Hanging Miniatures – Applications 1
Hanging miniatures may be used for so many purposes it would be pointless to consider a list of examples. Nevertheless as certain conventions apply a few are given here.
Background
One of the most frequently called-for additions to a scene is, of course, the sky – with the possible inclusion of sea or land.
In the movie studio it is simply a matter of blanking out the existing background and adding a painting or sky-plate. However, when some sort of animation is required a hanging miniature must be created – for an erupting volcano or a distant camp-fire, for instance.
Economics
Hanging miniatures are used to save time and money – a typical example being a situation in which someone is standing, say, outside a prison. Posing an actor against a suitable wall and positioning a model of a prison in front of the camera would suffice for a short sequence or a comedy sketch. The reason for using a model instead of a painting is that it gives a (limited) choice of camera positions.
Realisation
Miniatures are also created because the required location or item does not exist. Visualise a huge sci-fispacecraft, supported on extending legs with a ladder leading up to an illuminated entry port. There being little chance of hiring such a giant prop, the hanging miniature would provide the answer. The entire thing could be constructed as a model with only the ladder being a full-sized component. If a person had to ascend or descend this ladder a light shone from above would appear to be coming from the open port of the spaceship.
Movement
Provided the optics of a camera are in line and that the film or TV receptor plate is on, or close to, the pivoting point of the camera, it is possible to zoom, pan and tilt on the miniature without the deception becoming apparent. However, some modern optical arrangements do produce a picture shift. (Don’t rely on a camcorder to replicate the optics of a studio camera.) It is not feasible to track or crab the camera dolly.
1. Hanging miniatures
Models suspended or supported in front of the camera can be made to seem part of the scene.
2. Advantages
Miniatures often give better results than glass shots. The light that falls on the main scene also illuminates the model, giving similar conditions of contrast and shadows. This technique gives greater choice of camera angles.