I'm currently filming two different movies at the time, one a fan film for the online game Combat Arms, and another as a fan-installment to a very popular film series, but I wish not to expose too many details yet.
The second project requires more than one or two actors, the use of green-screen effects and proper inserts of stock-footage, and the use of physical models.
I just recently started the build on two major models to be used in the movie. One is obviously a starship, a very massive one at that. The other I'm sure you'll understand if you think about it.
In this thread I will update you on the build, as well as the film's development.
Wow, you're "filming" movies now? Glad to see your screenplays finally come to life, as well as your drawings! The model looks good so far, so good luck!
Hi Stingray, this is exciting to see another concept on paper become real, especially from you. However it looks quite peculiar. Why do you use various computer parts and motherboards for these "models"? And why are you building on a plastic replica of a fighter fuselage? These questions aside I wish you luck on the project and your movies. I didn't know you made movies! I'm impressed.
I'm glad this build thread is NOT being ignored...
To clear up any confusion, I'm not an official film-maker yet. I plan to be, but not until I complete my relatively 0-budget B-movies, "Combat Arms" and this new one I announced. I'm still writing screenplays for future films as well, however these two current projects do not have official scripts.
"Combat Arms" requires little to no dialogue and relies heavily on actions and other visuals, with a handful of establishing and stock footage, only half of which will make it into the final film. Half of it is complete, and looks rather well, so it goes to show that not everything needs a solid script (especially a 0-budget B-movie such as this!). A side note is that only two actors are needed, since a wide variety of uniform and equipment combinations can conceal the fact that it's the same actor in almost every shot.
This new project, however, I can't cheap out on (as far as effort, not money...), which means I must have more actors, the use of physical models (since CGI models are harder to construct, having a computer not designed for special CG building programs, AND since they look WAY more realistic than CGI), proper use of rarely-seen stock footage and general editing, and a solid script. Unfortunately the script is in my head and has not reached paper yet. I'm still debating whether to recycle older ideas I've trashed and mold them into something new to the film's franchise, or come up with something completely new and to a different level. Either way, it will still have that old-fashioned look that me (and lots more) know and love.
The reason for all of the computer parts (and other "trash") being used on the models is the fact I can't cannibalise other models like the professionals do... because I have no money to buy them! So I came up with the idea to gather random crap in a pile, use ALL of it, and carefully place them on the construction to conceal their true identity as common trash, then paint them gray to give it that classic starship look (while further concealing the "junk" and making it look like a complex starship structure as seen in older sci-fi films). The pieces will be further painted with darker gray for a "used" look, basically to make it look like markings and previous paint scemes have been painted over with new brands and markings, plus an even more careful application of "worn" and "rustic" detailing by hand.
The fiberglass fuselage replica is just for a basic frame shape. It's identity will be fully concealed when the build is finnished, no worries.
Thanks for commenting in my build thread, by the way. More to come.
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lllllAs of 2019 I have transitioned; My name is now Rei. Please don't deadname or misgender me, thank you. <3 lllll
First photo is of one of the flight suits that will be worn by one of the actors. I have two of them, but this is the only one with patches. However, both will be on screen anyway.
Next is a rear shot of the starship model. Progress is slow on this side of the project, unfortunately. I ran out of glue.
The next seven photos show the various junk that will be used for set decoration. Specifically I have in mind a single corridor set, which can be dismantled and changed into a different set when shooting on the previous one is complete.
The large panelling with viewports will be made into a pressure door.
As you can see, I have also found a revolving light just like in the original movie this one is continuing. Best part, it actually works!
I want to thank the nice worker at Acme auto salvage for letting me rummage around the junk in his recycle bin outside of the office, and letting me have it all for free.
Photo eight is of a prototype flamethrower prop, one of two models. This first one is the portable methane model, similar to those in the original movies, while the second one will be old-fashoned, with a large backpack-style tank and long hose connecting to the trigger and muzzle ignighter.
The last photo shows another little bonus I found at the salvage yard, a .22 Long Rifle bullet. A nice little addition to my ammo collection.
First photo is of one of the flight suits that will be worn by one of the actors. I have two of them, but this is the only one with patches. However, both will be on screen anyway.
Correction, there's three. My mother found another one in the closet.
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lllllAs of 2019 I have transitioned; My name is now Rei. Please don't deadname or misgender me, thank you. <3 lllll
These last photos show a coc.kpit mockup I built around age 12. I will salvage whatever I find useful from this setup for the interior sets of the starship.
More uniforms with USCSS Dreadnaught and Weyland-Yutani patches. Don't have the proper pants to go with the jackets/shirts yet. I'm hoping for plain white painters' pants.
Finally built the second flamethrower model, and the motion tracker. Used a truck mirror as a viewscreen, and a hand-saw as a handle. Most of the props are improvised by the characters in the film, which is why they appear so crudely-built.