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BUILDING A PC-24
MODEL AIRPLANE
Filmproject
The year 2024 is coming to an end and we can look back on a number of unforgettable moments and experiences. It was particularly special for me and my father because we once again gave our full effort to the final filming in the studio and at the Mollis airfield.
Star cast; Kurt Eich (Keiro) in the role of the enthusiastic spectator together with my father René.
Flying against an impressive backdrop; The decision to shoot in Mollis was not only ideal given the circumstances, it also offered a fantastic scenery.
Studio recordings
The most difficult shots for the filming of the maiden flight of the PC-24 model airplane built by my father were certainly the shots that were supposed to show the plane very close up during the flight. We had the idea of imaginarily flying the model in front of a green screen allow. We were given the opportunity to set up a small studio in a multi-purpose room.
Would you like a small studio? After a day of setting up and installing the thing was finally hanging in the room. We attached the model with silk to make it float in space.
Over a day and half a night, we produced close-up shots in order to later combine them with Mollis' drone aerial shots in post-production. In order for this to work, we had to cover as large an area as possible with green cloth. We realized this extraordinary undertaking with great effort. Whether it works remains to be seen.
Preparations for Mollis
First and foremost, as a filmmaker, I was very challenged with good planning and organization of everyone involved and in consultation with the airfield and the Glarnerland model flight group months in advance.
I had to bring all the following components such as the weather and lighting conditions, the availability of the camera equipment, as well as the helpers and the extras into one point in time.
For my father it was time to complete the plane's flight technology and make its first real maiden flight. Andy Haller and the Fricktal flight group support him. After two successful flights, with small trimming work, it was a great relief to have achieved this.
Camera rolling and action!
We were in Mollis for two days and benefited on site thanks to the great support of the helpers and the good weather, light and wind conditions. We were able to implement all recordings as planned. Filming on an airfield demanded a lot. Our helpers monitored the radio traffic. If a plane or helicopter wanted to land or take off, we had to stop and wait until these maneuvers were over. In terms of time, it became more and more difficult as these flight movements increased.
Setting up the light stand; To make this final part of the film epic, we needed more lighting
Filming with a filmdrone; Our PC-24 model with a dji Inspire 3 for air-to-air recordings
We had to cancel the first day of filming after three flights. After a hard landing, the nose landing gear broke off and the plane had to go back to the workshop.
Another difficulty was flying with the film drone, as the model's flight speed was much higher than that of the drone.
Valuable support; Daniel Dietziker (left) with my father (right)
Experiences with the zoomlens; With a focal length of 600mm were close-up shots of the model possible during flight.
For the second day of filming we received valuable support from Daniel Dietziker, an experienced model aircraft pilot from MFGGL. This also eased the situation for my father, as Dani already had more experience with the same model and, as it turned out, skillfully showed off his flying skills.
I needed maximum concentration because I had my first experience with a really large telephoto lens with a focal length of 100-600mm. This meant I was able to follow the plane up close from the ground in the wonderful mountain scenery of Glarnerland and generate breathtaking images.
Stars among the spectators
Another big highlight were the extras in the role of enthusiastic spectators. Kurt Eich (Keiro), the creator of the kit, and Martin Bäbler, who supported me with his equipment throughout the entire 4 years of filming, were present. Without his support, the film would not shine in such a cinematic light and without Kurt there would be no model kit.
For me, the entire realization of the final part of the film was a very special experience. I learned a lot about myself and was able to take myself to a whole new level as a creative worker and filmmaker. When I let the finished film pass before my mind's eye, I recognize a wonderful time with my father and the friendship that developed from it.
For now, I still have a lot of work to do before the film premieres. Over the cold winter days I will dedicate myself intensively to the film music I composed especially for this purpose and incorporate all these beautiful feelings. I'm looking forward to seeing 4 years in twenty minutes.
Stay tuned
Making Of Galerie
I traveled back and found the creative spirit in a land before our time. Even in prehistoric times, dinosaurs discovered their passion for flying with Paragliders in the Swiss Jura mountains. This place are popular to soar with a paraglider over the striking hilly landscape in thermal air, high enough to meet the airliners.
Presentation of a small Swiss manufacturer
of paragliding accessories in the Engelberg valley.
