BEHIND THE SCENES: SIBERIAN TUNDRA

This entry was posted on 9/14/2006 9:33 PM and is filed under production.

In the opening scene, we see a small, old plane fitted with landing skis do a powder landing in Siberia beside an abandoned facility, out in the middle of nowhere. To create this illusion in Tucson, Arizona, we are using computer graphics composited with live elements filmed on the ground at the Marana Airport.

The day we filmed, it was 108 degrees in the shade. Out in the sun it was even hotter. Inside the closed cockpit of the aluminum aircraft, it was easily 135 degrees. Once again, we had to closely monitor the exposure of our Actors to the high temperatures. Because we didn't need to show their lower bodies in the plane, we only had them wearing the parkas, scarves and hats.

Everything outside the windows is going to be rotoscoped and composited with the 3D Siberian footage I rendered in pre-production. Filmmaking is all about creating an illusion and maintaining it all the way to the end credits. Sometimes, you have to go above and beyond to get the visual elements to maintain that illusion. This was one of those times and my Actors once again demonstrated their commitment to their craft and total professionalism under circumstances that would wither any actor unprepared for the challenges of filming in an Arizona summer after the first five minutes.

Production still of Actor Gary McGaha flying over the Siberian tundra using a temporary "garbage" matte. The plane is actually sitting on the tarmac.	Uncomposited reverse plate shot of Actor Gary McGaha looking down at the abandoned Siberian facility as if circling from the air.
Assistant Director Justin Mashouf, Actors Gary McGaha and Steven Adelson take a break from the heat between lens changes.	James Arnett directs Actor Gary McGaha before filming the over-shoulder shots. Assistant Director Justin Mashouf stands by with the gold reflector.
Actor Steven Adelson climbing out of the steaming 135 degree aircraft interior.	Actors Gary McGaha and Steven Adelson stand outside the aircraft, cooling off in the 100 degree heat.


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