BUILDING A MOON LANDER | JamieHearing

BUILDING THE SET

01
SET DESIGN BLOCKING

The set design drew loose inspiration from the Apollo 11 Lunar Module, offering a grounded point of reference. It was constructed in real-time, with a focus on areas visible to the camera. The main emphasis was on the central window and control panels, which demanded intricate detailing for pivotal shots. Other aspects of the design involved blocking out large shapes to add depth and create compelling compositions, aligning with the primary goal of enhancing visual interest during filming.

02
BUILDING THE SET

The moon lander set was partially constructed, with only a third of it visible in the shots. Through a combination of partial full-sized sets and miniatures, the set convincingly portrayed the shuttle's journey to the moon.

03
DRESSING THE SET

Set dressing was executed dynamically, mirroring the improvisational approach taken with the set construction. Drawing inspiration from the Lunar Module, electronic parts and tech components were strategically placed to define sections of the set and enhance detail as required.

04
LIGHTING & SHOT DESIGN

Throughout the set design process, the primary illumination was anticipated to come from the strong key light emitted by the moon. A light was consistently positioned behind the window to assess composition and ensure cohesion among all environment pieces.

The white astronaut helmet and spacesuit frequently served as focal points, guiding the viewer's gaze across the frame. By shaping key set elements around this singular light source and casting long shadows across panels, we enhanced depth and visual interest, emphasizing crucial storytelling moments.

05
BREAKING EVERYTHING

While the majority of shots were intended to remain within the same environments, certain scenes required breaking away from these constraints to achieve the desired narrative impact. This required dismantling and reassembling the set, which had to be carefully planned due to the limitations of shooting in the straight 8 format without the ability to edit.