Latest News Updates
This page is dedicated to all that is happening on the film projects as we work through pre-production and towards our filming date and beyond.
Visit regularly to find out how the project is getting along. Scroll to the bottom to follow the story in chronological order. And remember you can always become a part of it!
Filming in the Studio
In advance of the main shoot, we decided to create a scene to perfect our method of virtual production.
We chose to film the showstopping number The Girl I Was. Shooting at Freesprite Studios we captured all the action before doing a vast amount of work in post-production. As of now the section is still a work in progress, but we proved the technology works.
Most of the post-production was completed using the Unreal Engine . You can see how the sequence was made by clicking HERE.
Imagining a World
Director Neil Monaghan continues sketching rough concepts for sets, action, costumes and hardware. Here we see King's Rooms - note the scientific equipment, chemistry lab, workshops, orrery and largewindows leading to the balcony where at least a couple of numbers will be sung.
Later in production these sketches will be reworked by art department and made into a construction brief.
Steam Transporter - Concept
The Professor King Chronicles is set in a 'steampunk' universe. This means imagining all manner of steam and mechanical solutions to ordinary problems.
instead of a horse and cart, here we have a heavy steam-powered transport vehicle. This can be used for moving freight or personnel . I like the idea of using it to get to the Anzeray resurrection site for the finale.
Gas Powered Torch - Concept
As Alchemy opens Professor King and Lord Henry Jagman uncover an underground chamber containing the Anzeray Journal.
Here is an idea for the kind of lantern they might use. It uses gas cannisters and an adjustable mantle. It also has a focus ring for creating a wider or narrower beam.
Gas Charged Rifle - Concept
Just playing with some shapes and functionality . Victorian design was always functional, but never at the expense of beauty.
Every machine was inlaid with wooden marketry and intricate wrought ironwork.
Ultimately though, it has to be a practical prop that actors can understand and use. These are very early design shapes.
Into the Woods - Location Scouting - Day 2
Having left the cold and darkness of the fort, the team journeyed to Hurum in search of a forest environment.
After walking several kilometres (involving some steep climbs) we began to find some incredible places.
The team explored the
The path through the woods narrowed until it was precipitous on both sides.
We are planning an expedition sequence as King and his allies make their way to the labyrinth, hidden deep in the Black Forest. This woodland offers us many opportunities. It's just a shame we probably only need around four shots as a travelling montage.
Eventually the path descended to a valley with a small stream running through it. The bridge here looks very modern but it wouldn't take much set dressing to make it look ancient and rickety. This sequence is crying out for the Indiana Jones vibe.
Location Scouting - Day 1
The team explored the extensive tunnel system of Hoytorp Fort in Mysen, Norway.
Before descending into the depths of the Earth, Clive Nolan and Neil Monaghan gave an interview to the local press about the project.
Hoytorp Fort was completed in 1915 and saw active service against the Nazis in 1940. It was finally decommissioned in 2001.
Checking out the front of the fort. We found a fantastic space enclosed by rough hewn rock and high stone walls. This location could serve as the space outside Newgate Prison, where Amelia's execution is destined to take place.
The team figured out what would need to be built and how many background artists it would take to fill the extensive space.
The entrance to the fort can be seen just ahead of Clive.
Next up - entering the Labyrinth...
The opposite picture shows Clive just inside the entrance as we begin our journey into the interior. This corridor iselectrically lit and the walls are plastered.
This tunnel runs 50 metres or so before dividing - one route heads to the upper guns. The other towards what appears to be an unfinished section of rough hewn rock.
Within all of this are apparent hidden tunnels and mysterious chambers. A few of which we will be using.
Another deep staircase discovered. Neil shines a light down to Dag on camera to determine the length of the steps and what we might do with them.
It's a difficult walk as we go deeper inside the Labyrinth. There are a lot of loose stones and derelict areas.
Again though - the thrill of this is how we can imagine its use in the movies. It would be expensive to build this - but here it is, the real thing. No wobbly sets for us!!
A hidden door opens to what might be very useful. We are looking for Amelia's cell as well as most of Under London. What we find here is extraordinary....
A series of huge caverns - carved out of the rock leading to a row of firing points. Its easy to imagine the fight against the Nazis from these defensive positions.
