BATMAN (1989) miniature effects

[@robinmathews2446]

I used to write to Derek Meddings in the 1960's.. His dedication to his model work was so evident in his letters, that it is no surprise to me that his work is so well regarded? The fact that he willingly shared "how to advice" with a mere fan made a huge impression on me .. He was an outstanding craftsman.. To have started out doing model work with Gerry and Sylvia Anderson's TV shows, then progressing to Superman, Batman and then Bond, is amazing.. It really is genius work.. To have worked with him as Nigel did would have been very rewarding? Steve Begg also started out with Gerry Anderson's Terrahawks TV series, also with great results..

[@GiantBoarMonster]

The Gotham cityscapes from the first two movies are so beautiful. Some of the most interesting cityscapes seen in the films I've seen. A lot can be said for not aiming for total realism. They did keep a bit of that fantasy flavor in the Batman Begins Gotham, which they really pulled back on in Dark Knight and the next one, going for more realism, which isn't necessarily bad... but that old Gotham is super cozy. The super realistic cityscapes for Nolan's last two Batman sequels was probably more fitting for his types of characters and themes.

[@tonyb1984]

Couldn't agree more. It was a big part in captivating the audience. I appreciate every bit of the production on those films; especially '89

[@Daniel-zo3mo]

I would dig a proper Nigel compilation he has some great stories.

[@pytwd888]

I hope there is a practical,/miniature effect renaissance at some point, especially for fantasy sci/fi superhero subjects. It's just so more interesting to look imo. The tactile nature of it gives it so much life. Additionally the energy that has to go into those effects vs. sitting at a desk on a pc...must effect the end result as well. I see that in children's book illustrations as well. Digitally created artwork has this synthetic, produced manufactured look, while traditionally created pictures have a life to them. My opinion anyway. I think with effects that plays into the audiences perception.....the feeling if something is actually photographed, vs digitally created, if something is real. On some level it registers as such, and influences the experience imo. That's one aspect that digital can't match....realness. If something actually exists and is photographed, it carries some weight. Despite being a miniature....it has realness on its side. Who knows maybe 3D printing advances could see more digital to modeling in the future.

[@GringoXalapeno]

Not impossible to equal but can falter depending on how well it’s done

[@impatrickt]

They did a whole ton of miniatures for Blade Runner 2049 and then just replaced it with CGI. Lmaoooo.

[@GringoXalapeno]

@@impatrickt no it’s just blended

[@impatrickt]

@@GringoXalapeno it all looks CGI lmfao

[@RedRamzor]

I feel like that's coming. We're seeing a nostalgic look on using film again and getting things in camera. Every time it's done in modern production it gets praise from fans and film enthusiasts. We're going to find a balance eventually of using cg to enhance physical models. I think there should be a solid place in the market for these model makers.

[@amcaesar]

Good god, man -- DO IT IN CAMERA! These artists are geniuses who lend reality to worlds which are totally unreal.

[@thepropview9517]

There are a lot of films that are being released lately that are using miniatures it may not appear like it, but that’s the good part about it. They are starting to let them get better pay and work on it longer to get a better looking seen

[@hgwells1899]

Joker: Where does he get those wonderful toys? Batman: Keep yer mitts off - very fragile

[@salvagemonster3612]

I did not hear that line in the movie! You sir are a LIAR

[@benbishop1131]

That's amazing he got to work on the first film of the 2 best Batman series ever made. A true tastemaker.

[@BdR76]

3:40 That first miniature is for the church bell falling down, but from which Dark Knight movie is the other one, the elevator explosion scene?

[@piercefilm]

@@BdR76 Not Dark Knight. Batman Begins (2005).

[@3DSage]

Your channel is so important. I love seeing these models of classic movies.

[@piercefilm]

Thanks for watching. Much more coming soon!

[@3DSage]

@@piercefilm I'm looking forward to it!

[@Achtungworld1]

I've always wondered how the opening of the logo to Batman 1989 was achieved

[@jamesabernethy7896]

I've said this before but I LOVE these videos! I like the more technically oriented videos too but I really love it when things come from such a Human perspective. You get a sense of the people's passion, enjoyment and dedication to their art. Great stuff.

[@piercefilm]

Thank you! Always nice to hear people appreciate what I was going after with this documentary.

[@markusgp]

The miniature process escaped the making of documentaries explosion during the height of the DVD era as it was eclipsed by the focus on CG and other emerging VFX technologies. To be able to revisit and understand the scope of the miniatures used in these films is an amazing treat.

[@pennygadget7328]

This is what I've been waiting for! Thank you!

[@GBglide]

Great shots of the miniature models, many pictures that I have never seen!

[@mx472000]

Derek Meddings was the reason I went into VFX.

[@longhaulblue]

I know nothing about movie or model making but his enthusiasm and passion for his work is evident and infectious.

[@matthayward7889]

I loved Batman 1989, especially the bat jet!

[@jesseerven4859]

As a kid I grew up loving this movie and I remember I had these batman collector cards from the movie with a few showing that the city was a miniature and my kid brain couldn't believe it at the time

[@lukebuckland66]

So amazing to see these videos . I worked for the catering comany that suppled all the food for this movie at pinewood it was a unique opportunity to see all the set's and the back lot . So many wonderful memeries of the actors and crew.

