Recreating Alien: Episode 3. Filming Process

We dive into miniature camera and lighting techniques as we recreate shots from Ridley Scott's Alien. From shoot to post Tommy and JP attempt to make a small 3D printed miniature of the Alien derelict ship look life size (that's big). Check out the sublime modern trailer by Michael Edwards which includes some of our shots: • Alien (1979) | Modern ...
Thanks to Dennis Lowe for the chats, those cheeky planet plates we snuck into one of the shots (also in the thumbnail) and for being so giving with your work.
Dennis' website is full of good stuff btw: dennisvideo113...
Thanks as always to ODAN for the music and for giving Tommy's voice that broken Ash sound: / odanmusic
#Alien #ridleyscott #scalemodel #specialeffects #resinprinting #miniaturemodel
EQUIPMENT USED IN THIS VIDEO:
MicroFogger 5 Pro:
vosentech.com/...
Kessler Cineshooter:
kesslercrane.c...
Cameras/Accs:
BMPCC 6K Pocket Cinema:
cvp.com/produc...
BMPCC 4K Pocket Cinema:
cvp.com/produc...
TILTA Tactical Cage:
cvp.com/produc...
Miller 3001 Tripod:
cvp.com/produc...
Canon 24-105mm EF Lens:
cvp.com/produc...
Samyang 35mm EF:
cvp.com/produc...
SmallHD Monitor:
cvp.com/produc...
INCAMERA OFFICIAL SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS:
PATREON - / incamerafx
INSTAGRAM - / incamerafx
TWITTER - / incamerafx
FACEBOOK - / incameratv
REDDIT - / incamerafx
LINKEDIN - / 68500456
TIK TOK - @InCameraFX

[@MichaelEdwards_Edits]

This series has been an absolute knockout, chaps. I'm incredibly grateful to be a part of it and finally see it all come together. The amount of work put into each episode deserves much respect; you can see the dedication and passion poured into them. I loved it. Let me also take a moment to appreciate the Patreon sections 😆; they are both hilarious and a stroke of genius. I can't wait to see your next project. Keep up the exceptional work, and thank you for giving me the opportunity. Love you. X

[@entertherealmofchaos]

Love the final footage. A lot of passion went into this project.

[@InCameraTV]

Yes, it was made with real love and respect…especially to the original artists and model-shop crew.

[@Astranamic]

One of the most inspiring parts about this channel is that it ACTUALLY looks like fun to do film. Definitely inspiring for me and for tons of people, also ALIEN!!!!! LOVE IT!!!

[@tommymartin5127]

Haha glad that comes through. Production can be fun if you make it that way. It can be crazy intense and stressful but you just have to remember that you love what you're doing, and collaborating with wonderful and talented people to create something is such a gift.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I pushed hard for smoke!!

[@AllanGildea]

Fabulous! The Ash Patreon plug was gobsmacking - beautifully written, performed and a perfect match with the original sequence. Congratulations.

[@LukaBelle]

It's wild how good that final shot looks. Darkening the foreground was such a good idea. And the miniature crew looked so lifelike.

[@Neptunesalad]

This is amazing. So well done. Thank you!

[@InCameraTV]

Thanks Ben!

[@shanebowles4854]

Incredible movie, and an incredible build

[@drconflict629]

The Ash sequence was just incredible.

[@MidvinterFilm]

Wonderful set of videos, guys!

[@maxsaltin1001]

Haha awesome ad

[@flipfloppingwithMike]

Absolutely OUTSTANDING. This talent is inherent; it cannot be learned.....it is a GIFT. Completely and utterly astonishing.

[@seanmeadows129]

I suppose the next logical step is to recreate the chest burst. Would love to see that. Excellent work everyone.

[@mraide]

Fantastic work guys

[@xliquidflames]

I say this every video but you guys have outdone yourselves. What a fantastic video. I have learned so much from this channel. Thanks for all the effort and knowledge.

