When it comes to set design London boasts many great immersive experiences. The Halo Group specialises in set construction & scenic production and is renowned within the industry. We are also the proud production partner to Backyard Cinema, London's favourite themed pop-up cinema. Each season we partner with the organisers to help create their latest themed immersive concept for their loyal band of film followers.
Our brief was to design and build the set to help bring the series to life. The organisers wanted to create a fully immersive futuristic environment like no other. Building on their hugely successful sell out series, Mission to Mars was the most audacious project yet. Designed in house and constructed onsite by our creative production team, this exciting brief channelled our inner sci-fi geek and in the process took our set design service to new heights that were out of this world!
The experience begins at the check-in entrance. Here we reconditioned the existing cinema fascia by transforming it into a space port for intergalactic travellers. Space age industrial inspired architectural features were accentuated with futuristic signage to complete the construction of the space port check-in zone. Travellers are then invited to walk through the quarantine style PVC curtains to start their adventure.
Once inside, our set design continued. Here explorers queued for their place on the shuttle. The existing stud walls were repainted in dark metallic grey and fitted with a range of themed props including, pipes, air vents, ducts & exposed wires. Raised metal grate flooring and overhead mesh panels framed the space and led guests along the corridor towards the shuttle. Low level red lighting helped set the scene and bring an authentic feel to the production.
Once inside the shuttle, we opted for metal grate effect vinyl flooring to compliment a range of space age features inside. These were crafted from plywood before being treated with scenic effects to bring our set design to life. Recessed opaque perspex windows, strip lighting, safety handles and floor vinyls featuring footprint graphics and direction chevrons helped create a feeling of travel. Automatic sliding doors helped create an ultra-realistic experience as explorers moved between spaces.
Once inside the main space, our set design continued at the Sci-fi bar. Here we created a futuristic bar unit featuring metallic cladding, LED strip lighting, space travel inspired stencils and further props and set pieces. Throughout the main space, the walls featured riveted metallic strips and were clad in metallic effect wallpaper before being dressed with props including wire panels, cables and a range of further themed signage.
To create the main focal point within the room, the set design around the screen was created using angled ply stud walling sections, diagonally jutting out from the cinema screen. Styled on a spacecraft’s control desk, here we installed a large control panel complete with up-lit pilot seating. Further screens, panels, buttons and levers were also incorporated into the room to bring the overall aesthetic together into one cohesive design. Search The Halo Group and Set Design, Set Design London or Set Construction to see more of our projects.
