From Concept to Reality: Designing Custom Space Ship Models for Indie Film

This series is allowing me to grow in a lot of different ways. We are now building models for this indie film. Passport Chronicles has a very gritty look. We didn't want the ships to look too CGI. Of course CGI will be used for certain animations. Taking inspiration from the greats that came before, like James Cameron. He was known for his ability to create amazing set pieces out of nothing. So we did just that!

The adventure began a year ago, while still shooting the pilot for Passport Chronicles. We noticed that the ships needed more life. I started to study endless of classic 80s films and tv series. They all had one thing in common that I could see. All of them were so organic. Things looked and felt real. When the audience is watching the Dream Clan rip through the sky in an interdenominational ship, I want them to feel a sort of realism. With our creature effects guy Omar Barrantes, we searched Lima's biggest flea market for any cool neat things that we could transform into parts for the ships. It was time to bring these ships off the page and into real life. The ship that was produced was better than I could imagine. Some of the models have already began to be photographed. I have to say, they look Great!

Choosing the right angles and lighting is very important when shooting these models. Everything has to be just right in order for it to be believable. I'm using a combination of techniques to make it work. Wires come in handy for certain shots such as flying through buildings or take off shots. For action shots we like to have the ships stationary and move the camera around. It gives it that intensity that we are looking for to bring this battle of Dreams to life. Also, watchers will get to see inside the cock pits of the Clan and the Dark ones. We want to utilize the same motif. Just as the exterior has an organic real look to it, the interior will do the same. I could go into more detail about that but I have to save something for next time.

The ships of Passport Chronicles and most cities in the Dream World are run downed because of the War of Dreams. It's not exactly sure how long the war has be going on for. Both sides would raid each other for parts and supplies. This is not always a good thing. You will see why. There are a few ships in the Dreamverse that still in top condition. These ships are for the elite and never must fall in the hands of the Dark Ones.

Well Dreamers. I hope you enjoyed that little trip behind the scenes of Passport Chronicles. There is much more to come so stay tuned. Keep Dreaming!!!!