Filmmaking Utilizing Model Minatures

I was just wondering if anyone knew any sites that had tutorials or informational articles on filmmaking using hand-crafted model miniatures. As always, any and all help is appreciated. Thanks!

 

Exactly what type of information are you looking for?

How to make models/minatures?
How to film them?
How to integrate them with live action?


Second question:
Why would you want to use minatures when you can create the same thing in 3D -
and probably integrate it with your live action much better?

 

Looking for information on how to film and integrate.
As for why? Just because I enjoy building stuff from scratch. Ever since I saw a making of star wars where they described how everything was constructed from various model parts.
Sure CG looks MUCH better, but the project is just for me and it's not just about the end result but about the creative process. I actually can model but, I want to work with my hands in the real world too. That's why.

 

Fair enough.

 

I wish you the best of luck Trash. I actually like models over CGI personally, and hope you do get a chance to build some models and film them. I'd love to see the end result.

Keith

 

you could always do what ILM did and film the models doing what you want on bluescreen. if you don't want to be bothered with computer controlled cameras, then hang the models from blue thread and manipulate them from out of frame. As for compositing, just use a compositing program when you've transferred your video to your PC. The blue thread, assuming it doesn't block the camera's view of your model (i.e. you made little hangers on the wings and such, or you used tiny thread or fishing line) will be keyed out

 

For references about building and detailing miniatures, try these links.
Some references on compositing are listed in here.
There are also individual compositing tutorials for different programs in here.

If you can, you should also try to get a copy of Cinefex magazine No. 90 which contained a lot of useful information about when, where and how miniatures were used during the production of EPII.

Have fun!

 

Thanks Nick. I already spend most of my time at the AMP. It's a super site. It's also where I got the plans for my steadicam.
I'm more or less looking for "a making of" type site or page that shows the process and provides some tips.
The magazine you describe is exactly what I'm looking for though. It's locating it that could be tricky.

Thanks also to everyone for encouraging words and advice.

 

Poor Tac. When will you learn that just because you CAN do something with CG, doesn't mean that you should do something with CG. I say the more effects you can get done in camera, the better off you are. In fact, there will be about 5 shots that use miniatures. They don't move or anything though. For moving spacecraft, CG is the way to go.

 

The funny thing is that not too long ago if someone did some great space ship visual effects using CG, everyone would be in awe of the achievement.

Nowadays everyone is expecting CG to always be used with space ships, so if someone created some really great space ship visual effects using (gasp) models, everyone would be in awe of the achievement!

Talk about turning full circle.

The ironic thing is that for just under a hundred years, using models is how it was always done in the movies.

 

and before that crazy 'blue screen' was invented they had to use mirrors and models... crazy! And if anyone here has seen metropolis, they can vouch that those effects are quite astonishing given its 1928 date!

 

I was just watching it the other night actually. It is GORGEOUS. Visually stunning, even now. It was made in 1926 and how long did it take for other films to catch up with it's visuals? Superbly crafted film. A true inspiration.