The Production GuideSFX
by Martin Willey
The Production Guide2001: A Space Odyssey used photo cut-outs of spaceship models, rather than the original models, because they were easier to film using animation stands. Some of the photos were combined with pilots visible in the windows (using mattes). The photographs on 2001 were mostly taken by Brian Johnson.
Photographs of the 22 inch Eagle were taken and made into full sized cut-outs. Lined up behind the actual model here, they give the illusion of a full Eagle hangar. These were the first SFX scenes shot for the series (before the models had their Alpha labels added), because they were needed for the rear projection scene in the first episode. Original photos
Often even foreground elements are photo cut outs. A large black and white photo of Moonbase Alpha was created; the launch pad was painted. This cut-out is seen in several episodes.
The photo cut-out is on the left here, stacked with other cut-outs. They saved space in creating the set, and in storage.
Here is the cut-out again, with another Moonbase cut-out behind.
The same photograph was used with a cut-out section, lined up with the launch pad and Eagle model. From the 1974 Horizon documentary
Breakaway. The same technique is used here. The Eagle is a photo cut out, mounted on glass. Behind are two SFX technicians, wearing astronaut costumes, with part of the Eagle set behind them (it looks like the top of the side walls, rather than the back walls). It's not the full cockpit set, and there are no chairs.
In most cases the Moon is a photograph of the real Moon- here an Apollo 11 shot from 1969. Other real Moon photographs appear as well. Sometimes the planet is a photograph of the Earth, from one of the Apollo missions, the ATS-3 mission or a painting based on these.
Missing Link and The Full Circle use photo cut-outs of Eagles alongside the existing models.
War Games used photo cut-outs as stunt-doubles, blowing them up (instead of using hidden cuts). They are only seen for a few frames, but it wasn't really convincing, and wasn't tried again.
Guardian Of Piri. One Eagle is a photo cut-out, the higher one is the actual model.
Copyright Martin Willey