Miniatures
Based at Shepperton Studios, Cinesite has built the impressive Hogwarts and environment models, and supervised Model Unit Photography for almost all instalments of the Harry Potter series of films, including the most recent Harry Potter & The Half Blood Prince.
Cinesite has a range of expertise, all of which is vital for the production of world-class models:
Construction
Model construction is an intricate and highly specialised process by a select group of the UK’s foremost model makers, working with a wide range of materials to produce highly realistic models of all scales. This often involves working closely with Production Designers to seamlessly merge constructions into surrounding photography and ensure that the Art Direction is consistent with the look of the film.
Photography
Lighting and photography of models is also highly specialised and integral to achieving convincing realism and sense of scale. Cinesite works closely with the UK’s top Directors of Photography and Lighting designers, who understand the specific needs of lighting and filming models.
Supervision
Cinesite’s Director of Models Jose Granell is primarily responsible for all of our models work. He has expertise stretching back almost thirty years in the industry and has been recognised with two consecutive nominations for Outstanding Achievement in Models at the industry’s annual Visual Effect Society awards.
Digital Compositing
With extensive knowledge of working in the digital realm, Cinesite’s models team understands how their work will digitally integrate in post production and always construct, prepare and shoot their models with this in mind.
Production Management
Cinesite models are experts in managing entire model units, from the early bidding and storyboard stages through to management of the construction crew, photographic unit and pyrotechnics.
Initially, we are often approached at very early stages of production, discussing storyboards and artwork with the Director and Production Designer and continuing to do so throughout construction and Unit Photography. We also liaise closely with the digital effects providers and Visual Effects Supervisors, to ensure the integration of their work will be seamless in the later digital effects stage.
We also appreciate that efficient Production Management is essential to the successful integration of the model unit with multiple production departments. These can include Special Effects technicians, Camera and equipment suppliers, the Model Unit supervisor and the entire unit crew.
Creative Supervision of the Model Unit is managed by Cinesite’s Director of Models Jose Granell. His expertise and knowledge of his craft are essential to the smooth outcome of every single production, and are responsible for consistently spectacular results.
The result of all this expertise is that Cinesite’s models team have been responsible for some of the most memorable and realistic visual effects sequences to come out of the UK in recent years.
Contact Us
miniatures@cinesite.co.uk
