"OFFICE" - THE NATIONAL JOBBANK - FOR DUTCH TELEVISION

The office set was constructed from the ground up at Zero-G Studios by Production Designer Linda Burton and Art Director Chris Ridino. The ceiling was hung on chain motors from the studio grid and it was capable of supporting a lot of weight: crew, actors, lights, smoke machines, fans, rubble, even a dog and dog trainers.  We could raise or lower the ceiling depending on the angle.  When you are looking up at the hole, we would have the ceiling higher.  On wides and when we’re conveying the cramped office, we’d use a lower ceiling.  The design of the hole was quite elaborate.  The middle section of the ceiling could be replaced with holes in various stages, so everything was prepped in advance and then just dressed with additional debris to give it the realism needed.  They would swap in and out holes so we could convey the progression of the hole which was integral to the concept in showing how the rescue team has to dig deep into this cavenous office to get to the worker.  We were able to keep the rescue fantastical and grandiose this way.

Stunt coordinator Nick Brett and his rigging team facilated the stunts.  Besides maintaining a safe set, they manned the rescue workers' zip lines, rigged the office chair to stay upright on its ascent and created a dog lift.

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