Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1531774
easier to film the action scenes, including the entire Roman fleet and stunt work, in the dry and put the water in digitally later. We went back to Ouarzazate and had a look at the old Jerusalem set that we built for Kingdom of Heaven in 2005 to assess it for use as a possible Numidian seaport. It had weathered very well and only needed some slight renovation and repair to be a practical set again, but we wanted to give it a complete style makeover with more of a traditional Numidian feel, as well as extending its scale to incorporate an enclosed port with additional towers and 40-foot-high seawalls for the harbor scenes. We also included rocky outcrops, a sandy beach and a small detail tank to create an actual physical section of the Mediterranean Sea which was extended in post by VFX. The entire set was repainted and aged. Research into the Numidian style of architecture wasn't very fruitful, so in terms of detail, the Art Department decided to draw upon the native Berber style of traditional metalwork, jewelry and textiles, which was rich with intricate geometric patterns. To further transform the architectural look, we constructed enormous copper-plated roof structures and craned them up to the top of the existing towers. They completely changed the general character of the elevations and created shadow for the spaces underneath them which helped mitigate the harsh midday sun. The most challenging aspect of this approach was the amount of ground preparation required to accommodate the movement of the incredible all-wheel drive, hydraulic leveling, motorized platform units that SFX used to maneuver the fleet of Roman warships, which were over one hundred and thirty feet long. Thousands of cubic tons of sand needed to be excavated, the ground heavily compacted and spill removed. It was well worth the effort in the end and allowed for very quick positioning and repositioning during the action scenes. The downside was trying to control the ever-present dust which was never-ending, especially when we wanted the lower parts of the set to be wet. SFX hoses to the rescue. But this A. EGYPTIAN VILLAGE WITH DOVECOTES. SET PHOTO. B. PROVINCIAL ARENA NEAR ROME. PRODUCTION STILL. A B