​SPECIAL OPS is a model making, fabrication shop based in Abbotsford, B.C.   We specialize in LARGE scale, durable, 3D sculptures and theming elements for the game and film industry.
​With a combination of CNC precision and hand sculpted artistry, our builds will bring your characters and worlds to life.  We’re passionate about what we do and we want to share that with you and your fans!

CONTACT US

WE WORK WITH TRUSTED BRANDS

We draw on our experience and our skills as designers, artists, sculptors, painters, air-brushers, electricians, carpenters and welders to build your next BIG thing!

We create ​high precision sculptures...with personality! 

We created 2 sets of the beloved Dreamworks Madagascar characters, Gloria, Marty, Alex, and the Penguins for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines.  One for their flagship  "The Quantum of the Seas".   The second set went to their private getaway island near Puerto Rico.   These were built in our Abbotsford shop and shipped to Germany, and Puerto Rico for installation.

Marty

3' 8" wide x  7' 2" tall x  5' 5" deep

Gloria

7' 10"  wide x  3' 8"  tall x 4' 9" deep

Alex

4' 8"  wide x  8' 2" tall x  3' 10" deep

CNC milled Foam core, Stainless Steel mounting brackets, & Fiberglass with Airbrushed paint and UV stable Clearcoat.

From the DIGITAL to the PHYSICAL

We take your 3D model, or create one for you,  then prepare it for CNC milling from foam and other materials. 
The glued up and cleaned sculpt then gets coated in a durable Poly-Urea hard coating.  We sand the surface and then hand sculpt in the finer details, and ready it for paint.

Creating objects first within a digital environment allows us to design fabrication methods clearly, and ensure everything fits perfectly when it's done.

1.  Create and model a 3D character...

2.  Program and mill a precision CNC foam sculpture...

3.  finishing coat & air-brushed colour,
​YOUR Creature comes to life!

WE BUILD STUFF TOGETHER

We are a joint venture between Mainland Woodworks and Coolstuff Studios.  With our combined histories of custom fabrication, theming, art & design, we joined forces with the focus of building a body of work featuring extraordinary creature & character sculpts for film, animation and games.

James Spouler
Digital Fabricator & Technical Designer

James brings his 3D digital modeling and film industry background to larger than life fabrication using CNC, hand sculpting  and an eye for details.

Lee Shulte
Designer, Airbrush Guru, & Sculptor

​Lee is an artist through and through, bringing life and creative genius to everything he does.  A seasoned veteran in design, model making and theming, Lee makes every build feel special.
​

Lara Kehler
Project facilitator & Graphic designer

Lara brings her problem solving and facilitation skills to support project co-ordination, graphic design, & social media & marketing. 

WE'D LOVE TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR NEXT PROJECT!