THE APPROACH - THE DESTRUCTION - AIR-TO-AIR COMBAT - THE FINAL ATTACK
DOWNLOAD THE INDEPENDENCE DAY MONTAGE - ID4 HOME PAGE
THE APPROACH - THE DESTRUCTION - AIR-TO-AIR COMBAT - THE FINAL ATTACK
DOWNLOAD THE INDEPENDENCE DAY MONTAGE - ID4 HOME PAGE
The Destroyers finally begin their assault on the planet Earth when the underbelly of each ship transforms into their primary weapon: a huge 'schism' that fires a powerful energy burst that sparks a chain reaction of destruction. The 12' model was fitted with an 8' schism mechanism and was shot motion control. Digital artist Stephane Courture created and animated the primary digital effects for the firing sequences.New York's Empire State Building was created as a massive 14' miniature model, which was destroyed in 12 quick bursts, detonating from top to bottom. A 1/12th scale White House was destroyed, along with many other monuments, such as the Capitol dome, and the Statue of Liberty. Many of the miniature cityscapes were placed on their sides. The camera would be high in the air and the end of a 'street', while an explosive charge is set at the bottom of the set, or at the other end of the 'street.' When the charge is detonated, the fire travels up and sweeps through the city and toward the camera. The digital unit composited many extras shot against a bluescreen.
Clever techniques were used for the Third Street Tunnel sequence, where Jasmine and her son flee the oncoming fireball. A 16' long miniature of the tunnel was used for the fireball elements, while cars being thrown against the top and sides of the tunnel were shot in a transparent shell that was shaped exactly like the real tunnel. A bluescreen was set up behind the plastic tunnel, and miniature cars were thrust into the air and rebounded against the tunnel's ceiling. Pacific Ocean Post composited these incredible shots, which are awe-inspiring and possibly the most dramatic effects shots of the film.
A 14' miniature of the Empire State Building was used for this shot of the Destroyer
preparing its energy blast. Other elements of the shot include the Destroyer
miniature, the 9' 'schism' model, and the energy beams created by the digital team
using 3D particle systems. The shot was composited by Pacific Ocean Post.
The shot that puts the destruction sequence into perspective is a terrific wide shot of Los Angeles, which includes the Destroyer hovering over the city, and the partially destroyed metropolis clearly being destroyed by the circular pattern of fire. The shot contains a miniature of the city, while the digital unit created the fire elements completely in the digital realm.
A miniature White House is composited with the
Destroyer model and digital energy bursts. The
building was detonated by Joe Viskocil's
pyro team.
The wall of fire approaches the camera.
The elements of this shot include
the miniature cityscape and fireball,
miniature vehicles, and extras shot
against a bluescreen.
Lady Liberty lies in ruin, as New York smolders behind her. The statue
is a 60" inch statue, while the background was composed of numerous
cutouts and digital elements. The Destroyer and its schism is seen
in the background closing its doors, as fires burn around the city.
is next...
THE APPROACH - THE DESTRUCTION - AIR-TO-AIR COMBAT - THE FINAL ATTACK
DOWNLOAD THE INDEPENDENCE DAY MONTAGE - ID4 HOME PAGE
