How to Build Robots

Robots are cool. Using only a football toy chest, trash can, old video editing controller, blue flash controllers, and some air vents, Erik and his dad construct a super-strong and smart robot big brother.

Greetings humans and welcome to another week of Backyard effects. (Music Playing) Son: I was checking my messages the other day when I received and email from Jay Hepp who requested that we build a fairly large sized robot. Well, you are in Backyard effects. We aim to please, so we are going to do a two-part robot special. Two weeks, two shows and two robots, and because this is kind of a big project, I am going to bring in a season builder. My dad! Father: How are you folks? Son: All right dad, spin the wheel of prosperity! I am here at Urban Ore in Berkeley, California and I am going to go get some robot parts. I got all these stuff for $17.00! Here are some key components of a robot: football toy chest, this trash can, an old video editing controller, these blue flash adapters, and some drier vents. (Music playing) Son: We cut a hole in the football for the head and shoulders. Then in the trash can, we cut a hole for the mouth and eyes. Then we bolt this to the football. We cut space for arms and put those through, a hole for the control panel, and then the paint job. The waist section is just an upside down, spray-painted lamp shade, and the legs are cut and spray-painted pieces of card board. For the robot claws, I cut in half the plastic base of the scale, and then fill in top with cardboard. Father Remember to be very careful when building robots. And now, watch this test film. [Film] Father: Son, I am finally finished! I want you to meet your new little brother, Stevie! Stevie: Hello, Eric! Father: He is just like you, but with super strength and intelligence! You know, better! And he can even transform into this! Son: Well, that is stupid! Why would anyone want a robot that can transform into a cheese grater? Stevie: Oh, really? What can you transform into, then? A douchbag! Son: Hey! Stevie: Too late! Ha, ha, ha, ha. Son: I wish your father, who has a superior son, Stevie 6, you are going down! [End of film] Son: Now we had a lot of fun making this mechanical man, and hope you enjoyed watching. Father: You can get detailed plans of our robot costume at indimogul.com Son: Now remember, we also want to see your films and projects. Upload a robot video and you can be featured in our monthly special. Robot: Next week, we are continuing the robot fun with an episode on cyborgs and the finale of this week’s test film. Even if you have a $2,000 camera, your on-board microphone probably sucks. Do your viewers a favor, jump on line and get one like this! Male: Hello! This is Spark form New York and I am a very special effects artist well. And the one I never want to work with would definitely be Paris Hilton. Andrew: Hi! This is Andrew from National Tennessee, Gilbert Godfried. Male: Dolth Lonegreen, but you would know him better as Ivan Drago from Rocky four. Ray: Hey, this is Ray from San Diego California. Marilyn Monroe. I just feel like if I made a mistake, she will upper-cut me or throw me or something. Female: She would probably hit me with her car on her way to work. Male: On a lot of movies, she refused to come out of the dressing room and she would be hours late to the set and she demand all these crazy things. Male: Do I really need a reason? Male: Anyway, I do not want to hold up your, loin, lad. So good luck with whatever.