They say the longest journey starts with a single step, and my puppet film project has it's first completed filming miniature!
While researching RAF airfields, I came across a photo in the Imperial War Museum archives.
It was a civilian caravan that had been painted in camouflage and was being used as a Dispersal shack by Hurricane Fighter pilots.
It seemed odd and yet perfect, so I researched more deeply. I shared that information with my co-worker and fact checker, intending to get an approval before I built it Old School style using cardboard and a steel ruler. Taking a break from building a 1/3 scale Spitfire cockpit, he drew up and laser-cut a 1/12 scale prototype kit from MDF before I knew it!
Perfectly following my specifications, it eased my workload, but still allowed me a bit of Old School cutting joy on the window frames!
Then I airbrushed the camouflage and got into detailing and weathering. Because my film will be shot in 4K resolution, I've had to be very subtle with these effects. My old chemical film resolution techniques are too coarse for today's technology. What the eye sees, the camera now sees...
The old motto "You'll never see it" no longer holds true.
The 1940s style cartoon is a story point, where the established pilots make fun of our heroine because of her short stature.
The Squadron crest is a Hedgehog and the Latin motto roughly translates as "Beware the pricks" something she is acutely aware of!
Oh, Derek Meddings! The life you made me follow!
Looey
Oz Base
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That is a really nice caravan. Well done, to you both. Great paint job, and the Squadron badge looks spot on.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Paul! Actually if you look really close at the Squadron design, it is intentionally bogus. I'm acutely aware that although this is a fantasy film, it is based on real events within living memory.
DeleteAs such, all of the insignias and Squadron markings are deliberately not authentic. This is the Majestic Air Force, not the RAF!
I salute the real people and their families who had to fight in that conflict (my Uncle included) and I intend no offence!
Excellent miniatures work - Meddings would be proud! SFZ
ReplyDeleteWhat a terrific project!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful miniature work Looey. Such neat lines. The Missus and me once had to paint a very similar caravan the same hue of green on a bird reserve! Happy days!
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