USAA is an example of reverse engineering a location in order to do a practical effects flooding scene. I went out with our Directors the Malloy's to find a location that they liked for the scene. Once chosen, We went to location with our Construction Coordinator and SFX lead to measure the space to re-create it on a stage where we could flood the living room.
We used our own set dressing at the location so that we could use it on our stage set as water damage to these items was a reality.
The day of shooting the location was our build and prep day on stage to get everything in order.
The final cut shows the spot seamlessly going from real location to stage/set location seamlessly.
Actual location
Initial recreation in SketchUp for expediency
Model imported into Rhino for accurate dimensionalizing
Set walls being delivered, truss for floating ceiling in place
Actual location fireplace
Real location (top) / Constructed set (bottom)
Recreated cabinetry
Recreated bookshelf
Working on set fireplace mantle and base
Extended set backwall to match location in a wide
Scenic painters eye matching cabinetry and wall colors
Wide of set from back left — berm for flooding
Main set complete, ready for flooring
New floor installation — post-flooding restoration
Set fully flooded on stage
Our flooded set
