MythBusters' Adam Savage on Problem Solving: How I Do It

Complete video with Q&A at: http://fora.tv/2010/05/22/Adam_Savage_Presents_Problem_Solving_How_I_Do_It

Best known as co-host of Discovery Channel's MythBusters, Adam Savage also wears hats as an artist, actor, special effects wizard and industrial designer. In this presentation at Maker Faire Bay Area 2010, he outlines his strategies for tackling complex problems.

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This program was recorded in collaboration with Maker Faire Bay Area, on May 22, 2010.

Adam Savage has spent his life gathering skills that allow him to take what's in his brain and make it real. He's built everything from ancient Buddhas to futuristic weapons, from spaceships to dancing vegetables, from fine art sculptures to animated chocolate and just about anything else you can think of.

Since 1993, Adam has concentrated on the special-effects industry, honing his skills through more than 100 television commercials and a dozen feature films, including Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace and Episode II: Attack of the Clones, Galaxy Quest, Terminator 3, A.I. and the Matrix sequels. He's also designed props and sets for Coca-Cola, Hershey's, Lexus and a host of New York and San Francisco theater companies. Not only has he worked and consulted in the research and development division for toy companies and made several short films, but Adam has also acted in several films and commercials -- including a Charmin ad, in which he played Mr. Whipple's stock boy, and a Billy Joel music video, "Second Wind," in which he drowns.

Today, in addition to co-hosting Discovery Channel's MythBusters, Adam teaches advanced model making, most recently in the industrial design department at the San Francisco Academy of Art. Somehow he also finds time to devote to his own art. His sculptures have been showcased in over 40 shows in San Francisco, New York and Charleston, W.Va.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• mythbusters
• adam
• savage
• problem
• solving
• speech
• lecture
• presentation
• maker
• faire
• foratv
• fora.tv
• fora
• tv
• bay
• area

[doutonight]

Man, I want to see Jamie giving a presentation on that same topic. I bet his system would be completely different.

[Ovidius89]

Love this guy

[TheAcolyticone]

@raider2661 Hey man, you should consider the film industry. I started back in high school working with a few local commercials being filmed, and moved on to working some large budget motion pictures and music videos. It's an industry comprised of many many talented and fast-paced individuals who live to solve problems and test their own abilities. It's stressful, but you'll never find another environment where you can learn more in a weeks time than most people do in seven years.

[moneyquickeasy]

Great guy. Lame audience.

[raider2661]

You ca tell he's really passionate about what he does, and that's awesome! At this point in my life, I'm hoping I can find a career that I can be passionate about.

[raider2661]

I've got a lot of respect for this guy. As a 23 year old recent college graduate, I'm kind of trying to figure out what direction I want to take in life (and I'm pretty sure I want to avoid the mundane corporate grind). My strength is in music, writing, and problem solving, and I love to travel. Anybody have any advice for a guy like me?

[madhoneydew]

fanon



[shockwaver99]

@jhiller21 my mind dose that too

[shockwaver99]

@jhiller21

[MercenaryBlackWaterz]

very good advice...

[ayush359]

12:12



[jhiller21]

Adam is very smart, but his public speaking is way too fast paced. I know because I have the same problem. Your mind goes faster than your mouth can handle.