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VFX Model

model of a japanese style building, photoshopped onto an image of a still ocean at sunset

close up of a model of a japanese style building, photoshopped onto an image of a night sky

model of a japanese style building, with smoke coming out of a large chimney next to it

close up of the roof of a model of a japanese style building

model of a japanese style building with illuminated windows, photoshopped onto an image of a night sky

Close up of a flag on the side of a model of a japanese style building, photoshopped onto an image of the sky

Close up of a model of a japanese style building from the front, photoshopped onto an image of clear sky

Close up of the roof of model of a japanese style building with illuminated windows from the side.

This 1:50 scale model based on the Bath House from Studio Ghibli's movie, Spirited away, was designed as a visual effects miniature for a series of film vignettes showing a live action interpretation of the original movie scenes. A combination of traditional model making skills and CAD technology helps to create a high level of definition, with practical lighting and editing to produce realistic visuals on screen.

This model is a fan-made work based on a design from the movie Spirited Away , which is property of Studio Ghibli.

Director - Hayao Miyazaki

Production Designer - Norobu Yoshida

Art Director - Yoji Takeshige

About

Design Process

Click on an image in order to learn more

an architectural sketch surrounded by reference images and paint samples

Digital architectural drawing of the bathhouse from spirited away

a box shaped model made from white card

model section with Japanese shoji doors and detailed railings

model painted red. there are holes where pieces are noticeably missing

a collection of miniature sheds

model rocks with grass on top

the model fully painted, except for a protuding section at the front with a curved roof, which is still made from white card

Large model with the roof placed off to one side. inside, a mess of wires is visible

a hand holding a fingernail sized card tile, in front of a curved model roof covered in hundreds of the same tiles

tree made from twisted wire

model of a japanese black pine

the model of the bathhouse in a dark room, with the windows lit up.

the finished model is in front of a bluescreen paper background. Surrounding it is photography equipment including lighting and tripods

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