Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1043753
Anna and property master Terry Woods put together a dedicated set decoration team that looked after every nuance of the stage dressing. Particular attention was given to the band gear, which was overseen by dresser and instrument wrangler John Wheatley. This was the first time the replica of Brian May's famous Red Special would be seen. Two had been created, one for the 1970s and one for the 1980s. This is an incredibly unique instrument, built by Brian and his father when he was a teen from a piece of fireplace mantle and hand-made electrical components. One cannot run out to Guitar Center for this instrument. The replicas were so similar to the original that even Mr. May himself would have a hard time telling the difference. Under Pressure With the shoot date fast approaching, the finishing touches were put on the set in preparation for the coming onslaught of shooting crew and hundreds of extras. There was just one minor detail that kept me awake at night…the director had not yet seen the set. Early on in preproduction, it was agreed that since Bryan's schedule would keep him from pre- scouting almost every location, a new way would have to be found to share ideas and progress. I began using a Ricoh Theta to take 360-degree spherical photos of every set as it was nearing completion, I would then go back to Bryan with a pair of VR glasses and together, we would virtually scout the spaces he would be shooting. The process was surprisingly smooth! But none of this changed the fact that day one of rehearsals would be the first opportunity I would have to walk the set with the director. No pressure… Thankfully, those first walk-throughs and rehearsals went off without a hitch. Bryan was happy to declare that this was the largest single set he had ever shot. During that first week of production, the crew withstood torrential rain, gale force winds, mud and hovering paparazzi, but we got it done. Hundreds of background actors danced and chanted enthusiastically in short shorts and '80s colors in spite of the wet and chilly conditions. Rami Malek and the rest of the incredible cast proved that they could live in this world that was being built, and inspired the entire film company with their dedication and complete transformation. As we stood watching "Queen" rehearse together on the stage for the first time, Brian May turned to Roger Taylor, he smiled and said, "The hairs on the back of my neck are standing B. LIVE AID BACKSTAGE AREA. FREDDIE FLOATS ABOVE THE FLOOR BEFORE HEADING OUT ON STAGE. SET PHOTO. C. LIVE AID BACKSTAGE AREA. INSPIRATION WAS DRAWN FROM PHOTOS OF WEMBLEY STADIUM ON THE DAY OF THE EVENT. THIS AREA OF THE SET WAS MEANT TO CONJURE THE FEELING OF A CELEBRITY BACKYARD PARTY. D. LIVE AID SET LOOKING OUT TOWARD THE STAGE. D