Summer 2009

The Model Unit has just completed filming the miniature effects sequences for four episodes of Raging Planet, the second series of the major Discovery Channel series produced by Pioneer Productions. For Miniature Effects Supervisor Mike Tucker, it marks the return to a series that he first worked on back in 1997, when he was Effects Supervisor on the Tidal Wave and Hurricane episodes of series one.

"It has been very gratifying to revisit this show, and have the opportunity to utilise all the advances in both film stock and digital effects to expand upon what we were able to do 12 years ago. The result is a show that uses everything good about in-camera model work but with the added advantage of having digital tools to help make those shots look even better. The fantastic relationship that The Model Unit has with Hayden Jones and the team at Rushes had made the show a pleasure to work on and I’m delighted with the look of the end result."

The Model Unit provided miniature effects for the episodes Tornado, Volcano, Flood and Hurricane, and was also responsible for miniature construction for effects supervisor David Barlow on the Avalanche episode.

Raging Planet is executive produced by Stuart Carter and series produced by Alice Harper for Pioneer Productions, and is directed by Mark Westcott, Alex Williamson, Martin Gorst, and Susannah Ward. Paul Gasek is executive producer for Discovery Channel. It will air on the Discovery Channel later in the year.

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