[@neiljvoice1603]

Absolutely breathtaking work ! The effects prove that this way of working for visual effects is still very effective. You should both be very proud of what you achieved with this beautiful build .

[@mikeparker3865]

Great series on one of my favorite movies of all time!

[@Ed-davies]

This series was epic! Alien is my favourite film of all time too and this has certainly inspired me to

[@SaccoBelmonte]

This is a gold video. I always loved the derelict sequence, perhaps even more than the rest of the movie.

[@alun7006]

Absolutely stellar stuff! I will have to try something similar with some of my models.

[@phrayzar]

The original design ship is by far my favourite. It's tier to the whole original alien concept.

[@stuff31]

lovely work guys! I'm so grateful that people like you are still around keeping practical effects alive in the cgi age! you're so cool. have a nice day!

[@ValhallaForArtists]

I'm waiting when this channel will finally pop off. Such underrated creators.....

[@chubbyblackboi]

What a gift.

[@onemancinema4642]

The sculpting of the space helmet over the lightbulb is absolutely gawdamn brilliant!!! Well done!!!

[@espenglomsvoll]

Wow! Love from Norway!

[@trevypoos]

Absolutely brilliant stuff, makes me wish that I had got involved in FX when I wanted to when I was younger.

[@projectaroid]

Great series! So much to learn from the videos. Awesome work!

[@RobertRodgers-r5h]

Brilliant Skit editing and dialogue!!!

[@CallousCoder]

C-stands, Gaffer tape, C-47 and MacGyver ingenuity is what makes films.😊 Sometimes I do miss it especially the SFX not so much the VFX.

[@Levi_Zacharias]

So inspiring! I love the results

[@johnmahoney1153]

Incredibly inspiring work here!!!!

[@rhettbaldwin8320]

OMG, that miniature!

[@johnmoorefilm]

Hi guys - i used to direct mainstream movies like “Behind Enemy Lines” - we did a lot of scale model work back then and you guys are really doing a great job keeping it alive, brave man, bravo. keep it up 👊

[@InCameraTV]

Thanks so much John 👊

[@sbcinema]

this was indeed very inspiring

[@TheDisTract]

Best Patreon plug ever.

[@robertcarey45]

Awesome video guys! 😀💛

[@stuartsteel1]

I have to say, I really enjoyed this series. Talk about a real lightbulb moment! Good job.

[@fritzunruh2282]

i dont need to have seen this to know a thumbs up is the only option.

[@SaiKelly]

Alien being my favourite movie also, I have always wanted to give this a go. You guys nailed it. Would love to see Mr Scott's reaction 😂

[@CheapCheerful]

Ash sequence was gold, earned you a subscribe. Wonderful!

[@oreste5677]

J'adore vos vidéos !!thank you ❤

[@InCameraTV]

Merci à vous 😊

[@jayanthonyolson]

Continually impressive and informative. One of my favorite channels. I wanna come work for you.

[@jmack8767]

Excellent work!

[@StarWarsJay]

That ship was so original. It truly looked Alien. Up until then we had either flying saucers, or ships based on real world vehicles.

[@thoughthisbemadness]

My god, how good is that... to the very last second... so well done! Respect!

[@MartinFutter70]

Simply stunning!

[@benmo6609]

Great series, love seeing the process. Keep up the great work!

[@paulwinans4805]

Fantastic! This is great material to learn from for filmmakers, Bravo!!

[@akhil090579]

awesome guys this is fantastic loved the other parts too

[@RapidActionAnimations]

I was waiting to comment for this episode. Practical effects are such a beautiful art and I absolutely love to see people continuing to keep it alive at such a high quality level. Absolutely stunning work! Keep it up.

[@architude]

Gives new meaning to choofing, and I'm really pleased you "pushed hard for more smoke". A pooled specialized team. Well done.

[@thir13enthman]

Really great stuff guys. It turned out fantastic. Super inspiring.

[@DAR23]

Brilliant!!! now we need a new video explaining how you made the Ash shots!

