The Max EFX Podcast: An Insider Look at the Special Effects Industry & Sci-Fi Fandom
Max Cervantes and Kevin Toft
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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.
Available episodes
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Aug 5, 2022
12: 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…
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Feb 21, 2022
11: 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!
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Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music
The Max EFX Podcast is part of the Skywalking Network.
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Oct 11, 2021
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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Jul 27, 2021
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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May 10, 2021
08: 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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Mar 15, 2021
07: 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.
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Feb 12, 2021
06: Star Trek TNG
In this episode, we pay tribute to Max’s friend Richard Arnold who was a research consultant on Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG), and held the title of "Star Trek Archivist." It was Mr. Arnold who encouraged Max to try out for the show as a background extra. And later he moved onto making physical props for the show
Max talks about his time as a crew member of the USS Enterprise on Star Trek TNG and how he had to take on the task of hiding the fact that he was a fan of the series. Max shares the entire process of being cast, costume fitting, and the layout of the sets. Then Max and Co-Host Kevin Toft talk about meeting and working with the cast of Star Trek TNG, from being personally welcomed to the show by Jonathan Frakes (Commander Riker) to being surprised by Whoopi Goldberg (Guinan)!
Also, this is where we need your help! Max’s Starfleet background character NEVER got a name. Watch for a post on the Max EFX Podcast Facebook page and let us know what you think his name should be. We’ll go through all the suggestions and reveal the name on the next episode.
Join us on this next leg of Max’s journey in the special effects business! Listen here:
"Join the Max EFX Facebook Group!" https://www.facebook.com/groups/MaxEFX/
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music
The Max EFX Podcast is part of the Skywalking Network.
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Jan 1, 2021
05: Working with Practical Effects
In this 5th episode, Max takes us to the beginning of his career working in the special effects industry. He starts by teaching a lesson that will apply in the effects and every industry. Then he and co-host Kevin Toft talk about working on a special project for the show 'V'. Max continues by sharing stories of working practical effects on national commercials. He wraps up by remembering stories from the B-rated film, The Stuff.
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Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music
The Max EFX Podcast is part of the Skywalking Network.
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Dec 2, 2020
04: Saving Star Trek with The Trimbles
Max and Kevin talk to the Trimble family. John and Bjo (short for Betty Jo), and their daughter Lora share rare stories about the grassroots campaign to bring Star Trek back to the television airwaves in 1967. Gene Roddenberry even used them as a fan sounding board. They also share stories of Filmcon and Equicon conventions which they started in 1971. The Trimbles reminisce about early convention days, running around the show floor, and being on the original Enterprise set.
The Trimble family was also involved in getting the first Space Shuttle named Enterprise! So many great stories!
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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Oct 19, 2020
03: Beetlejuice and Kissy-Face!
In honor of Halloween, Max and Kevin discuss Max’s work on the 1988 Tim Burton film, Beetlejuice. So many in-depth behind the scenes stories about the numerous practical effects that went into the making of this film. Stories you won’t hear anywhere else!
Questions are answered such as, when Adam and Barbara ran outside and were attacked by those giant sandworms, what planet was that supposed to be? What cast member from the original Night of the Living Dead makes a cameo?
...And who is this Kissy-face?
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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Sep 14, 2020
02: Conventions...past, present, and the future!
Welcome back to the Max EFX Podcast. In this 2nd episode we honor convention season! Kevin and Max look back at their adventures at sci-fi conventions from the 1970's to today. They discuss the con going fandom and their cosplaying experiences. What was it like when there was only ONE Darth Vader and Boba Fett on the show floor? What was available in the dealer room at these early cons. Join us for a fun discussion on fandom where no podcast has gone before!
Join the Max EFX Facebook Group!
Listen on Apple Podcasts Spotify
The Max EFX Podcast is part of the Skywalking Network.
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Jul 27, 2020
01: The Beginning!
Welcome to the premiere of The Max EFX Podcast! Here we will journey through the career of Special Effects Artist, Max Cervantes. He shares stories from working on Star Trek TV and films, Beetlejuice, films by Roger Corman, the Star Wars Pepsi commercial, Waterworld, and so many more. Max also discusses the many roles he's played in the Star Trek Universe.
Get to know Max Cervantes and moderator, Kevin Toft, as they discuss how Max became intertwined in the Effects business. It all started with one teacher who went above and beyond for a student.
They also discuss their favorite Science Fiction and Fantasy fandoms going back to the days where science fiction conventions were held on just one day in a small room in a downtown hotel.
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Jul 21, 2020
Trailer: The Max EFX Podcast
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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