[@B.B.Digital_Forest]

What a wonderful set!

[@dailydoseofsunshine2319]

What happens to all the miniatures after filming is over? Destroyed? Donated? In some private collectors hands?

[@piercefilm]

All of the above. Most are destroyed, though...

[@dailydoseofsunshine2319]

@@piercefilm damn that sucks. If i was a millionaire back in the 80s i definitely would've contacted the studio after filming was complete, buy all the models and then have Gotham in my garage or something.

[@Hunter_UT]

Thanks! Cathedral my favorite location from 89's movie.

[@gavinelster3168]

If ever there was a project every filmmaker needs to see, it’s this one. I have no projects and have retired from production but this makes me want to get one going just to have brilliant artists like these a damn job. A chance to do what they love to do.

[@ThomasLuca]

👍 (APPLAUSE) #KeepFilmAlive #KeepMiniaturesAlive Elstree and Shepperton or Pinewood now, we're some of the best in the business.

[@TheRubberStudiosASMR]

Incredible-I've never seen this!

[@spinsandneedles]

I always think miniature sets could have been used for a great walk-through or ride-through at a theme park. Not as some background to a ride - but as the star attraction for us miniatures and movies fans to see. Blade Runner, Batman, 1941, Flight of the Intruder, etc. Also there were various rural sets and canyons used for example in Close Encounters, Total Recall, Independence Day, LOTR, etc. I suppose theme parks and studios were too focused on what was next to even consider the idea and making space in a warehouse until the sets could be used for an attraction. But there sure were a lot of great miniature cities with incredible detail work and artistry. Thanks to the builders and for the continuing documentation.

[@matthewpaul6904]

Legend

[@calessel3139]

I love how his own practical effects were so convincing that it caused him to get vertigo when he was only four feet off the ground!

[@piercefilm]

Nigel didn't make the full size set for the actors on stage. He just had to get photos of it to make the miniature version.

[@bloodrunsclear]

‘Keep yer mitts off’ XD

[@aristotlekumpis7095]

Wow. Even Batman Begins had a model car? I thought they had a full scale one that they used. Nothing short of amazing. These guys are so talented.

[@toddjones1480]

They did have full-sized, but they still also used RC models.

[@patrickfreeman8257]

Whenever I hear someone say that no one has the vision to use models and miniatures anymore my hand shoots up like Arnold Horshack from Welcome Back, Kotter.

[@piercefilm]

He means the producers with money for big budget films. But it's good to keep practical effects alive in smaller independent productions if you can.

[@chefbennyj]

"I had to beat him with his own shoe... Bu' that's another story 'ol togetha..." 👍

[@carlosarce6352]

Long live model making special effects!!!

[@ianrotten4453]

Anyone know where I can get a copy of Sense of Scale? It seems it can only be found on DVD, and I cannot find it anywhere on the interwebs...

[@piercefilm]

The DVD´s seem to be all sold out. Some used copies may be floating around. But my channel is much better. I am uploading everything including new interviews not on the DVD. Much more coming up soon!

[@alancastaneda8322]

@Piercefilm Productions, do you have more interviews concerning miniature water effects, released or unreleased, similar to the Indiana Jones interview revealing atomizing water with air cannons? I ask, because I'm preparing for my first short film, and it includes miniature water effects.

[@piercefilm]

The "Virus" segment has some info about filming with water. And the "Abyss" segment. Also, I have a segment about "Going Under" coming up with Gene Warren Jr. Build your miniatures as big as possible!

[@alancastaneda8322]

@@piercefilm , your statement, "Build your miniatures as big as possible!", does that include scenery? I was thinking of building a miniature beach with a sandbar separating it from a shallow sea.

[@piercefilm]

@@alancastaneda8322 Quarter scale is usually great with water. That would mean a very large miniature beach set. Google "The Impossible" film. www.magicon.de/the-impossible/

[@alancastaneda8322]

@@piercefilm, what's the smallest a scenery miniature can be before losing the illusion?

[@piercefilm]

@@alancastaneda8322 If there is no water or fire, you can go pretty small. Also depends on if it is a night or day shot. You will see more detail in daylight. With water it has to be big. Look at the pier miniature shots in my "1941" segment.

[@Crazy_Borg]

Overdetailing the model work? Never a bad thing, as long as it stays in budget.

[@zombiehunter1152]

Soon to be a lost art, a shame really.

[@cesarriquelme9487]

okay piercefilm congratulations mens is biurifore vvorks i lovet reaction video the Batman is My favorite movie s and love comics tanks you very much okay bye bye 👍♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️👌😘😘😘😘😷🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@outsider238]

I still prefer the practical/model effects over the video game animation CGI stuff. Lazy way to do effects. If I want to watch video game effects I'll just play one.

[@kentallard8852]

Except for one or two establishing shots the 1989 film is kinda disappointing effectswise, you never actually see much of the city - in this video all these pictures of the the model city I simply cannot recall anywhere in the film you can properly see that stuff. The 1992 film gets even worse with this because its Gotham was all shot indoor stages while the 1989 at least built a block on the Pinewood lot.

[@pennygadget7328]

I always think of this movie as being so effects heavy that you've got me about to load up the movie and count the shots with miniatures and mattes :D