Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1529668
The Emerald City Backlot: One Build Too Many Building all those backlots strained all my departments. Shiz had truly put us in a bind. The Emerald City, the last and trickiest set, loomed large. It had to be the crown jewel of our narrative, but how could we simplify without sacrificing detail? We'd already overshot the budget on previous sets. We needed to streamline. Inspiration struck at the memory of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. Its Americana style, showcasing the dawn of American modernism and grandeur, felt perfect. What if the Art Department created detailed, mass-producible panels to cover every flat surface? Paired with strategically placed giant arches, these deep archways could create the illusion of endless views through the city. Framing every shot. The Emerald City backlot's grand finale culminated in the Wizamania Stage, a spectacle chronicling the Wizard's fantastical history. The sequence cleverly transitioned from a theatrical performance to a captivating dance number, all orchestrated around the majestic main fountain. This centerpiece wasn't just a backdrop; it transformed into a blossoming marvel, rotating and unfolding like a giant flower, while a symphony of water effects cascaded around the dancers. From this dazzling display, the scene flowed seamlessly toward the imposing entrance steps and grand gates of the Wizard's Palace. The entire Wizamania sequence was a testament to painstaking planning and collaboration across various departments. carefully crafted moving scenery elements and the innovative rotating fountain design, all meticulously choreographed within the camera's frame, brought this fantastical scene to life. A. EMERALD CITY BACKLOT PLAN. DRAWN BY JO FINKEL IN RHINO. B. EMERALD CITY TRAIN STATION. SET PHOTO. C. & D. EMERALD CITY BACKLOT. SET PHOTOS. A