Lunar surface... location or set?

TimescapeEnt · Mar 13, 2015

I have made several short horror and sci fi movies to date, but I am trying to figure out how my next movie, one that would take place on the moon, can be done. I have 3d models and cg for wide shots, but I am completely lost as to how I can do closer shots of people in rented spacesuits actually walking on the lunar surface for relatively cheap. Perhaps a trip to the desert for a night shoot? Or a set with greenscreens?

Suggestions?

WalterB · Mar 14, 2015

It needs to be rocky, dry without vegetation or seashells and away from light pollution.

If you are considering an outside location: go and do a test shoot. That's really the only way to know, whether you can do without a studio.

sfoster · Mar 14, 2015

GuerrillaAngel · Mar 15, 2015

Night shots with lights behind the actors shining directly into the camera will give you the best look for the buck.

Also, consider sand dunes.

Alcove Audio · Mar 15, 2015

Ask NASA; after all, they faked the moon landing... :lol:

Aspiring Mogul · Mar 15, 2015

Alcove Audio said:
Ask NASA; after all, they faked the moon landing...

gorillaonabike · Mar 15, 2015

Greenscreen all the way. Where on earth are you going to find a location which looks exactly like the moon? If it isn't close enough, we're all going to know it's fake, the sense of disbelief will not exist etc...

Scoopicman · Mar 15, 2015

For my movie, TERRARIUM, I ordered 20 tons of sand and rocks (one dumptruck's worth) and spread it around my backyard. At the time, it was $200. Here it is in daylight:

And at night, when we shot:

You could get mostly sand, wet it down, and get really close to that NASA pic, above. Make some potholes and use one light (for ambient sun or earth).

WalterB · Mar 16, 2015

Wet sand is important, because there can be no wind on the moon. And dust is an indication of wind. And wind means atmosphere.

@Scoopicman: cool!