Edward Felix

PROJECT CASE STUDY

La Brea (2021)

Custom Electronics.

Custom made electronic systems for specialist props for season 2, episode 12 of the Universal Television TV show La Brea.

One of the three countdown systems in place opposite Eoin Macken.

OVERVIEW

Unstable by design, reliable in operation.

Project: Custom Prop Electronics
Role: Electronics Design, Firmware Development, System Integration
Skills: Embedded Systems, Microcontroller Programming, Prop Engineering, User Interface Design

For episode 12 of season 2 of La Brea, I was aproached to design and manufacture a series of self-contained electronic systems for use in a “homemade explosive” prop.

The brief called for a device that could convincingly read on camera as a functional countdown system, while remaining reliable and easy to operate on set. The units needed to support adjustable timing, repeatable behaviour across takes, and a range of visual modes to accommodate both practical filming and VFX workflows.

Multiple identical systems were required, each fully self-contained and robust enough to be handed directly to the props team for integration into the final assemblies.

Nicholas Gonzalez in La Brea season 2 episode 12 The Swarm sets up a bomb
Nicholas Gonzalez setting up the “explosive” in the episode.

Electronics Design & Implementation

The system was built around an Atmel microcontroller running custom firmware, paired with a 14-segment display and a simple physical control interface. Buttons and a potentiometer allowed the production crew to quickly configure countdown values and trigger behaviours without needing technical setup or reprogramming.

A key challenge was the supplied display hardware, which appeared too modern for the intended prop aesthetic. Rather than replacing it, I developed custom firmware to fully control the display at a segment level. This allowed the visual output to be reinterpreted to better suit the design language of the prop, while also enabling a range of functional behaviours.

The system supported configurable countdown sequences, stylised flashing patterns for dramatic effect, and full-segment illumination modes for VFX tracking and post-production flexibility. All behaviour was designed to be consistent and repeatable, ensuring continuity across multiple takes.

Four identical units were produced and tested to ensure matching performance. Each was delivered as a fully self-contained module with integrated power, controls, and display, allowing seamless integration into the final prop builds.

Nicholas Gonzalez holding one of the countdown devices, with the system at the bottom.
Nicholas Gonzalez holding one of the countdown devices, with the system at the bottom.
Two of the countdown devices in different forms, synced to a perfect countdown moment.
Two of the countdown devices in different forms, synced to a perfect countdown moment.
Making the fatal mistake of unplugging a fake wire instead of a real one.
Making the fatal mistake of unplugging a fake wire instead of a real one.
The final countdown device, about to hit zero.
The final countdown device, about to hit zero.
All three countdown devices being tested together by the production team before use in the episode.
All three countdown devices being tested together by the prop maker Matt Smith before use in the episode.

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