Marvelous ROBOT & FRANK Robot Concept Designs by Castelli Models and Alterian Inc.

Check out Robot and Frank concept art by Castelli Models and Alterian Inc.!

Robot and Frank (2012) tells the story about an old man (Frank Langella) who's forced to live with a caretaker robot and makes him his partner in several heists. It's quirky, but fun and touching. The independent film won the "Alfred P. Sloan Prize" at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival. I'm fascinated by the simplicity of the film and enjoyed seeing these designs of what the robot almost looked like.

In an article for The New York Times, director Jake Schreier talked about the designs for the film. “We had been looking at a lot of caretaker robots that were being made in Japan and we wanted to keep our robot mostly in that style,” Schreier said about the design of the VGC-60L, the main robot featured in the film, and voiced by Peter Sarsgaard. “There are all sorts of ones that have that humanoid, but boxy look, so it’s relatable, but doesn’t look too human and creepy,”

VGC-60L

“Robot developers have to do the same thing that we’re doing when we make a movie, which is figure out how to make a character that is relatable,” he said. “The design goes into creating something that people would have affection for.”

Mr. Darcy

“Everything’s not going to be perfect in the future, there’s going to be a lot of wonky stuff. So while I think Mr. Darcy is very adorable, he doesn’t work all that well,” said Mr. Schreier.

See more of Castelli Model's brilliant work at http://www.castellimodels.com and Alterian Inc.'s inspiring designs at http://alterianinc.com.

Via New York Times

What do you think of the concept art? If you've seen Robot and Frank what did you think?

Official Robot and Frank Synopsis
Set in the near future, Frank, a retired cat burglar, has two grown kids who are concerned he can no longer live alone. They are tempted to place him in a nursing home until Frank's son chooses a different option: against the old man's wishes, he buys Frank a walking, talking humanoid robot programmed to improve his physical and mental health. What follows is an often hilarious and heartwarming story about finding friends and family in the most unexpected places. Starring an ensemble cast led by Academy Award nominee Frank Lengella (2008, Best Actor, Frost/Nixon), Academy Award Winner Susan Sarandon (1995, Best Actress, Dead Man Walking), Liv Tyler and James Marsden.
Directed by Jake Schreier
Cinematography by Matthew J. Lloyd
Starring: Frank Langella, Liv Tyler, James Marsden, Susan Sarandon, Peter Sarsgaard
Release Date: January 20, 2012 (Sundance), August 24, 2012 (United States)
Official Site: robotandfrank-film.com
© Copyright 2012 Copyright Park Pictures, White Hat Entertainment, Dog Run Pictures, Samuel Goldwyn Films, Stage 6 Films


Follow @filmsketchr