The figure was unveiled to attendees and Steve Wozniak for the first time at Silicon Valley Comic Con
Silicon Valley Comic Con was this last weekend and brought all kinds of panels, famous celebrities and a huge amount of people in cosplay but it wanted to stand apart from the pack. So on Saturday March 19 there was a special panel where an unveiling was going to happen. Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum of San Francisco honored Steve Wozniak, a co-founder of Apple by becoming the newest addition to the museum with his very own wax figure. Our own Jay Snook was there to ask Chris Connors the general manager of Madame Tussaud’s San Francisco some questions about this new figure and here is what he found out.
What started the process in wanting to make this wax figurine?
Chris Connors: We were looking to add another tech innovator to our collection here in San Francisco. A lot of time what we will do is a survey so that is what we did. We sent the survey out to the general public for their feedback and suggestions in the Bay Area. We were shocked by the overwhelming response was for Woz which was over 60%. So it was a pretty easy decision for us.
What was the process like in making this wax Steve Wozniak?
Chris Connors: It began with asking Woz to come to our location and we set up a full production studio. It takes about eight hours, it is actually quite grueling. It is obviously a lot of photographs. We actually have a carousel that we put Woz on and we turned it one degree and turned it all the way around 360 degrees and were taking photographs at every turn so that we would get a 360 degree representation. There is a hair color check, we have a full briefcase just of eyes so that we are making sure that we have the right eye color. Obviously lots of measurements. It is a full team back in England where everyone has their own unique skill set from sculptures to hair styling to painters and it is a group effort.
How long did it take to make the full sculpture?
Chris Connors: It generally takes about 3 months from start to finish.
What was the full cost once it was all finished?
Chris Connors: It depends on the figure. They generally range anywhere from 50 to 100 thousand dollars.
Will the figure be on display at this event all weekend?
Chris Connors: Yes it will.
Where will be its permanent location?
Chris Connors: I am glad you asked. It will be at Madame Tussaud’s in San Francisco on Fisherman’s Wharf. It will be there 7 days a week and is a part of our permanent collection.
What does Steve Wozniak think of the end result?
Chris Connors: He has not had a chance to see it yet. In fact we are launching him today and he will see his figure for the first time. I have the honor of introducing his figure to him on stage in a few minutes. I will be asking him how he feels about it at that time.
What is the process of traveling these wax figures around?
Chris Connors: It is quite expensive, we have a crating process and we do a hand off with the other studios team. Each Madame Tussaud’s has a different team. My studio is responsible with getting the figure crated and we work with one company that we trust to do that. Once it arrives at the other attraction we do a hand off and then they do the reverse.
Is there anything else you would like to say before this interview wraps up?
Chris Connors: We have over 80 figures, obviously the tech industry is represented but we also have a lot of other local celebrities as well so we encourage everyone to come by and see us.