On the rugged isle of Berk, a Viking boy named Hiccup defies centuries of tradition by befriending a dragon he names Toothless. However, when an ancient threat emerges that endangers both species, Hiccup's friendship with Toothless becomes the key to forging a new future. Together, they must navigate the delicate path toward peace, soaring beyond the boundaries of their worlds and redefining what it means to be a hero and a leader. -- DreamWorks
Set Decorator Daniel Birt SDSA tells us about his experiences working with Production Designer Dominic Watkins, Cinematographer Bill Pope, their teams and the VFX teams, to help bring about the first live-action film by DreamWorks Animation, in deep collaboration with Dean DeBlois, the Writer/Director of the original animated versions as well as this expanded version!
Collaboration and design...
“This is my 7th film project with Production Designer Dominic Watkins, and what I appreciate the most in working with Dom, is his unique creative vision,” says Daniel. “His ideas are fresh and edgy. He really brings something unexpected but marvelous to the design of this world.”
The majestic Great Hall. Courtesy of DreamWorks. All Rights Reserved.
“One of the early conversations I had with Dom and Director Dean DeBlois was that we would introduce different cultures to the Viking world, which has allowed us to expand the world and add different themes and elements in the decoration and the design. Doing this tells a slightly different story that the village is made up of people and warriors from different countries brought together to fight dragons together on the Island of Berk.”
The Great Hall...
“The scale was wall-to-wall in the studio, with the ceilings nearly touching the roof. Such a grand space with huge tapestries depicting stories of Viking life lining the walls.”
The Great Hall. Courtesy of DreamWorks. All Rights Reserved.
The stairway is guarded by massive dragon heads carved from the timbers, leading to a mezzanine displaying more history-telling tapestries, and the Great Hall Library.
The Great Hall, with its imposing staircase. Courtesy of DreamWorks. All Rights Reserved.
“Upstairs in the Great Hall, the Library is intimate, and full of history and knowledge.”
The Great Hall Library. When Hiccup isn’t in his workshop, he can often be found here researching. Courtesy of DreamWorks. All Rights Reserved.
The Great Hall Library. Courtesy of DreamWorks. All Rights Reserved.
Hiccup’s workshop at the Blacksmith’s...
“One of the things I loved about the animated films was Hiccup’s ingenuity/creativity and how he brings his ideas to life in a world that doesn’t really allow him to do that. The excitement and challenges were similar in a way for me on this project and how I brought my new ideas to life for this live action film...and the adventures I go on during this process.”
Hiccup’s workshop in the back of the blacksmith’s warren. Courtesy of DreamWorks. All Rights Reserved.
“The first Set Dec show-&-tell I did for Dean was in Hiccup’s interior workshop set. We had laid out some of the dressing to have a chat about the decoration...to watch him walk into an actual real-world version of his animated film for the first time was a really incredible moment for me.”
Hiccup’s workshop, desk details. Courtesy of DreamWorks. All Rights Reserved.
Blacksmith’s
“So many important moments in the film happen in that ironmongery set. The layers and detail throughout...from Hiccup’s little workshop in the back space to the blacksmith area at the front...all tell their own stories of Gobber and Hiccup and their relationship and all that happens with general life in the village.”
Blacksmith’s. The Courtesy of DreamWorks. All Rights Reserved.
Blacksmith’s. A closer look at the forge, this time alit. Notice the huge bellows just behind, and the ring in the forge for it to disperse the air to regulate the heat. Courtesy of DreamWorks. All Rights Reserved.
Blacksmith’s. Left: The stand that holds variations of Gobber’s replacement arm. He has designed “arms” for various circumstances, and changes out per need. No wonder he is a mentor to Hiccup—both have that double-mindset of creative and practical. Right: The ironmonger has created this dragon-themed light fixture, as well as many other fixtures that are practical, yet breathtaking in detail. Courtesy of DreamWorks. All Rights Reserved.
Chief’s House
“The Chief’s house, the home of Hiccup and his father, Stoick the Vast, was beautifully built and painted...a magnificent space, handcrafted furniture, collections of antiquities from all over the world, such a stunning space.”
The Chief’s House, entry. Note the stool to sit on to remove heavy boots. The iron scraper awaiting snow & mud stuck on them. On the opposite of the door, firewood brought in fresh from outside, needs to dry before adding to the firepit, the edge of which you can glimpse at the bottom of the photo. Note the black chains above it with hooks for drying or for cooking pots. Courtesy of DreamWorks. All Rights Reserved.
The Chief’s House, reverse shot of this magnificent space. Note the carved wooden throne on the left, the exquisitely carved chandelier and bell hood. Courtesy of DreamWorks. All Rights Reserved.
Editor’s note: You will find more photos and details by clicking on the SHOW MORE PHOTOS button below, where you will also discover photos of the Arena, Throne, Village and Stoick’s Viking Ships!
Daniel points out, “The scale of the sets is huge, from the towering walls of the arena to the massive ramp at the docks with two full size ships ready to go to war, to the village with its many streets and the huge Great Hall.”
We love that he and their teams met the scale of the production with equally amazing details – all with meaning and purpose. Families can view this film again and again, and continually find more details to discover.
For now, click on the SHOW MORE PHOTOS button here!
