Film | Kreatyveswerkstatt

BUILDING A PC-24

MODEL AIRPLANE

filmproject

The story of a passionate model airplane manufacturer,

who lives his dream to build a Pilatus PC-24 model planes in the size 1:8

Modellflugzeugbauer, Pilatus, PC-24, MakingOf, model airplane builder

Yves Hohl, camera worker, Kameramann, Cinematographie

A documentary about the process of creating a model aircraft, from countless parts and work steps.

The project takes shape

During the last three film sessions I was able to witness and record the first steps of the construction about a 2 meter model sized aircraft. Single balsa wood parts milled from CNC are assembled step by step into a construction.

My father and I are confronted with certain challenges by this project.

While one person has to concentrate fully on building the plane, the other tries to capture the scenery on film. In the small workshop we are also challenged to find creative solutions for a good space management.

GoPro Hero 8 Black, Yves Hohl, building model airplane, PC-24

Alignment of the GoPro: Inventive solutions are needed to create different camera perspectives.

Learning by doing: The Gimbal, which stabilizes the camera, is mounted on a mobile rail system.

Building Model Airplane, Modellflugzeug, model airplane builder, Rene Hohl, PC-24, Pilatus Aircraft

Every step set in scene

For the implementation of this project we have planned a duration of one year.

Everything from the first step to the maiden flight should be documented.

With this matter of the heart, I set myself high standards for the cinematic realization and look forward to many more epic moments.

Making Of Galerie

Now we are in the second year since we started the project "Build your own model aircraft". And - we are still working on it...

What we didn't know at the beginning was, that this project would allow us to spend much more time together and it would make the father-son relationship closer. We have set ourselves a great challenge with this project, which involves many hours in a very small space.

Filming and building in a small space; A big plane in a small workshop. There is not much space.

Unconventional camera perspectives: With the GoPro it is possible to create new angles to show the construction of the model plane in a different perspective.

The space in the workshop has not increased, but there is a mutual understanding for both crafts. First the experience how a model aeroplane is built from scratch, and second to have the opportunity to record this model construction on film and in documentary form. So its possible to give my dad a very personal sight into my passion of filmmaking.

The countless model components made of plywood and balsawood seems to me like a "LEGO construction kit" for adults. From these filigree wooden parts we have now assembled the skeleton of the PC-24 aeroplane. At the next step the model is planked with strips of balsawood of different thicknesses.

All the greater is our joy when at the end of a long day, we marvel with enthusiasm at the result, both in the model aircraft and in the film footage. It is also the special relationship that we build at the same time. It feels like getting know each other on a new level that we have never done before. It's nice to have something like this and to live the whole project together.

Soundtrack from our own hand

The scenes are underpinned by specially composed film music. This offers the possibility to adjust the music specifically to the picture. Using software consisting of a library of high-quality samples of each individual instrument, I compose my own personal soundtrack. I have a whole Hollywood orchestra at my disposal, so to speak.

It's amazing how time flies when you consider that we are now in the third year of building and shooting the project "Building a PC-24 Model Airplane". The plane has now been finalized and is waiting to take to the air.

All in all, this is the 18th time that I have been to my father's small workshop to record all the important steps in the construction of the model airplane. Over 8 terabytes of footage have been accumulated so far and besides, the precious friendship between me and my family has intensified.

White shine with blue ribbon

In the meantime the airplane was finished planked, sanded and covered with foil. In addition, all linkages to the control surfaces were connected to the servos in the wings and the wiring to the main control system in the fuselage of the airplane was pulled.

Filmprojekt Building a PC-24 Model Airplane

Working with the gimbal: The gimbal stabilizes the camera and is also used to attach the monitor and microphone. This makes filming over longer periods of time much easier for me

Design down to the smallest detail: Design elements and lettering are applied via a carrier film. But the plane not only shines with its chic appearance, it also has one or two extra features

At the wingtips, signal lights in red and green were embedded, which flash like on a real airplane. The cockpit was then finalized with the installation of the cockpit window, decorations and lettering to create the final design.

A gigantic toy for big kids :)

In planning for next year is the cinematic realization of the first maiden flight. There are many ideas in the air and we will exhaust all possibilities, including inquiries at Pilatus Flugzeugwerke AG and the airfield in Buochs. The basic idea is to let the plane roll out of a real hangar onto the runway to take off on the big runway. We are extremely excited and look full of enthusiasm into the future. Where this journey will take us remains uncertain for the time being. The only certainty is that we will conclude this story with a cinematic epic.