Human Settlement on Martian Crater
This project was part of my course in Film FX Creative Practice at the University of Bolton (2021-22). I find miniature effects really interesting and love how convincing they are in front of a camera. So I decided to study and practice miniature model making and demonstrate techniques by creating a large-scale miniature scene.
I really wanted to create a miniature landscape with science fiction based architecture. So I had two ideas on approaching this project. One of which was a future Earth or Earth-like planet, overflowing with rural life with a clean silver set of buildings by a cliff side. The other was Earth's mission to expand across space, with their first endeavour settling on Mars and attempting to create a survivable atmosphere for Humans to live easy on the barren planet.
The physical asset was originally going to be a small surface where the buildings would sit. However it slowly but surely expanded, first to a larger surface in the form of a crater, then the crater sloping onto a flat Martian ground. Craters are the most commonly used areas of land in which bases are set up in film & television, the reason being to protect or hide the base, encase it from danger.
“The first human beings to land on Mars should not come back to Earth. They should be the beginning of a build-up of a colony/settlement, I call it a ‘permanence’.” ~ Astronaut, Buzz Aldrin (2014)
Above is a quick and rough concept of the project ahead of it's production. The manmade structures are drawn from objects I saw in a craft shop, these small domed plastic jars which I also found on Amazon so I knew they were easy to acquire. I also added a sloped paper cup I found in the workshop to the concept which sat on a thick platform (not used in the final model).
I added the crater once that was discussed and also imagined plant life being grown on the surface. I actually did some scientific research to find out if growing organics on Mars is possible and with a few modifications to the Martian soil, it is possible. Learning this was a hoot for me, I love space! Anyway...
The top right of the concept shows a sky view of the Human settlement on a surface that slopes downwards and outwards onto a flat landscape. I can't recall why I drew Mars' moons, Deimos and Phobos. They have no part to play in the final asset.
Making the Scene
The overall practical experience in making this model was long and sometimes difficult yet also enjoyable. It was my first project that involved real kit-bashing and scratch-building, and I practiced more with painting techniques in miniatures.
Carving the Crater
Detailing the Base
Finishing the Scene
Painting the Scene
