Behind the Scenes
In this "behind-the-scenes" section, we're providing a rare mix of our own personal photographs and videos from the set, as well as during prep and post production, and before-and-after pics from visual effects production.
Project: White House Down
Before we started previs we had to figure out the flight path for the presidential helicopter 
Marine One approaches the White House 
Marine One just before touch-down 
South Portico Destruction 
The aftermath depicted by the WHD Art Department 
The aftermath depicted by Trixter's Art Department 
Aftermath of the pool house explosion 
The Blue Room after the helicopter crashed through the roof 
Set Design for the South Portico 
Set Design for the White House roof top 
With the previs in progress, Volker's sketch shows some proposed changes he showed to Roland on the set 
Volker's notes based on Roland's comments on a single previs frame he sent back to the artitsts 
One of several drawings Volker made for the planning of the beast chase. It shows the paths of the cars and the scene numbers 
A photo from a session when Volker and Producer Harald Kloser worked on the steps of the chase using model cars 
The burning Capitol depicted by Trixter's Art Department 
The Blackhawks during their approach. We added a lot more people to this shot 
The Blackhawks fly low under the China Gate. Artwork for nother of many full CG shots 
The Blackhawks approach the White House. No background plates could be shot for this sequence 
Whever Roland draws one of his quick sketches on-set we call them Rologramms. As always a picture can tell more than a thousand words Project: White House Down
(L-R:) Volker, Marc, Harald Kloser and Anna Foerster on set 
Marc directing Second Unit ![](http://www.uncharted-territory.com/sites/default/files/styles/bts_mobile_small/public/media_root/Projects/White%20House%20Down/Set/005_resize.JPG?itok=HugGDDej "The "Beast" (presidential limousine) rig")
The "Beast" (presidential limousine) rig 
Project: Anonymous
Artwork for the city gates of London 
A 2nd unit VFX element 
Marc directing extras during 2nd unit shoot 
Final composite with CG citywalls 
Project: Anonymous
Happy Days: Volker and Marc in front of a tudor-style building 
Yes, these were the cheapest rental cars in Berlin. Mercedes A-class. 
VFX project manager Katharine Koepke at work on the scheduling boards 
Almost done... 
Paul Debevec visiting us at our post production offices at Studio Babelsberg 
Legendary VFX supervisor Dennis Muren visiting us at our offices at Studio Babelsberg 
Project: 2012
Another pristine day in Vancouver 
![](http://www.uncharted-territory.com/sites/default/files/styles/bts_mobile_small/public/media_root/Projects/2012/2012%20on%20set/010_DF-06849_resize.jpg?itok=j2PxGIaa "Tom McCarthy and Amanda Peet wobbling away in the "supermarket" during an earthquake")
Tom McCarthy and Amanda Peet wobbling away in the "supermarket" during an earthquake 
Marc during setup of the exterior bluescreen, over 600ft long 
Volker and coordinator Lisa Marra trying to keep warm on set 
Shoot with the Ultimate Arm: John Cusack running for his life 
Volker on the Himalayan Village set in British Columbia 
Marc on Mount Waddington glacier for second unit shoot 
![](http://www.uncharted-territory.com/sites/default/files/styles/bts_mobile_small/public/media_root/Projects/2012/2012%20on%20set/110_CIMG7168_resize.JPG?itok=hERezKvO "Volker (right) and actor Chin Han in the "Himalayan Village"")
Volker (right) and actor Chin Han in the "Himalayan Village" 
Marc doing camera tests with the Panavision Genesis 
From L-R: Roland, Volker and the Queen of England 
Marc with 2nd unit crew 
Our largest scale set: The Ark hangars 
![](http://www.uncharted-territory.com/sites/default/files/styles/bts_mobile_small/public/media_root/Projects/2012/2012%20on%20set/320_CIMG7540_resize.JPG?itok=NPEOpYmG "Snack for Roland: Bread with "German flag" toppings")
Snack for Roland: Bread with "German flag" toppings 
Project: Coronado
Compositor Matt Collorafice in front of the scheduling board... lot of work ahead! 
Marc doing some compositing on the side. 
Director Claudio Faeh as does a pin-up with Volker's DeLorean 
Stacey Weigert hard at work 
The actual phases of a film production... forget prep, shoot and post. 
Recording the soundtrack with the Babelsberg Film Orchestra in Berlin 
Director Claudio Faeh (left) and composer Ralf Wienrich. No, he isn't phoning in this score... 
FINISHED! Coronado billboard on Ventura Blvd in Los Angeles.