Miniatura is delighted to introduce to you model maker Ethan Goodbody, who makes incredibly realistic models, meticulously crafted with outstanding attention to detail – and then takes them to new heights in the way he showcases them through videography.  As he says on his website – This is model making with unlimited possibilities.

In the few short years that he has been model making as his career rather than just a hobby, he has created some spectacular models – which he brings to life through his skills as a videographer. His biggest achievement so far being the model he created to promote the film How to Train Your Dragon, for Universal Studios UK, which is now available to see on the big screen. This video was posted to social platforms including Instagram and Facebook, and has currently garnered over 300,000 views.

An offer he couldn’t resist

Ethan recalled how the collaboration began: “About three to four months ago, I got an email from Universal Studios about an upcoming film, How to Train Your Dragon. They wanted to work with me on it.”

At first, he admits, it felt almost too good to be true. After signing a Non-Disclosure Agreement, communication paused for a while. “Things went very quiet as they sometimes do — and I began to wonder,” he said. “But then I heard back from them, and we were ready to go ahead with the campaign.”

Despite juggling other projects at the time, Ethan managed to bring everything together in just a few short weeks. He designed, built, filmed, and edited the entire piece on a tight timeline. “It was all quite a whirlwind,” he said, “but I’ve loved it!”

Another of his achievements was being involved in Bethesda’s promotional campaign for the 2024 release of the new XBox game, Indiana Jones & the Great Circle.  At the end of last year, he was commissioned to produce a video showcasing the creation of a detailed miniature model. He drew inspiration from one of the sunken temples of Sukhothai featured in the game. Ethan said, “I’ve always loved Indiana Jones and have watched everything since being a kid, so it was great working for them.”

And yet another project, this time supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, was to create a number of historically accurate scaled models for some of the most iconic rooms at the Elveden Estate in Thetford, that are no longer open to the public. His models are currently on display at The Ancient House Museum in Norwich.

In between his commissioned brand projects, Ethan makes personal projects which he can use for marketing purposes. Two amazing recent creations are Harry Potter’s house and being a big fan of The Simpson’s – he just had to make their house too!

Without a doubt Ethan’s model making skills are exceptional – and something he has always loved doing. Chatting to Miniatura he said, “I’ve always enjoyed making models, even as a kid I’d be making small Lego creations.

“I went on to do Engineering at Loughborough University – although still making models in the background – nothing major, just prototypes, anything my brain came up with. Then Covid came along which re-sparked that love for model making – and I really got the momentum for doing it. I had a full-time engineering job up until 2023 – but decided to swap full time for a part-time job with the same company so I could invest more time making models. It was a big decision but it’s what I really wanted to do.”

First visit to Miniatura

In Spring 2024 Ethan exhibited at the Miniatura Show. It was actually the first time he’d been to any miniature show which he’d just come across on-line. He found the experience highly enjoyable and appreciated the opportunity to connect with others who share similar interests.

“I met Andy, and he introduced me to lots of people and got me set up to display some of my models. Whether it was because of Miniatura or not, following the event my socials started to get a lot of attention!”

“It’s about collaborating, and as you continue to grow your audience you get more opportunities.” His Instagram (@monstudiosofficial) for example, which had no more than a few thousand followers just over a year ago, currently has almost 100,000 followers across social platforms.

As a model maker, working to scale is something he has to think about. He explained that for him it varies from job to job. If for example the model is to go on display and kept, he would look at the size of the space available and scale the model to suit. If the model was to be filmed and posted, then you choose the scale you find best to work in. He added, “I also make the models to be quite sturdy, as you might find the camera knocking into them as you are moving about and filming. With How to Train your Dragon I worked at around 1/200^th scale which was the smallest scale I’d ever worked with, even so, it was still a very big model!”

“When it comes to scale, basically, I go for whatever is appropriate – and what is wanted from that model. It’s normally up to me and I love the creative freedom.”

He also finds that he is continually learning. With his engineering background and skills, he designs his projects using CAD, and he has learnt how to use all of the latest technology from 3D printing to laser cutting.

“I’m still learning every day. I had very little experience with electronics – and lighting makes such a difference – it brings it all to life. So, electronics was another thing I had to learn. I’m always open to trying different materials, learning day by day – and I just love the process!”

With more projects in the pipeline, Ethan wanted to give a big ‘shout out’ to his dad. Between the two of them, they have recently transformed the garage attached to the house, which Ethan has just moved into with his girlfriend, into a workshop dedicated to model making. “Whereas before I was working from a room in my childhood home, I now have a proper workshop which is game changing. The journey’s only getting started—stay tuned for what’s next.”

Discover more about Ethan Goodbody’s work at MonStudio here: https://monstudios.co.uk/