Hanging Miniatures

A miniature is a model buit to look like a full-sized scene, whereas a hanging miniature is used to supplement a scene. Placed between the camera and the set it should blend in in such a way that the difference in scale is undetectable. In its simplest form it could be, say, a mountain range to fill the upper half of a studio scene. Elaborate roofs and ceilings may be added at a fraction of the cost of building their full-sized counterparts, while such scenic requirements as a ship’s boiler room or an underground cave could be simulated using only a few items of full-sized scenery. The time and effort saved in turning round a studio can be appreciated.

As with glass mattes, the models can be recorded separately and added to the tape or film as a post-production process, but the advantage of employing a hanging miniature during the actual recording is that the components can be aligned in the camera viewfinder or by looking at the studio monitor.

Chroma key

In the case of television, rather than placing the model in front of the main camera, it is usual to record it on a second camera. With a blue screen behind the main set the model can be overlaid by the use of chroma key (page 66). In this way both the model and the set can be correctly aligned, individually lit and independently focused.

Outdoors

If a miniature is used outdoors, both it and the location will be lit from the same source (the sun and the sky) and to the same intensity. This ensures that, whatever the conditions, the shadows on both will match – something that could not be guaranteed with a painted matte.

Fixing

Fixing a hanging miniature in the studio is a relatively simple matter. Sometimes, as its name suggests, it is simply hung. Outdoors, however, wind can play havoc with flimsy models. When small or fine unsupported details must be included they can be stuck to a sheet of glass incorporated in the model.