I haven't done much set building (I usually use existing locations), but my next project basically demands a set. There's no existing site that will be accessible, available, and visually believable for the script I've written.

My plan is to construct the set in my garage, and when I am filming (at night), pull the car out and set up the location. I will need some kind of folding walls.

The set itself needs to be a circa-1960s fallout shelter, with either cinderblock or poured reinforced concrete walls. I have a very spartan-looking desk, chair, and radio set which will be used.

What can I make the walls out of that will be light and simple, but appear realistic on film? (the project will be black and white)

I'm considering insulating foam sheets smeared with spackle and painted, but ideas are appreciated...

man that seems tough.. my advice is try foam or something with a little bit of texture ya kno and get a good painter to make it look like it. its probobly the lightest and easiest stuff to use ( ive never done it but i have set up for plays like that ) as long as the camera isnt like RIGHT on the foam i think it should look ok... look around though there might be even better stuff this is just a thought

A common trick in the early days of film was to position the lighting so as to hide the poor quality of the sets (not that I'm implying that it's likely to be poor quality of course).

quote:

---

The set itself needs to be a circa-1960s fallout shelter, with either cinderblock or poured reinforced concrete walls. I have a very spartan-looking desk, chair, and radio set which will be used.

---

Actually I made a post-apocalyptic film myself based in a fallout shelter type cellar. I used an unfinished sauna connected to my bathroom but i shot it in night shot to help disguise the obvious pink insilation, didn't work too well. I can sa from experience that ur set will be very important (as u well know) to ur film. If possible it would be better to have a set u can keep up at all times as setting up location over and over is a ***** waste of time. Whatever u do I think that with a realistic set, ur film will be GREATLY improved in quality and realism. just making sure u not to go the crap/cheap way (which i dont think u will).

I was going to ask what a circa-1960s fallout shelter was, but after seeing that picture I realise it is the basement where a priest lives under the church.

lol

and those bunks are for little boys, the box holds all the priest's......toys

actually, good point. There's a church in my town that has a basement with lots of rooms like that. See if you could find a church with a basement, or any basement.

"If possible it would be better to have a set u can keep up at all times as setting up location over and over is a ***** waste of time."

True, but this set is at my house. All I'd have to do is pull the car out of the garage, place the walls and desk, and I would be good to go. This is easier for me than trying to locate a church or facility with a basement.

Also, there are almost no basements in Florida. The water table's too low, and it's never cold enough.

Just another location idea, i know you want to film it at home...but it might be cheaper to rent an outdoor cinder block storage garage and dress the set. You may even be able to use one free if you discuss the project with the owner. Solves the no-basements-in-florida issue