Centurion in distress!

Let's face it, Tricia Helfer isn't hard to look at, and that's not fair competition really, apples and oranges.  The new look of the robotic Cylons are also very impressive with their terrifying locomotive pursuit style. Despite all these gargantuan improvements to the look of special effects driven shows, computer generated magic hasn't been kind to the welfare of the classic centurions -at all.  This photo is from the set of a SPACE commercial spoof by creative director Gord McWatters, heralding the return of the classic show to broadcast television for the fall of 2005.

Apple computer users will find the above image as a 'widget' on Apple.com's website. You know you've arrived when you're a desktop icon.

  VIDEO ONE: "The Retirement is over"

-Check out the full commercial video HERE

VIDEO TWO: The Space Channel 2006 Spacey Awards show shot this spoof, featuring our Cylon and some of our other costumes. (BELOW)

NEW VIDEO: Here is the kind of attention you can expect when you show up at a Star Wars convention wearing our Cylon costume.

http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=6bi6r0SsyR4&NR=1

video 2 here

Silver Cylon Costume Replica

Cylon Commander in GOLD


Extermination was never so sweet (or so 'bling-bling' gaudy).
The look of the eighties is back! Co-existence is not possible!
Note: Pictures of our gold centurion depict an earlier incarnation of our armour. The differences are subtle, but we have taken steps to increase the accuracy as shown in our other images on this page.

Classic Cylon Sword Prop

A typical Cylon table setting, featuring an aluminium blade replica sword, carried by all centurions in service.

The aluminium blade has a deep seated tang and is cast into the mould for the grip.

Here is a video link to Richard taking on our centurions with one of our own swords at ComicCon 2008 http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=srS9KzVi2U0&NR=1

 
The centurion sword and scabbard replica prop in gold and silver.  The sword was another 'neoGreek' twist to the look of the robots. 

Classic Cylon Rifle Prop

The centurion rifle replica prop. Originally, the characters were supposed to have a right arm cannon integrated in their armour (still intact in the design), but it was deemed necessary to make them more threatening by equipping them with a more recognizable and contemporary weapon. I am guessing that centurions holding only their arm out probably looked a bit timid in comparison. Interesting also is the inclusion of a bayonette on the rifle.

Cylons in service: Rust inhibitor and undercoating not included. We do recommend an oil change every 400 kills, or every half yahren, whichever comes first. Genuine Intel inside!

Resources and Credits

Special thanks to Chris Pappas for maintaining the Battlestar Galactica Original Costume and Prop Museum.

For more detailed and speculative information on Cylons and Battlestar Galactica, check out Cylon.org, their Cylon history page can be found here. .

An early conceptual drawing by Ralph McQuarrie of the centurions with Boltar.
Later developed for production by technical designer Andrew Probert, the centurions would be seen in the "neoGreek" form as we know them today.  Interestingly, Mr. Probert had a hand in designing the look of the Back To The Future time machine (the DeLorean).

Kropserkel has provided 'classic' Cylon design costume and prop consultation for the Battlestar Galactica (2003) miniseries pilot in which one classic Cylon appeared onboard the Galactica's museum safely behind glass.

Photographs of our Cylon costume were provided for use with the Battlestar Galactica DVD collector's set (2003-2004).

The Cylon helmet replica in ABS thermoplastic with our low profile electronic sweeping eye.

Cylon Electronics Click for (.mov) video of our Cylon electronic eye unit in daylight action (above) kropcyey A video of our 3 styles of eye units. Left to right with their associated brightness ratings in millicandles (MCD): 'super bright' @600 MCD, diffused 'super bright' @1200 MCD, and 'ultra bright' @4000 MCD@ Electronic sweeping red eye: Eye sweep circuit unit a la carte with curved LED array. Although shown in the video set in a dimly lit area, these super bright LEDs are brilliant even in daylight. There are 28 tightly positioned LEDS in the string, positioned behind a diffusion gel strip. In the original production, shots of the centurions had to be taken in dimly lit areas, in order to show the sweeping eye prominently and to prevent the cameras and crew from being caught in the reflection of the armour. The original series didn't have the advantage of the micro electronics technology now available today. We use small electronic circuitry that yields low heat, and low power consumption with LED (light emitting diodes) lights for the eye sweep. Originally, a large number of batteries were required to operate the eye light bulb string alone, adding weight and producing a substantial amount of heat in the helmet. The lights became so hot in the actor's helmets that the mouth grille section had to act as a heat sink to dissipate the heat away from inside the helmet. Talk about suffering for the art! The circuitry is encased for protection from moisture and damage and can be situated nicely into the crest of the helmet. The battery lead, power switch, and sweep speed controls are tethered to the main component housing. SFX: We utilize a warbling sound effects sampling circuit for portable ambiance and are at work on a voice emulation device to synthesize the wearer's voice on the fly.