Actually making the fireplace- Implemention

 Finally making the fireplace!

In case you did not see my previous blog about the fireplace, or how this is a necessary prop for our Swede. I will add the clip below this, but in the scene from The Matrix that we are sweding, the prop that stood out the most to me was the humongous fireplace in the background. Knowing this, I decided to make the fireplace alone after my failed attempt with my group, which I will also add below.

The Matrix

This was the first failed attempt at the fireplace that I did with my group. They were content with it, but it was very crappy and falling apart. So, as a good director, I took the task into my own hands to try and remake it to the best of my abilities, even if I am artistically challenged.

Steps of Making the Fireplace

First

For the first step I of course had to build the boxes. Which basically means that I taped up the boxes so then they form their shape. Here's an example of the first step that I did

As you can see, the boxes are formed, all that is left is taping the top so they will be completely closed.

Second

My next step was setting up the shape of the fireplace. I was a little indecisive so I looked to see which way would look better (before finalizing how tall the fireplace via texting my group members for conformation).

In the first of the three photos that is when I stacked the sides of the fireplace to establish the height. In the second and third photos it was mostly determining how big we wanted the inside of the fireplace to be. After confirming back with my group members we decided on the first method which was picture two.

Third

For this next step it was all about wrapping up the cardboard so it doesn't look to bad when filming.

This step was the hardest, as getting the air bubbles out was nearly impossible. Also, for this, I would've most likely rather have individually wrapped the boxes in the paper before taping. Due to it being taped already, the longer pieces (the sides) had more air bubbles. So in order to get most of them out, I had to use a hair dryer, which was a time-consuming task. The spray painting of the top and back of the fireplace was done by an adult, as spray paint has lots of harsh chemicals.

Fourth

Going to our filming location and adding on the final touches!

For the final touches, I just taped a black poster board in the back so it would not look see-through. Unfortunately even after trying to flatten out the wrinkles of the paper it would just not work. But I did get as much out as I possibly could.

Reflection

This did not go to bad. But if I do have to make a fireplace I would have first wrapped every box individually which would've made my job much easier. Also try to make it a little wider as when I kept looking back at the scene I realized how big that fireplace truly was. But that was way out of budget so it had to be made a bit smaller. Also I do feel like I could've been a better director in this situation and communicated more clearly about how displeased I was about the first attempt before redoing it. So for my next production I will take that into account and better myself in communicating more effectively with my group members. Other than those issues I do believe that this fireplace turned out fairy well.