BEHIND THE SCENES
Design & Locations
To mount a production that harnessed the next evolution in filmmaking, director Weitz and the filmmakers assembled a team of artists, technicians and craftspeople to hand-craft the parallel world in which The Golden Compass unfolds.
Oscar-winning production designer Dennis Gassner worked with Weitz to conceptualize everything from Oxford colleges to the vast snowy wastes of the far north, home of the armored bears; from the sophistication of Mrs. Coulter’s London to the bustle of the Northern port of Trollesund, and on to the ice palace of the King of the Bears, Ragnar Sturlusson, and Bolvangar, where Lyra finds the kidnapped children. The project would require hundreds of people to create a world with depth and scope from scratch, and bring the characters and their daemons to perfectly syncopated life utilizing a combination of practical and digital effects, as well as a working alethiometer – the golden compass of the title – and zeppelins, carriages, sky ferries, armored bears, spy flies, boats, barges and inconceivable machinery and artistry of a parallel age.
“The whole project is about translation – translation from something you would understand into something that is in a different vernacular,” notes Gassner. “So, it’s a new signature, looking into another world that seems familiar but is still unique. There’s a term I use – called cludging – it’s taking one element and combining it with another element to make something new. It’s a hybrid or amalgamation, and that’s what this movie is about from a design perspective. It’s about amalgamating ideas and concepts and theoretical and physical environments.”
Gassner and his team - headed by art directors Richard Johnson, Andrew Nicholson and Chris Lowe, set decorator Anna Pinnock, property master Barry Gibbs, and construction manager Andrew Evans – set about bringing the book’s diverse world to life.
To conceptualize Jordan College, Gassner utilized exteriors from existing architecture in Oxford, Greenwich and Chatham, along with interiors built from the ground up at Shepperton Studios. “I first came to Oxford with Philip Pullman as my guide and he knows the college and the city better than anyone,” recalls Gassner.
“People who have worked on and read the books and worked on the project, they’ve come to the project because they loved the books. The director and I have discussed the emotional fabric of this film at great length, now it’s just a matter of getting that fabric made.”
Some sets were fashioned practically at the stately Hedsor House, in Buckinghamshire. “We’ve basically used the structure of the house but changed everything to adapt it for the world that we’re creating,” says Gassner. Another essential practical location was London’s Park Lane Hotel, the backdrop for the restaurant scene and the beauty parlor.
Shepperton Studios was transformed into a full-scale Golden Compass production facility, with huge soundstages filled with art departments, a foundry for the film’s considerable brassworks, costume factories and offices, and yet others draped with green screens, flying rigs and painstakingly detailed sets showcasing interiors.
In the foundry, numerous versions of the film’s enigmatic machine called the alethiometer were forged. The alethiometer is “a time piece, a magnetic piece,” describes Gassner. “It’s an emotional piece really. The history of time has been unique in terms of evolution, so we wanted to create a magical piece that belonged in the time family.”
Pullman took Gassner to the Museum of Mechanical Pieces to show him some artifacts that formed the inspiration of the piece. “In a sense, the alethiometer is the fusion of all of that,” the production designer explains. “It’s the sum of all the parts. A lot of people on my team worked out the symbology and how it works and how Lyra uses it. It’s become just one small piece in the puzzle. And our journey on this project is to find the right piece in every case.”
The objects were first modeled on a computer, then processed through a cutting-edge rapid prototype machine, which renders out of resin a 3-D model from the computer. The model was then refined, engraved, acid-etched and painted in varying degrees of detail. “Some of them needed to be read, others needed to be dropped or just carried around in Lyra’s pouch,” says prop master Barry Gibbs. “The alchemical marks on the object needed to be precise, so we went to engravers to create those.”
The bears’ armor was likewise brought to life in the foundry after the bears themselves – and their armor – were carved into life-sized maquette sculptures that could then be scanned into the computer.
Similar maquettes were made for each daemon, from Lyra’s Pan to Mrs. Coulter’s golden monkey. Only dog daemons were performed by trained animals.
Designing the artifacts of a parallel world was, for Gassner and his team, “new, interesting, exciting and stimulating for all of us to look at, especially working with the young actor playing Lyra, who gets to take a journey through this world.”
Ruth Myers, a two-time Oscar nominee whose credits include L.A. Confidential and Emma, worked closely with director Weitz and Gassner to create costumes that would be at once unfamiliar yet totally consistent with Lyra’s world. “I talked to Chris Weitz about playing with fabrics so things weren’t quite recognizable, not just home spun and hessian,” she describes. “We were painting and printing and dyeing so the fabrics we used were unique. We’d talked about the Gyptians and wanting to give them some ethnicity, a sense that they came from all sorts of different places. With Mrs. Coulter, we talked about the most glamorous time she could exist, and looked at movie stars of the ‘30s and ‘40s. The costumes evolved.”
As chaotic as the robes of Serafina Pekkala, the witch queen, the garment of the Magisterial Emmissary would conversely need to represent the picture of authority in Lyra’s world. Even Lyra’s transformation, from ruffian through her makeover by Mrs. Coulter and eventual bearing to the north, would need to precisely reflect her growing sense of self-awareness.
