hydraulic lift beast transition?

[stellabrickroad]

I'm pretty sure the one production I've seen of Beauty and the Beast used a hyadraulic lift instead of ZFX lines, but I'm having trouble finding any videos of this version of the transition being done. Does anyone out there know where I can find a video or information about doing the transition in this way?

 

[DuckJordan]

I know networks tours with this hydraulic, I don't have a video of it. Basicly actor is strapped in wearing both costumes (beast costume has a mask) actor raises up and turns in the harness, lights flash flash flash, then Blackout. During this blackout, actor and wardrobe rip off the beast costume then wardrobe hides behind the "castle pillar" with beast costume. Lights come up and the beast is now a prince.

 

[porkchop]

Having done this transitions a few different ways I am unclear what is being done with hydraulics that can't be better done with human beings or trick lines. Can you describe in a bit more detail what you're trying to create?

 

[DuckJordan]

@porkchop My thinking, is that they want the lifting of the beast to feel magical. Hence the hydraulic portion of this scene.

 

[TimMc]

I think the original Disney Theatrical tour used a hydraulic contraption to lift, spin, etc. I suspect NetWorks bought the set and EFX from Disney...

 

[Chris Stolz]

You don't need hydrolics when a see-saw works better (and more reliably)! Counterweight it with sandbags and it's easy to push. Run it though the back of the set and pump in some low fog to cover it.

 

[DuckJordan]

When you have the room for that sure, See-Saw's work great, but many theaters don't have the space needed for said contraption. Also, TimMC I do believe its the one bought from Disney.

 

[underlingsmprop]

When I did this show, we were lucky enough to cast twins. I have no idea how they found these people, but they were both performers and identical twins. One was the beast, and in a strobe section, was flown out via traditional flytrack, and the other was flown in to be in the same spot. The effect was great. Now how to do it without twins? Well...get a good casting director, I guess.

 

[What Rigger?]

When I did this show, we were lucky enough to cast twins. I have no idea how they found these people, but they were both performers and identical twins. One was the beast, and in a strobe section, was flown out via traditional flytrack, and the other was flown in to be in the same spot. The effect was great. Now how to do it without twins? Well...get a good casting director, I guess.

You realize you're commenting on something that's pretty much a necropost, yeah?