[@InCameraTV]

Hehe, reckon we'll put a little something out ;)

[@LiamBrazier]

Stunning work guys. Well done!

[@drasticmart]

Amazing work guys!! Those shots were spot on! Can’t wait to see what’s next

[@holgerschulz4104]

The final shots look jaw-dropping! I could watch your work for hours. It´s brilliant and inspiring. Happy X-mas season, guys!

[@Brutal1966]

Brilliant, job all

[@centaur1a]

The original Alien used those bulky studio camera and bunched the cables to get the effects. Have you thought of using clear plexiglass and just spray alitttle frost to simulate smokey atmosphere?

[@marcoscaba3846]

Brilliant!

[@WINTERMUTE_AI]

BRILLIANT!!!

[@frankinblackpool]

Right, that’s it… I’m selling my GH6 and G9m2 to get a Steadycam. Then I can buy a CRT telly and block of concrete to take its weight. Wonder if I can fire up my Commadore Vic 20 and install Resolve for some retro editing? It’s been a pleasure watching this series. Have a great Christmas everybody.

[@groundcontrolto]

Would love to see you sit down with Corridor Crew some time!

[@JeffSandersFilms]

Amazing!

[@WhySteve]

I like the way you say "some cheeky composite" 😅

[@temporoboto]

very cool

[@timcameron9023]

best patreon plug evvaaarrr

[@gameoverwehaveeverypixelco1258]

Id love to see a sci-fi film made by you guys document to process here using all the knowledge you guys have learnt.

[@Fairstarter]

i might need to watch Alien again

[@InCameraTV]

You must!

[@ticiusarakan]

amazing stuff, keep going!)

[@nicolashrv]

Great work........I think the original Derelict was BONE color, or Giger mentioned the ship looked like made of bones, and the grey colored Derelict really shows it's soft shiny surface. Maybe painting it white and then use grey/brown water paint and then wipe the excess with a towell to make it look old, dirty and "boney" would complete the effect.

[@DarthAngelus]

I should have watched this before mixing practical and digital effects for a Star Wars space battle. Good for next time though!

[@beachcomberbob3496]

I love 'grain of wheat' bulbs - I still use them in some of my projects. Sometimes, l.e.d.s are too harsh.

[@InCameraTV]

Agreed….you can’t beat the look of a tungsten filament. The colour of ‘cold white’ LED’s make me a bit sick! -JP

[@beachcomberbob3496]

@@InCameraTV I have several shades of 'white' l.e.d.s in my components box - even some nearing pure yellow - but you can't beat proper bulbs when trying to sell a sense of scale, as there's an amber component of even daylight bulbs.

[@MindRiderFPV]

Ash convinced me to subscribe. Amazing work guys. 😂🎉 🔥

[@InCameraTV]

Welcome!

[@MadLabGadgets]

Fantastic series! Would you mind sharing where you got the astronaut model online?

[@Filmitvfxstudios]

why the hell ain't u in the millions for subs is beyond me xxxx

[@RealMakerOfStuff]

I'd love to see you guys do a collab with Adam Savage. How fun would that be.

[@bobrew461]

14:23 Ridley Scott wasn't happy with most of the miniature shots completed by Brian Johnson and his crew So he reshot them again himself. Then he filmed the miniature with his own VHS camera. (Yes, they did exist. Not digital tho.) then this VHS footage was rephotographed from a cathode tube monitor. A technician was able to cause interference and distort the monitor image

[@InCameraTV]

Of course, VHS cameras!

[@JinKee]

You should get contracted to do practical effects for Dr Who. I really miss the space ship in a quarry shots from the 80s and 90s

[@robertcrozier28]

Hi guys, another fantastic video, can I ask how you created the distorted “Ash” head voice please.

[@InCameraTV]

The effect is created by manipulating the recording with a 'flanger'

[@adriancaldera1018]

Which lens are you using for the passes?

