Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1529668
D. SHIZ UNIVERSITY BACKLOT BUILD. AERIAL PHOTO. E. & F. SHIZ UNIVERSITY BACKLOT BUILD. SET PHOTOS. Building Shiz: American Architectural Inspiration From the outset, the project aimed to incorporate elements of American architecture to pay homage to the American fairy tale, The Wizard of Oz. We achieved this by drawing inspiration from the monumental arch designs from the "White City of Chicago" at the Great Columbian Exposition of 1893, seamlessly integrating it with the white rock sourced from the filming locations in southern England. This fusion of design elements effectively bridges the geographical and cultural references within the project. A Collaborative Effort The process of building Shiz, encompassing the water entrance and inner courtyard, presented a significant logistical hurdle for the construction team. Compounding this challenge were unforeseen weather complications and delays inherent in groundwork preparation during pre-production. Fortunately, our resourceful location team leveraged its extensive experience to expedite the ground works of the three adjoining backlots: Munchkinland Village, Shiz University and the Emerald City. Add to this the creation of the "Emerald City Express" train and station, requiring the strategic planting of wheat to evoke the vast American plains of The Wizard of Oz. Between construction, locations, the greens department and set dressing, this project undoubtedly stands as the largest film set I have had the privilege to be involved with. D F E