r/Filmmakers • u/Such-Confusion-438 • 14h ago

Question How can I put a miniature in a shot?

My question is this: I’m planning to build a miniature and would like to put it in some of the shots of a future short movie. Now, of course I guess the main thing I’ll need is to match the light of the scene: if I’m planning to shoot a scene in the sunset, I’ll need the miniature to be lit as if it were there at that time of the day.

Other than that…? I’d need a neutral background behind the miniature, I guess.

But is it doable with a pretty inexistent budget, and especially: does it turn out good and believable? Have you got any examples of shots you did this way? Cause I see it being done in higher budget movies, but of course my case is slightly simpler (specifically because the shots will be static and the characters won’t directly interact with the miniature).

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1

u/Electrical-Lead5993 director 13h ago

I use a TV screen. The opening shot in the last short I made uses a miniature set with a TV behind it for the sky and moon…

The Vampire

2

u/Important_Extent6172 producer 10h ago

Lots of iconic movies from Star Wars to Indiana Jones and many others shoot miniatures outdoors using natural light so that’s all taken care of.

There’s also some great videos on YouTube. Somebody will probably recommend the (I believe Croatian) channel but I think some of their work is lacking and I’d recommend watching Piercefilm Productions since they feature miniatures for big budget and no budget movies.