She found a responsive and knowledgeable collaborator in director Weitz. “Chris has a very sophisticated and intelligent visual reference,” Myers notes. “He is possibly the first director I’ve worked with who you can throw a piece of really esoteric references and his own background of culture is so strong that he picks that up. I’ve loved working with him.”
“Ruth’s work is beautiful,” says Weitz. “I felt that the costumes should feel like the best of every era brought forward and given a hybrid twist. Ruth’s work was detailed to an incredible degree; everything feels lived-in and absolutely right.”
Since everything would need to be created, Myers set up shop on-site in Shepperton. “I thought the only way we could do it was being part of the art department and opening up a huge workshop,” she recalls.
Make-up and hair design were entrusted to Peter King, an Oscar winner for his work on New Line Cinema’s Lord of the Rings, who was well equipped to find the right look for a raft of different characters in parallel universes.
53 COMMENTS:
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renato
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willi
what is the hotel location, for what part of the film they will use this?? I don’t remember nothing in the first book that passes in a hotel location…
It looks all incredible!
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federico
ilovetheboookimalmostfinnishedwithit
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tio
his dark materials would had been, would’ve been, would be, is, will always be the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!i’ve read them all!!!
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Adam
Hotel location will probably be used for Mrs. Coulter’s residence instead of her own house. After all, she doesn’t live in Oxford. I just finished rereading Amber Spyglass today and am disappointed there will be no Will or Mulefas.
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John
im guessing the hotel isnt atchee a hotel, bt rather mrs coulters flat??
hmmmm
OMG it looks so good.
cannae wait.
x.x.x -
mrs.c rocks
love it love it love it
cannot wait
reading second book NOW -
Nekochan
Adam-No Will or Mulefa? This movie is ONLY based off the first novel so Will, etc…won’t be in the films until the 2nd and 3rd ones are made. They don’t even get introduced until then. ^_~ Never fear, they will be there.
Back on topic. Man, the sets look fantastic! I’m betting on an Oscar nom.
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Hagaren-chan
I loved this book so much as a kid…I went to read it again the other day…and its falling apart! The locations look fantastic! I have to agree that the hotel probably has to do with Mrs. Coulter’s flat…where the fateful party is! I too regret Will’s absence, but when he enters in the second movie, he’ll enter with a vengeance! Literally! :p The whole look of the movie is fantastic and the scale of the sets and backgrounds is astounding. Truly New Line has done it again!
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mario monteagudo
i`m really interested about this movie and i`d like to know if the book has been published in spanish
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willi
Yes, is published in spanish. By ediciones B, a very cheap ones! Really good books!
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John
btw, at the end of this, like after the credits, will it not have will finding the opening in sunderland avenue? i swear i read somewhere it would bt i might be wrong
wud be well good if it did tho!!
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clare
Location for Mrs Coulters is Hedsor House, Bucks, altho her london flat interior was done on a sound stage. Hotel was used for restaurent and beauty parlour.
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def1nt
I hope Pulman’s storyline will be saved. I love this book, and I think I will love this film.
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Anney
I’m in love with the books! their AWSOME and i reckon i’ll love the movies, hope the movies arn’t to hollywood though
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izzy
Oh, gosh I can’t wait till the film is out. I read the first book three times, the second only once, but the third one also at least two times. When i was younger i always dreamed of playing Lyra, once the book will be turned into a movie. Too bad, that I’m German, so they would have taken me - and now I’m too old
But the good thing is that in Germany the movie already comes out on the 6th of December. -
Wendy
Loved the book. The daemons were the best part. Wearing your soul on the outside in animal form is a brilliant idea. Reminds me of an intense love connection, 2 parts equal one, share everything and if pulled too far apart it hurts physically and emotionally.
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Dakota
This film looks wonderful. I think the daemons are so cool. I wish I had one! Right now, I am reaeding, “The Golden Compass”. It is teriffic. Newcommer, Dakota Blue Richards, looks like a very good, young, actor. She fits the role of Lyra perfectly.
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Daemon Name:Anicetos
I amgoing to be trying out for the play for RHS. Even if I do not get a part….The movie is to far away……and the book was great…….Anicetos(Lynx Daemon):Inquisitive, proud, flexible, spontaneous and responsiable
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Valerie
When I saw the trailer for the movie in the theaters this summer, I ran out and got the book on cd so I could listen in the care. Wow. How great are these books. I sure hope you are planning to make a trilogy of films, as the books are a trilogy. I can hardly wait for this movie, and the other 2 (I Hope)
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Conor
I was in a cinema in Times Square NYC in June when I saw the trailer for the film and I almost wet myself. Now we have the website and the grand opening of this epic is only 2 months away! It is definitely going to be the Christmas film of 2007!!!!!
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karen
one of the scenes from the film was filmed on the river where i live in sutton bridge, i believe the bridge is included too, was alot of commotion that weekend in our quiet village!
