Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/974985
These events typically involve a location that must be found first, a set or set pieces involving fire or mechanical effects that must be designed, and then coordination with special effects and stunt departments. Often a structural engineer or subcontractor has to be worked into the equation as well. In addition, as always in this day and age, studio safety has to be informed and sign off on the plans. This process happens entirely in a short window of a couple of weeks and is being repeated concurrently with other events. It ends up being a daunting and hectic schedule. I am happily blessed with a fearless and tireless Art Department and crew. In addition, we work closely with a strong special effects department. More than many designers, I spend a fair amount of time in the effects department, whether it's supervising the damaging of cars or discussing fire pipe locations. Much as one might want to cling to high-minded design ideals, the sets are fundamentally driven by practical needs of action, plot and stunts. A fire event from last season is typical of the process. The script action was simple in theory, yet more difficult in execution. The firefighters come upon a smoking grate to an underground tunnel. Upon hearing voices below, they descend to find a A. PHOTO OF THE HALLWAY SET ON FIRE DURING FILMING. THE MAIN FIREBALL COMES FROM A MORTAR OFF SET. ADDITIONAL FIRES ARE PROVIDED BY BASEBOARD FIRE PIPES. ALL FIRE PLACEMENTS ARE DETAILED BY THE ART DEPARTMENT, THE DIRECTOR AND EFFECTS DEPARTMENT AHEAD OF TIME. PHOTO BY LIZ MORRIS/NBC. B. PHOTO OF COMPLETED HALLWAY SET BUILT ON THE DEDICATED BURN STAGE AT CINESPACE STUDIOS. C. PHOTO OF THE SCHOOL HALLWAY SET REDRESSED AND REPAINTED FOR FILMING AN AFTERMATH INVESTIGATION SCENE. B C