Day 319 Arrival Bay Model Building Process

The Arrival Bay

In the "Arrival Bay" scene Peter, lead character in Day 319, docs his ACC shuttle (F1, 2 & 3) with a landing platform (F4 & 5), where he will wait to be picked up by another smaller shuttle and transferred to site B. However, unfortunately for Peter, a strange anomaly occurs and the elevator like tube he looks to navigate through ejects a black liquid which prevents him from boarding the platform.

Above: ACC Shuttle Renderings F1- 3D Design F2- Top Down, Back, and Front F3- Side Below: Landing Platform Renderings F4- Top Down, and Side F5- Front View

Although many sets were constructed to represent the interior of the ACC shuttle, it was understood immediately that an arrival bay set would not be constructed with the projected budget. To satisfy the scene's elaborate visual requirements, the decision was made to combine footage of constructed miniature models and the lead actor, Taylor Girard, shot in a green screen environment.

The Construction Process

F6- F10

In F6 I constructed the scaled down version of the room with cardboard. The materials most commonly used during the model making process, on this project, where cardboard, drywall mud, acrylic paint, and hot glue. In F7 I began to place dowel rods and paper towel tubs to represent pipes and vents.

I applied drywall mud to the walls to simulate a rough texture and cover up the look of cardboard. Shown in F8.

The original design called for the arrival bay to house two glass rooms that Peter would cross through to regulate O2 levels before boarding the landing platform. As shown in F9 the first and smaller glass room presents shooting issues, because it is difficult to see beyond it. The design was quickly changed and the first glass room was nixed. Next I began painting (with the help of Day 319 practical FX make-up girl, Caitlyn Poli) the floor, walls, and ceiling, each with a slightly different color scheme.

Once the ceiling was in place I installed six the ceiling port lights. (Shown in F10)

F11-13

Using poster board, with a cardboard skeleton, I constructed the elevator tube and walls for the glass room Peter attempts to enter. Knowing the model would have to hold a large amount of liquid, I sealed the seams with particle board, hot glue, packing tape, and drywall mud (F11). Then I applied the faux finish to the walls and tube (F12 & 13).

F14

Next, as seen in F14, I inserted the Plexiglas wall and joined the two models together. The bottom of the elevator tube is also Plexiglas so the model can be light from beneath.

F15-17

After placing the ceiling back on all that remained was to test the lighting and make a few last minute alterations (F15-17). The model is at this point about 90% completed and other touches/ alterations will be made in the post production process.

Once the model is shot I will post a clip of the scene. Thanks for reading!