The Rocket Factory

With over 300 photos and images, The Rocket Factory: The Making of The Rocketeer's Helmet and Rocket Pack explains all the numerous iterations, tests and prototypes that went into the making of the iconic helmet and rocket pack. Prop maker Michael Possert Jr. takes you behind the scenes with the fabricators and designers responsible for bringing the Rocketeer character to life.

In 1990, Disney filmed The Rocketeer, a movie from the comic book of the same name by Dave Stevens. A small crew from a modest company was tapped to make the Rocketeer's helmet and rocket pack on a very short deadline. The journey of those props, going from comic book design to the big screen, has never been explored. Shown for the first time is the fast-paced race to get the props finished, for director Joe Johnston, in time to shoot the movie.

Michael Possert Jr. has worked in the entertainment industry (film production, television, streaming, stop-motion animation, theme parks and music videos) for four decades working as a miniature fabricator for special and visual effects, a prop maker, art department crew leader, art direction and design. He is also known for restoration of movie props and miniatures including work on the Close Encounters of the Third Kind mothership, Terminator 2: Judgment Day stunt shotgun, Aliens dropship and, in 2019, the Prototype Four rocket pack pattern from The Rocketeer. Michael was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan and graduated from Central Michigan University with a major in film and dual minors in marketing and advertising. When not working in the entertainment industry, Michael spends his time on personal art projects, growing giant pumpkins and restoring historic homes and classic travel trailers. The Rocket Factory: The Making of The Rocketeer's Helmet and Rocket Pack is Michael's first book.