Pacific Motion Control

In the io9.com article “Interstellar Is the Best and Worst Space Opera You’ll Ever See“, author Annalee Newitz highlights the importance of the extensive use of miniatures in Interstellar. In it she writes, “Nolan shot the film using a lot of practical effects, and this really matters when it comes to the spaceship sequences. The pilot Cooper (a scenery-chewing Matthew McConaughey) and his crew are in a ring-shaped vessel called the Endurance, and every time the landing ships dock with it you can see the telltale wobbles that reveal this isn’t a perfect, clean CGI creation. I’m not saying the ships look like models — in fact, they look more realistic than anything digital. There’s a feeling of heft and fragility that you get with practical effects that CGI never achieves, and it’s perfect for this story”. While the author doesn’t love everything about the movie, she does point out an undeniable fact about the film. The spaceship scenes look beautifully realistic.

These models were built by New Deal Studios and were filmed with the Graphlite and other motion control equipment from Pacific Motion. Kuper operator, Joshua Cushner and techs, Craig Shumard, Adam Francis, and Garritt Hampton spent several weeks at new deal moving cameras and equipment. The end result is spectacular.

FXGuide recently published an article featuring the extensive motion control and miniatures work in Interstellar. Focusing primarily on the model building and special effects work of New Deal Studios, the article features some great shots of the Graphlite and the models. Pacific Motion Control provided a few motion control rigs for the filming of most of the space scenes and models. These included the Graphlite motion control crane, in its largest configuration, with a 3′ column riser and a 36″ arm extension. We also provided a bogey dolly, heavy duty turntable, and a heavy duty rotator, used to rotate the enormous models.

The realistic models and expert special effects allowed for extremely engaging and realistic space scenes. One particular effect referred to in the article is the mounting of a VistaVision camera to the models themselves. Director, Christopher Nolan wanted an intimate look at these beautiful ships as they careen through space. Pacific Motion Control, and motion control operator, Joshua Cushner were tasked with moving these giant models with precision, while the attached camera captured the rotation of lights and background for a breathtaking, up-close view of out-of-control spacecraft.

You can view the original article at FXGuide.com

Kuper Motion Control Operator: Joshua Cushner
Motion Control Tech: Craig Shumard
Motion Control Tech: Adam Francis
Motion Control Tech: Garritt Hampton

Interstellar Movie – Official Trailer 3
Tons of miniature shots in this one! All of the spaceship exterior shots were shot at New Deal Studios with the Graphlite, a bogey dolly, and a huge turntable/model mover from Pacific Motion Control. The movie looks like it is going to be great!

Interstellar Movie – Official Trailer 2

Director, Christopher Nolan is shooting for the moon with this one – pun intended. The film will be released in multiple formats, Including IMAX 70mm, 35mm film, and 4K digital, among others.

Cadillac Commercial

Motion Control Test – Camera Path Static

Motion Control Test – Vehicle Travelling

Motion Control Test – Camera View

Previs was created using our Graphlite Maya rig model.

Tylenol Commercial

Filmed with the Graphlite motion control camera crane.
Production Company – Engine Room
Motion Control by Pacific Motion