:59
Online Shop
Thanks for inside look in one of my favorite companies :D
(ID #156450) Posted on 2008/03/15 03:00
It's Max Factory this time. Your a really lucky guy to go to all these places. I wish I can get these chances like you...
(ID #156455) Posted on 2008/03/15 03:09
part time illustrationist, doll clothing seamstress
haha that's one huge mirai face there :P so cuuuute LOL I want the cute flying blob thing LOL!
(ID #156461) Posted on 2008/03/15 03:22
(University)Student and Mcdonalds Grease monkey.
That cute flying blob is from the digimon movie!!(not sure which one since the western digi-movie was a mix of several lol) Cocomon I think it was called!! The brother/sister of Terriermon!!
(ID #156464) Posted on 2008/03/15 03:32
Graphic Designer / Illustrator
wish i knew what that yellow thingy was called, so i can sculp something of my own
(ID #156475) Posted on 2008/03/15 04:10
Oh god, Lopmon! I never would've thought that someone in MF is a fan of Digimon Tamers!
(ID #156482) Posted on 2008/03/15 04:48
Secretary
I think I am going to get Figmas from now on (not including the Pocco I already preordered, oh well). I recently got a Fraulein Revoltech Rei and her limbs keep falling off!! Although she has a lot of poses, it's so fiddly and annoying. Funny enough though, my normal Revoltech Yotsuba!& has no problems. I am waiting for my Figma Yuki Nagato to make any claims for Figma, but I know I like Max Factory figures and I am disappointed in the Fraulein Revoltechs so I'm sure I'll like it better. I just want a really good figure to play with! I LOVE looking at my other figures, but when you have the urge to play with something it's good to have something around :0
(ID #156483) Posted on 2008/03/15 04:52
must get figma haruhi and rin. must get 3 of each, one to look at, one to preserve, and one as a backup
(ID #156491) Posted on 2008/03/15 05:45
Student
LOL. I like the figure were Mirai covers up the whole shot!
(ID #156494) Posted on 2008/03/15 05:50
Klaudio2099 (Registered on 2008/02/11 07:08)
I think is not Just the Face... is The Whole Figure Hey1 Thanks1 Max F. is Amazing1 But They didn´t do too well in Male Characters like Kiritsugu from Faate/Stay night. I think companies in general should produce more male characters, to complete the whole cast from an Anime.
(ID #156502) Posted on 2008/03/15 06:28
Like mentioned before, I also preordered Chua Churam because of the pose. Everything on that figurine is a perfect storm of money flying out of my wallet and I barely even know the character. Usually I only buy characters I like and if they're done well but lately I've been staying away from figures that just sort of stand there. The figma Rin is coming along great, glad I didn't order a Fraulein Rin. Maybe Max Factory will turn it into an absolute dog fight between companies by producing Idolm@ster ones as well? >:D Seeing the scrapped putty figure and knowing it's being binned, it makes you think "wow what a waste" but at the same time "they're good enough to bin something like that without a second thought.". At least that's what it seems like to me.
(ID #156503) Posted on 2008/03/15 06:37
Student
Just out of curiosity i wonder how much money they make and if its enough to make a career out of it..because that is one sweet job~~
(ID #156505) Posted on 2008/03/15 06:41
suneo (Registered on 2007/12/17 19:42)
another nice romp through figure heaven :P I love that mecha haruhi nendoroid bunch lol Can anybody tell me what the figures are on the bottom shelf of the collection cabinet? The very left one and the very right one. Left one is some devil girl that I'm pretty sure I've seen before but don't know what it is. Right one is some kneeling purple haired girl.
(ID #156511) Posted on 2008/03/15 07:20
Student and Miku Guardian
Danny, thats a great tour at Max Factory.. I wonder how lucky you are to visit one o