[@InCameraTV]

Tokina 11-16 set at around 14mm @ F11 on S35 6k camera. -JP

[@adriancaldera1018]

Thanks!@@InCameraTV

[@Belzediel]

Y'know, I love Alan. Top ten sci fi for sure. Could be top ten open. I could wax lyrical about Alan for days, if I were able to secure an audience captive. I'm not going to mention it has the biggest plot hole in all Sci Fi, but that's because it doesn't matter, I'm just going to say, I find it interesting but probably not meaningful that Alan's ship is canted up at about twenty five degree angle, and yet the interior floors are all level. And also, that Giger and Scot wanted an alien looking ship, lacking human symmetry, and most people consider Alan 1 to be so, but it only is if you think it is level. If it is on it's side, it goes back to being symmetrical. Just like the Epoch Buzzard in that inferior minor sci fi flick. Then the floors don't make sense, but, it also has water dripping upwards, so, you know, are we sure there's no AG in there? Anyhoo... Really nice shots, chaps, are we going to - - Spoke too soon, of course you did. Oh but now I wanna see if someone can make a replica shot that gets flagged....

[@DingbatToast]

"I'm sorry, but with this level of creativity, how on earth are you going to spend your $200 million budget!?" -Disney

[@GabrielPurziani]

👏👏👏😎

[@c1ph3rpunk]

Film makers today have more tools available to them, ridiculously affordable, and don’t seem to take advantage of it. I really hope with the downslide of big budget Hollywood that small indie films make a massive comeback. You don’t need a billion dollars to make a beautiful film.

[@bobrew461]

you're opinion. not the truth.

[@ShopDogProductions13]

Can I do digital fog in after effects? I don’t know if I have funds for a mini fog machine, unless I rent a regular one from a local haunted house. Thanks!

[@InCameraTV]

Maybe check out Action VFX and their free assets…or maybe subscribe to their service for a month or two - to grab a load of very cool element footage: www.actionvfx.com/collections/free-vfx/category

[@ShopDogProductions13]

@@InCameraTV thanks!

[@anthonypc1]

17:58 I spy a Tommy reflection ;)

[@Concreteowl]

The horseshoe shape of the derelict is very similar to the humanoid ship in Planet of the Vampires.

[@Concreteowl]

And the Jockey is very much like the interior of the alien ship in the same movie. It might be fun to try and reshoot this model with Mario Bava's colours.

[@fx_node]

letting it go! Haha. You just have to.

[@PeterRichardsandYoureNot]

Your android needs to commit to the craft and shave!! After all no Waylon synths have facial hair. David was morose about being hairless.

[@InCameraTV]

We thought it'd be funnier... Pretty sure synths don't do Patreon plugs either 😉

[@purefoldnz3070]

scale is way too small which is why the smoke looks all wrong.

[@crow1994-bl]

When you stated the design was from Prometheus instead of Alien, I just could not watch anymore.

[@InCameraTV]

Fair enough.

[@harlycorner]

I'm so confused about your channel. What's the point of putting in all the effort and money just so you could shoot something for a couple of minutes and then later just destroy everything? It's not even real movie production...

[@InCameraTV]

It is to hopefully provide a sense of Inspiration and entertainment to filmmakers and people who are interested in traditional special effects. By demonstrating techniques, tips, follow-along learning and sharing of knowledge - so others may be able to apply to their own ‘real movie’ projects. We don’t have large budgets to waste and rarely destroy anything after use - without first finding ways to recycle or repurpose for other projects. As for what’s the point?….I guess you could say that about anything.

[@harlycorner]

@@InCameraTV I see. It's just given that you have so few subscribers I'm just wondering how this all makes financially sense. Thanks for the explanation, though :)

[@InCameraTV]

@@harlycorner You are correct, it doesn’t make financial sense at the moment, we do it mostly for the fun. Our KZbin budgets are mostly dictated by our generous Patreon members who appreciate what we do enough to donate. We have a couple of film projects coming in the new year - that are directly a result from people liking our KZbin work, and wanting to employ us on their projects (which has happened before) - so sometimes the financial payoff comes in other ways.