Research for chocolate makers Cadbury found that 1 in 3 children didn’t realise milk came from cows. And many didn’t how big they are. So Cadbury asked Area 51 to create a life-size, realistic, animatronic cow, named Buttons. She would show families at London’s Southbank Centre how friendly cows can be and help launch the Cadbury ‘Adopt A Cow’ campaign. Twenty prop specialists from Area 51 spent more than 500 hours on the design and construction. Further hours of observation helped Area 51’s skilled performers recreate realistic bovine body movements.
The main body is foam-built and her coat is stretch synthetic fur. Area 51’s custom-made Digileg stilts were used for the reverse-knee rear legs, while animatronic mechanisms control the head, jaw, eye and tail movements. Two pairs of performers take turns inside Buttons.
Buttons the Cow is exclusive to Cadbury, who are so pleased with Area 51’s professional quality – and the cow’s impact – they have booked her for additional events. See how life-like Buttons behaves
GALLERY
RELATED POSTS
DYNAMO’S DASH OF TIKI IN DUBAI
After a riotously successful performance of Somnambu at Dubai’s World-famous Atlantis Hotel, the Area 51 think-tank had to serve up something really special 12 months later to stay fresh and innovative. And so was born Tiki – a brand new circus devised, produced and directed by Area 51’s Matt Page. It seemed like the perfect place to try out the new presentation!
TWISTD FIRESTARTERS
What happens if you bring together the UK’s largest indoor winter music festival at one of the nation’s best loved holiday resorts with the warped wit and wisdom of Area 51?
SEASIDE TREATS, NOT TRICKS
Helping to “trick” people into the treat of being by the seaside, Area 51 sent a team of dream-makers to the coast on a mission. And it was a case of “mission accomplished” as visionary artisans from 51 created an attraction that turned out to be right up the street of shoppers in Southport on Merseyside.
FEELIN’ AWWL-WIGHT AT EPIC FESTIVAL!
Area 51 performers are pretty famous for making a big entrance but at the Isle Of Wight Festival they gave many helping hands to two lucky people who won a national prize to take their bows in jaw-dropping style! Teaming up with Strongbow cider
