Our official final main unit day was an event that involved the entire cast – in addition to some thirty extras. After the final scene had been shot (appropriately enough, the final scene of the show’s first season), we wrapped – and celebrated the end of a challenging but very satisfying year.
And then we came back after the weekend – well, many of us did – to shoot the final day of second unit. Directed by Dark Matter stunt coordinator John Stead (who directed Episode 1.10), it involved a single cast member – Jodelle Ferland – crawling through the ship’s vent system…
The labyrinth was constructed in the breezeway between our standing sets (bridge/corridor/underbelly/quarters on one side and infirmary/mess hall on the other).
We wanted it roomy enough to move through but cramped enough to suggest a tight fit, with plenty of branches.
The “landing strip” that runs down the center allowed Jodelle to drawl along as painlessly as possible. All the same, she was outfitted with elbow and knee pads and a stunt double was also used because it was, nevertheless, uncomfy going.
Sections were designed to allow a bird’s-eye view of FIVE’s progress through the maze-like system.
Raised sections allowed director John Stead to capture FIVE’s up and down progress as well.
Jodelle was alternately boosted up (to appear on the rise) or lowered down (to drop down onto lower levels).
Director John Stead, always prepared, had a concise shot list he worked off of…
I collected the shot list for FIVE’s final vent venture and had him sign some of the pages…
I’m thinking of offering up the package as part of a Dark Matter fan giveaway.
John directs Jodelle on our final shooting day.
Checking out the tight quarters.
Lighting the vents.
Jodelle prepares to head in.
Armed and ready.
And that’s a wrap on Jodelle Ferland!
Jodelle has a hard time letting go. She misses the ship already!
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