Our Journey

Welcome to Rotty's Creations, the extraordinary realm where film and special effects intertwine with passion and artistry. Let us take you on a captivating journey through the life and vision of Kevin Rottaris.

Raised in a small farm town in southern Ontario, Kevin's love for films and the wonders of imagination bloomed within the wood shop nestled in his basement. It was at the tender age of five that he became enthralled with science fiction after experiencing the awe-inspiring world of War of the Worlds. As years passed, his passion for horror movies took root with Halloween at age six, and his curiosity with special effects grew when he witnessed the mesmerizing T-1000 walking through the cage door in Terminator 2.

However, it was the release of Jurassic Park that set Kevin's heart ablaze. Witnessing the lifelike dinosaurs crafted by the legendary Stan Winston ignited an unquenchable obsession within him. The film left an indelible mark, as he revisited it countless times in theaters and on video.

Fueling his creative aspirations, Kevin embarked on a journey of making short horror movies alongside his best friend. Despite familial pressures to pursue a traditional trade, Kevin's unwavering passion for the world of film remained steadfast.

Following high school, Kevin delved into machining and found employment at a steel mill, where a sense of desolation settled upon him. Listening to the tales of broken dreams from his coworkers only deepened his melancholy. Determined to break free from this despair, Kevin made a life-altering decision. After two years, he bid farewell to the steel mill and embarked on a soul-searching adventure backpacking across Europe.

Returning home, Kevin found himself navigating temporary jobs, toiling in factories and warehouses, and grappling with the hardships of minimum wage. A near-fatal encounter with carbon monoxide poisoning became a turning point, propelling Kevin to seek a career involving art. However, the prohibitive cost of formal education stood as a formidable obstacle.

It was during this time that Kevin turned to the Canadian Army for guidance and purpose. Joining as a combat engineer, specializing in Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), he discovered a newfound love for fitness and served his country with unwavering dedication. Yet, the toll was heavy, as he left the military with hearing damage, a severe spine injury, and the haunting effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Kevin's journey led him to Vancouver, where he aspired to study video game design. However, financial constraints forced him to seek alternative paths. Applying for various jobs, his explosive background caught the attention of a special effects company, reigniting his passion for the craft. Over the next six years, he honed his skills in diverse shops, working on commercials, TV shows, and films of varying budgets.

However, the burden of his back injury and PTSD weighed heavily upon him. Isolation and depression crept in, exacerbated by strained relationships with his parents. Driven by the need for change, Kevin embarked on the path of entrepreneurship, experimenting with different ideas. It was through filmmaking and the creation of short videos that his true calling emerged.

Driven by a desire to delve deeper into the art of film, Kevin immersed himself in the study of cinematography, storytelling, visual effects, and the magic of filmmaking as a whole. In 2019, he relocated to Alberta with dreams of establishing a production company. Although the COVID-19 pandemic brought challenges to his endeavors, Kevin's resilience remained unyielding.

After years of renting, Kevin faced yet another obstacle when his landlord decided to sell the property, leaving him displaced. Despite this setback, he discovered solace and passion in leatherwork—a craft that ignited his love for working with his hands and provided therapeutic release. As he shared his creations at small markets, a profound realization emerged. Rotty's Creations was born, initially focusing on leather craftsmanship, but quickly blossoming into a full-fledged special effects studio—a convergence of all his passions.

Today, Rotty's Creations stands as a testament to Kevin's unrelenting dedication, where film, special effects, costumes, and prop-making unite to create a world of awe-inspiring imagination. Welcome to our realm, where the artistry of film and the magic of special effects intertwine to bring forth truly captivating experiences.

Practical Effects

At Rotty's Creations, we specialize in a wide range of practical effects to bring your visions to life. From the subtle nuances of environmental effects to the dramatic intensity of complex special effects, we offer a comprehensive suite of services tailored to the needs of the film industry, live events, and theatrical productions. Our expertise includes creating realistic wind, snow, fog, and rain effects to set the perfect scene for any production, designing and applying high-quality prosthetics for characters, creatures, and transformations, crafting believable blood and gore effects for horror films and action scenes, delivering safe and spectacular pyrotechnic displays including explosions, fire effects, and other high-impact visuals, building and operating animatronic figures and creatures to add a layer of realism and interactivity to your projects, and creating detailed and realistic makeup effects to enhance characters and scenes. Whether you need subtle atmospheric enhancements or dramatic special effects, Rotty's Creations is your go-to source for all practical effects needs. Let us help you create unforgettable moments with our expertise and dedication to excellence.

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Pyrotechnics

With 16 years of experience in pyrotechnics, including extensive training and hands-on application in the military, Kevin Rottaris brings unparalleled expertise to every project. His background ensures the highest standards of safety and realism in all special effects work.

Live Events

With 12 years of experience in live events, including working with renowned artists like Avril Lavigne, Kevin Rottaris brings a wealth of knowledge and professionalism to every production. His expertise ensures that each event is executed flawlessly, with attention to detail and high-impact results.

Blood & Gore

With extensive experience in creating blood and gore effects, Kevin Rottaris has honed his skills under the mentorship of industry legends in special effects. His expertise guarantees realistic and chilling results that enhance the impact of any production.

Practical Effects

Kevin Rottaris brings a wealth of expertise in practical effects, including fog, rain, snow, and more. His extensive experience ensures the creation of immersive and realistic environments for any production.

Special FX Makeup

Kevin Rottaris has honed his skills in special effects makeup, mastering techniques to create lifelike prosthetics, injuries, and character transformations. His dedication to the craft brings unparalleled realism to any project.

Props

At Rotty's Creations, we specialize in crafting high-quality props for
various needs, including film, live events, displays, costumes/cosplay,
and special events. Our services include creating detailed replicas of
props from films and games, realistic firearms, swords, and a variety of
custom-designed weapons. Additionally, we craft intricate armor,
helmets, and other essential costume elements. Each piece is
meticulously designed to meet your specific requirements, ensuring
authenticity and precision. Whether you need a replica prop for a film
scene, custom armor for a live performance, or unique pieces to enhance a
costume or display, our expert craftsmanship guarantees exceptional
results that bring your vision to life.

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Prop Guns

At Rotty's Creations, we offer expert prop gun services led by an experienced armorer with a proven track record on film sets. With our meticulous attention to detail and commitment to authenticity, we ensure that every prop gun we create meets the highest standards of safety and realism for your production needs

Prop Weapons

At Rotty's Creations, our prop sword and weapon services are crafted with precision and passion, drawing inspiration from a wide array of historical and fantastical sources. From iconic swords to elaborate weaponry, each piece is meticulously designed and constructed to enhance the immersive experience of your production or event.

Ready to bring your creative visions to life? We would love to hear from you! Fill out the form below to get in touch with us and discuss your custom orders, special effects needs, or any other inquiries. Our dedicated team at Rotty's Creations is here to provide you with personalized attention, exceptional craftsmanship, and a seamless collaboration experience. Let's turn your ideas into reality. Contact us today!