Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1517535
R E A C H E R | P E R S P E C T I V E 5 1 feel unrealistic for stealthy flying. The script also required that the back have two sliding doors. Prior to the meeting, I put together a comprehensive package of reference images: Chinook, Sikorsky, Super Puma choppers to name a few. Some were ruled out as too big or bulky, a couple models were not available in North America, and that left the Super Puma and Sikorsky. The Super Puma had the correct shape and proportion, but the back door wasn't correct. Nonetheless, our showrunner chose the Super Puma and our picture vehicle coordinator confirmed that he would be able to find one in North America to fly to us. The tail was perfect for compositing the doors, so we had a winner. A few weeks later, the picture vehicle coordinator, Bruce McLean, located a working Super Puma that was available for our shoot dates. We hopped on a plane to scout the machine in person. The exterior overall dimensions were perfect...then we stepped inside. I'm five feet, two inches on a good day and I couldn't stand up straight inside the helicopter. How could Reacher, at six feet, five inches, fight inside this thing? There was definitely no room for two gurneys either. Even the cockpit was too small for all the action. Sam Hill, the show's directing producer, called Nick Santora, our showrunner, from inside the helicopter to show him around. I recall Nick asking how I felt about it. I replied something along the lines of "I got this. Don't you worry!" But I was slightly worried. Once I saw the helicopter in person, in my head, I had the design all figured out, and it made sense. I always trust my gut. What I didn't know was how to translate what was in my head into a physical, technically sound build. Thankfully, I was fortunate enough to have one of the best teams in the city. This was not my first crazy idea, and it wasn't to be my last, and they always pull it off! I love designing complicated sets that require engineering, SPFX, VFX and A. HELICOPTER SET IN PRODUCTION. B. STRUCTURAL OVERVIEW. DIGITAL MODEL, ALONG WITH HELICOPTER SKIN SECTIONS (IN GREEN) MODELED FOR 3D PRINTING. B