In the world of television, the magic often lies in the details that viewers might barely notice. One such intricate detail was the creation of a water stream for Episode 8 of Amazon's series "Tales from the Loop," directed by the renowned Jodie Foster. This blog post shares my first-hand experience in contributing to this unique project in the summer of 2019.
"Tales from the Loop"
Before diving into the stream creation, let's set the stage. "Tales from the Loop," a science fiction drama, is a visual feast. Developed by Nathaniel Halpern and inspired by the art of Simon Stålenhag, the series debuted on Amazon Prime Video in April 2020. Known for its atmospheric visuals, the show mirrors the hauntingly beautiful aesthetic of Stålenhag's artwork. Episode 8, titled "Home," brought an additional layer of artistic expertise with Jodie Foster as the director.
The Project: A Stream in Stoney Mountain
Our canvas was a walking path in the small, picturesque town of Stoney Mountain, Manitoba, near a provincial prison. The task? To create a water stream that would blend seamlessly into the episode's landscape.
Teamwork and Tools
"IMAGE" Site Location
The project was a collaborative effort. I was called upon by a friend to assist, joining a small, dedicated team including his wife, her parents, and myself. Our toolkit was specialized and extensive: watermatrix blocks for creating a water holding area, several hundred feet of pool liner, and tons of rock. Each element played a crucial role in crafting a stream that was not just visually pleasing but also structurally sound.
The Process"IMAGE" Prepping the stream run
"IMAGE"Prepping for the pool liner
"IMAGE" Water matrix boxes
The process was both challenging and rewarding. We embarked on our task under the intense summer heat. Fortunately, the treed park-like setting of our workspace offered a cool and comfortable environment. We worked diligently for a week, laying out the pool liner, positioning the rocks, and ensuring every detail was perfect. The result was a serene, flowing stream that looked as though it had always been part of the landscape.
"IMAGE" Laying the pool liner
Looking back, the experience was more than just a construction project. It was an artistic endeavor that taught me the value of attention to detail in storytelling. The stream we built was more than a set piece; it was a symbol of the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into creating the captivating worlds we see on screen.
"IMAGE" Rocks and wood decor
For viewers of "Tales from the Loop," particularly Episode 8, I hope this behind-the-scenes glimpse adds an extra layer of appreciation for the show's visual storytelling. Every rock, every ripple in the water, has a story - a testament to the passion and hard work of a dedicated team.
"IMAGE" Extreme Honda pump to run water to the top of the stream from the water matrix at the base of the stream
"IMAGE" Twinned hoses from the Honda pump to the top of the stream
"IMAGE" Getting rocks from the quarry about 400 meters away from the build
"IMAGE" Base layer of rocks
"IMAGE" Tweaking the water flow
"IMAGE" Soccer ball used in the episode, following the path for filming
"IMAGE" Brought out the John Deere from the farm and a visitor was inspecting it
"IMAGE" Picking more rocks
"IMAGE" Vandals making their mark over night
"IMAGE" Custom built camera boom capable of reaching to the top of the stream
"IMAGE" Watching the water flow to make adjustments
"IMAGE" Testing the pump
"IMAGE" Near complete stream
"IMAGE" Testing the camera and boom
"IMAGE" It flows
"IMAGE" A job well done