13 episodes
The Max EFX Podcast: An Insider Look at the Special Effects Industry & Sci-Fi Fandom Max Cervantes and Kevin Toft
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- TV & Film
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5.0 • 11 Ratings
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A deep dive into the special effects industry with behind-the-scenes stories, how to create effects and how to get started. Hosted by Special EFX Artist Max Cervantes (Filmography includes Star Trek: TNG, DS9, Voyager, etc. / Beetlejuice / Masters of the Universe and more) and Kevin Toft, video game graphic designer. The Max EFX also explores past, present, and future Science Fiction and Fantasy fandoms.
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Greg Jein Tribute / Max’s Master Com Cosplay
Max shares stories on his Master-Com cosplay outfit. Who is Master-Com you ask?
He is a droid seen in the classic Marvel Star Wars comics issues 18-23. Master-Com was the personal assistant to Simon Greyshade who was the administrator of The Wheel casino. Think of a really buff C-3PO. This costume was years in the development but Max got it done just in time for Star Wars Celebration 2022. Looking back at all the great cosplay, this was the deepest dive character.
Max also pays a heartfelt tribute to his mentor and model maker and film historian, Greg Jein, who recently passed away. Listeners of THE MAX EFX PODCAST will remember many stories Max has shared in the past as Greg was the first person to hire him in the effects back in the mid 1980’s. Some of Greg’s credits include Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Steven Spielberg’s 1941, and Star Trek.
He will be missed but remembered very fondly… -
Jackass Forever - Behind the Scenes Stories
In this 11th episode of the Max EFX Podcast, Max Cervantes and Kevin Toft talk with three very special guests who have all worked on one of the biggest box office successes of 2022 - Jackass Forever. Max and his friends Bobby Doran, Jeff Cupernell and Nikki Freed discuss what it was like to create a 25-ft square city model city at Vision Scenery Studios in Los Angeles, CA.
The guests “squid out” with Max and Kevin in this free-flowing conversation and reveal their personal easter eggs hidden in their work. If you’ve seen any of the films in the Jackass franchise you know what you’re in for. And it goes without saying we don’t condone any of the jackass stunts performed in these films.
Join us on this next leg of the journey!
Join the Max EFX Facebook Group!
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music
The Max EFX Podcast is part of the Skywalking Network.
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10: Katy Perry
Laundry time with Katy Perry! We’ll do the work as you sit back while Max takes you behind the scenes of the new Katy Perry commercial, Laundrin’ Home.
Max let’s you in on the secrets of the dancing raincoat, and anthropomorphic washer and chair. (spoiler: they needed help from Max and the special effects crew to really move). Max discusses what it takes to design and build practical props that interact with Katy Perry and her reactions to all these adorable props.
If you haven’t seen the commercial yet, here’s the link: Katy Perry x Laudrin Home (Ad)
Check out dancin’ Max in this behind-the-scenes video. Oh, Katy Perry is in it too.
The Making of Katy Perry's "Laundrin' Home" Commercial
Join us on this next leg of the journey!
Join the Max EFX Facebook Group!
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music
The Max EFX Podcast is part of the Skywalking Network.
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09: Boba Fett Bromance
This episode is all about Max’s bromance with Boba Fett. Max is one of the first fans to make a complete Fett costume with all the bells, whistles, and silly string. If you've attended sci-fi conventions in the 80's and special Star Wars events, then chances are you've had a run-in with Max!
Max shares some of his greatest experiences including the time he and Kevin hung out in costume with Elijah Wood and Sean Astin from Lord of the Rings at the opening of Attack of the Clones in Hollywood. Through his Boba Fett persona Max has stories to share while meeting with Jeremy Bulloch (Boba in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi) and … and George Lucas.
Join us on this next leg of the journey!
Join the Max EFX Facebook Group!
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music
The Max EFX Podcast is part of the Skywalking Network.
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Disney Parks Props That Max Built!
In honor of the Disneyland Resort reopening after over a year of being shut down, Max and Kevin talk about things Max built for the Disney parks. From Disney MGM Studios (now Disney’s Hollywood Studios) to Disneyland, and Disney's California Adventure, Max discusses how he helped create some amazing Disney magic!
Max had a hand in recreating iconic props for the Great Movie Ride at Disney-MGM Studios Props such as Glinda the Good Witch's wand and the specific jewel patterns on each side of the star, as well as the detailed research that went into recreating the Wicked Witch of the East’s broom.
Max also shares some special items he made for Radiator Springs Racers and many other amazing things in Cars Land at Disney's California Adventure. (The next time you're there look for Max's initials in the rock wall.) Max's work can also be found on Star Tours: The Adventures Continue where he had to refurbish one of the astromech droids!
Join us on this next leg of the journey!
Join the Max EFX Facebook Group!
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music
The Max EFX Podcast is part of the Skywalking Network.
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Star Trek IV - "Dax" and Props
Kevin and Max go through the name choices for Max’s character on Star Trek: The Next Generation. Thanks to all the listeners who submitted your very off-kilter and very funny names. The choice will be revealed in this episode.
Then Max and Kevin talk about Max’s work as an engineering cadet for Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country. This time he has a character name, Dax. Max shares stories of costume fittings, and lots of the making of this sixth film in the original Star Trek series. How many times do you spot Max as Dax and a Klingon in ‘Undiscovered Country’? Hint: He is ready for his close-up?
Max also talks about the props he made for Star Trek: The Next Generation. What considerations go into making the props? How is it going to be used and what parameters does it follow to survive? And where did Max hide Easter Eggs within his props???
Join us on this next leg of the journey!
The Max EFX Podcast is part of the Skywalking Network.
Customer Reviews
Max-imum Nostalgia
This look back on conventions is heartfelt and really fun. Spectacular didn’t mean 100,000 guests. A few hundred made you feel something. Great podcast with a look back on growth and creativity. Love, love, love it!!!
GREAT PREMIER EPISODE!
Max is living the life I have always dreamed of. What a great inspiration he is to all of us.
As an actor, I would like to corrrect max on one point.
An extra???
We prefer the words “Backround performer”!
Can’t wait for the next episode
This was fun
Interesting peek into the world of Max
A fun and interesting conversation with Max. First episode was a stimulating look into his background and his love of science fiction and special effects. One always wonders how someone gets into their passion, Max does a beautiful job breaking it down and the steps he took in the beginning. Looking forward to more glimpses into his professional life!