Weta Workshop’s Model Miniatures for Thunderbirds are Go
On our trip to New Zealand and Weta Workshop, Adam Savage visits the miniatures stage for Thunderbirds are Go, a television series featuring incredible handcrafted “bigature” sets. We get up close to the intricate and detailed models to learn how these scaled environments were designed, fabricated, and then used for filming.
15 thoughts on “Weta Workshop’s Model Miniatures for Thunderbirds are Go”
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WOW, What an awesome video,
From 1966 to 1970 I lived in Christchurch New Zealand , It was where I discovered the Thunderbird’s.
It was also the show that made me want to be a Model builder. Thank You for a trip back in time Adam .
Just lovely. What a treat. Forget the 3 bedroom subdivision house, just build a warehouse and build the inside with this kind of model set. Who needs architecture when you can have world building.
I love these videos. Just wish they where longer. But it gives a look into other peoples work and shops. Hope to see more of them.
wow! amazing bigatures!
but… isn’t the new show CGI? or am i missing something?
I’ve had the pleasure of seeing these miniatures up close, and I have to say that this video is just as exciting to me as seeing them in person was. You guys do amazing work, can’t wait to see more!
Characters and the Thunderbirds/vehicles themselves are CGI, the environments and some of the effects are practical. It’s really well done and it gives the sets such a charm. And there are some great callbacks to the Gerry Anderson series like the painting of the rocket in the lounge which is the same as the original.
Beautiful work. I share these films with my students….they have no idea….thanks TESTED
This was an awesome video. It is gorgeous to see that practical effects getting used again in staple movies and series that are the bread and butter of anyone’s sci-fi education.
These bigitures are amazing and super detailed. It really is awe inspiring the techniques that WETA use. People think of WETA and think LOTR but they do so much more and it really is inspiring to the younger generation.
I am a big fan of the original. That show inspired me to become a designer. So glad to see practical models being used. We need a lot more of this. Thanks for posting.
Really wish my trip through NZ in February allowed for a little more time and I could have done the Weta tour. It looks fantastic!
OMG! I just watched the pilot episode. I love it. I’ve got to show this to my 4 year old son. He’s going to flip. I remember watching the original series when it was re-aired on PBS when I was growing up. This is amazing work, and a nice blend of CG and Bigatures. 👍
A wonderful experience, if you are in Wellington you must make time to go. All the folks at Weta Workshops were fantastic. My wife and I had a were the only ones booked on a very cold morning tour, we thought we might miss out as there wasn’t anyone else going but no, Zac and Riece took us on our own private tour. They made sure to make us feel welcome and special. Their obvious love of the craft and artistry came though in everything the did and said. The models are gorgeous and you can get very close to appreciate all the work and skill that has gone into their construction. as a model builder myself I was so knocked out by all the superb craftsmanship. So thank you Weta Workshop!
OK – first of all, I really need to go to New Zealand. Second: I’m a huge (huge!) Thunderbirds fan from back in the 60’s, and I really appreciate all of the love given to the minitature (bigatures) on the new Thunderbirds TV show. It has been really enjoyable, and has callbacks to the old show. My grandchildren, 3 and 5, are also in love with the show and got the Tracy Island playset for Christmas (which we bought in the Netherlands for half off). Thanks for this great behind-the-scenes look at this show, which I hope is a big hit. I also liked the tie-in with Peter Jackson, who owned several original T’birds props including an original Thunderbird 2 and one of the elevator cars from the first episode.
Thunderbirds are Go is surprisingly good. I love that they didn’t go full CGI.
the characters and ships are CG, the backgrounds, sets, moving parts and some machines/other bits are miniature