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Robyn
I love the actress who plays Lyra, she’s perfect young and lively with a tough side to her! Jordan college looks like its gonna be amazing! books are the best have read them 4 times over and know every little detail!
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jack
better not be as bad as eragon was… looked forward’s to that for ages and it was rubbish.. this look’s am,azing though
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Yin
WOW. Cant wait!!!
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Roger
and waht about the other two books ?saw the trailer today and looks wow
will you do the trilogy ?? -
Maxim
Oh God! I’m looking forward to seeing this film and I hope there will be a trilogy. It would be great like The lord of the rings!!! I hope it will be even better.
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Marie
Ever since i read the book, about a year ago i have always wanted to see The Golden Compass in the cinemas. The book was really good and i hope the movie of it will be even better.
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andie
the whole thing looks absolutly great, i just can’t wait till it comes out!
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Aeron (Daemon name)
Read the books a while ago, saw the stage version - TWICE! That was excellent, I would not have believed that it could have been done in the theatre. I cannot wait for the films..I hope they do justice to the marvellous books. I have already booked my cinema ticket and am getting ready to buy the popcorn, am soooo excited! By the way, I am 50 years old - Philip Pullman really cuts across age boundaries with his writing, may I also recommend that you read his ‘Ruby in the Smoke’ series.
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Makis
i am very possitive about the film, the good thing is that the New Line (The Lord Of The Rings trilogy) is making it, they have shown that they care about fantasy films so I believe we can expect the best.
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EdieM
read your page; the characters, story script; the photos, layouts, etc, etc GREAT!!!!
This is on my calendar, cell phone and day planner…just in case I am on travels…
Can’t wait to see it. -
Mara
Good luck on the movie and thanks for making a movie on one of my favorite series (my others being Harry Potter and A Series of Unfortunate Events)! I have so much to say, good and bad but I think its unfair to juge a movie before it’s in theatres, so good luck again
and good job on chosing an actress for Lyra (she seems perfect)
- mara -
mia
I cant wait for this movie to come out , to come i am going to get the second book out
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Mickey
Once i heard about the film and it’s cast i decided to read the books and i really injoyed them. i have read the firs 3 times, the second twice and the third once. I enjoyed them all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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yantisoaman
just can’t wait to see the film…… reading the second book now, Pulman you are great.
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sophie
Henry Braham is an amzing director of photogrpahy…he really makes the film come to life
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rolandgjata
when heard about the film and it’s cast i became interesed to read the books.good job you have done
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Jarvis
Close to the book line story was Lord of the Rings, fantastic to read…and see. Well done NewLine.
I have read all three books that relate to The Golden Compass, fantastic to read…and soon to see if it is fantastic to the eyes. Your did it right with LOR NewLine, soon time will tell if lightning can strick twice.
J
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ana
I love the books and I’m expecting to watch the film, it must be fantastic! Love Oxford too, and I think I was in the film’s college last summer
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Arthas
My friends name is Ana
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Nadia
I have seen it!!! Fantastic - the best movie experience I have ever had - a life time experience!! So amazed - so very good grahics. Was to a pre-premiere - I wanna go to that universe with my daimon - Tiger….Enjoy the movie!!
Nadia : -) -
Boreallus (daemon's name)
the golden compass is my all time fave book. I cant belive there are only four more days untill the movie comes out!
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Marcelo Costa
I did’n read nothing about the books,I just know that they used just perfect actres like Nicole, and actor like Daniel,and we can be sure that the movie will be great! They are fabolous!
I can’t wait to c the movie!
Kisses and Hugs for all of you! Even Nicole and Daniel if some day you read this!lol
Marcelo Costa New York (Brazilian) -
travis
i like dakota,.,.she is really cute,..,.,
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Ampithere
I want to but that gloden compass. It’s the most interesting thing I’ve ever seen! I would love to figure out how it works even if it dosen’t REALLY work. T he movie is awesome by the way.
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devon was here
I thought the movie was absolutely awsome. I have not read the books, but I plan on getting them as soon as possible. The end of the movie had me literally panting for more. I seriously hope they make The Subtle Knife, and The Amber Spyglass into movies too!
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Jason
How long is this movie?
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chanel
love the movie just geting started on the books love it all
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Datanis...!!!
i forever love this movie!!!…..it is so cool, real and amazing. it makes you wonder if there really is another world out there….. all in all in opens up your imagination…
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Myron
I enjoyed the film but found it a bit confusing as I never read the books. The special effects and cinematography were breathtaking. Some critics say it was a rip-off of the “Narnia” series but while it’s similar, there are many differences. I hope to see a sequel. I am on a quest now trying to find-out the title of the song sung by Kate Bush. The credits rolled-by so fast that I couldn’t see it.
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ohjopkk
if i had a demon i think it would be a wolf i wish i could go to her would but its not real or is it
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sage
the books are awsome but the movie was so entertaning i cant wait till the next movie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
love the hotel location, very beautiful. really wanna see this
4 monthsleft