Greetings, Traxians! Happy Friday.
Erik here, freshly back from Minneapolis, where I got to spend the past few days visiting the Satellite of Love bridge set, being a kind of Observer, you might say. Yes, I have an amazing job; that is never lost on me. So please allow me to wax poetic for a moment about what I saw, and what's still to come.
I know it's been a little bit since our last Patreon update, which is why I wanted to make this post a bit more substantial. This is one I had been looking forward to for a long time now; I've got so much good news to bring you, but unfortunately, much of what I saw I simply can't talk about.... yet! The good news is: holding things back means we'll have even MORE to reveal later on. So hang in there!
These photos aren't mine; they're supplementary shots from the on-set photographer which I thought would be worth sharing, since the S.O.L. bridge is such a major part of the show. We posted a Kickstarter update today with photos and a video of its big reveal; be sure to check that out. Any photos I took will have to stay in the vault until later, sadly, since they would ruin some gags otherwise.
As I have mentioned on Patreon before, I'm a MSTie from way back. And even though I've been a member of the RiffTrax crew for nearly 20 years, I never get tired of observing the guys as they do their thing, especially when the process requires expanding the team to other departments, like ... set design! To say I was smiling from ear to ear this entire week doesn't do the experience justice, and I can say with confidence that fellow MSTies are in for a treat. My trip was much too short, although I understand the importance of not wearing out my welcome.
It was humbling to be in the presence of so many incredibly talented folks, all working as a cohesive unit to make MST magic. Their attention to detail, their ability to think on the fly — a trait which came in handy several times in the few short days I was there — and the camaraderie was evident.
This group has an uncanny ability to think of a crazy joke idea, and within moments, bring it to life — giving more richness to an already funny scene. I had to stifle laughter several times; I wouldn't have been able to show my face 'round those parts if I had accidentally ruined an otherwise perfect take. And, in classic fashion, they would swing from an obscure, old-timey reference to a silly, childish all in an effort to make each other laugh. I nearly did a spit-take into my laptop more than once.
Watching these creative people work together at the peak of their abilities towards a singular vision was loads of fun. Seeing them having so much fun in return as they were bringing new MST into the world felt obvious, but reassuring at the same time.
This first week of production involved shooting all the scenes that took place on it: I got to witness Mike and the Bots' end of their video chats with the Mads, including hilarious ad libs from Bill's Crow as they got a call from Dr. Forrester and TV's Frank, as well as a song, some very funny host segments, and a few other surprises I don't want to spoil.
The bridge itself was beautiful. I really enjoyed how the flat gray was a blank canvas for the magical lighting work by the crew. The neutral tone allowed Trace's relief panels to really show up as texture: simultaneously simple as a field of repeated patterns, yet even more complex the closer you get and the longer you look at it. It's a visual element you can feel.
I loved the blend of old and modern; there's still a guy pulling a rope to make the doors slide (his name is Judd), but there's that massive curved LED screen behind him, showing a starfield containing the Earth and Moon and occasional asteroids... plus a few objects fans of MST3K will certainly recognize. Not to mention the use of "special parts" in the wall panels that resemble Mike's robot pals. It's truly a bridge in more ways than one.
I could have stayed for another month, if they'd have let me. Maybe just living up in the balcony area. It's dark up there. They'd probably never even notice....
Even if I'm not allowed back on set, we'll be providing more updates throughout the coming weeks and months. Hopefully this will make the anticipation a little more bearable. If it helps, I am very pleased to report that, just from the little bits I've seen so far, the wait's gonna be worth it.
I'm super lucky and grateful to be a small part of this special thing, but I'm even more grateful that we'll all get to witness this genuine dose of pure, ridiculous fun together - in the not-too-distant future.
Yours in MOVIE SIGN!!!!!,
Erik