The Production GuideSFX
by Martin Willey
The Production GuideAll shots of models in motion, such as launches or landings, were filmed at high speed, so the action we see is slow motion. This makes the dust clouds seem larger, and smooths out any irregular movements. This is particularly important for miniature explosions, which look much larger and more impressive is slow motion.
Some explosions were filmed with a 16mm Photo-Sonics camera, which could run at 1000 frames per second.
There are also some slow motion effects for live action effects, notably for filming astronauts moving on the lunar surface, helping to simulate lower gravity (in combination with wires for stunts).
The alien spheres in The A B Chrysalis were filmed at 96 frames per second (instead of 24). The fibreglass spheres were blown off the stands by compressed air; this footage was shown in reverse and slowed down 4 times so they would appear to gracefully bounce up onto the stand.
Copyright Martin Willey