LOS ANGELES (Aero Telemetry Corporation (Aero F/X)) - Hollywood's biggest names are in front of and behind the camera in
Martin Scorsese's award-winning film epic "The Aviator."
But what has thrilled audiences across the world and pushed the limits of cinematography are the true-to-life mechanical stars in the film, 3 of the largest and fastest radio-controlled scale model aircraft ever constructed and flown. Manufactured by the Aero Telemetry Corporation (Aero F/X), these giant flyable replicas of Howard Hughes airplanes have contributed to the overall success of "The Aviator," with its 11 Academy Award nominations including Best Motion Picture of the Year. The Academy Award winners will be announced on February 27, 2005 in Los Angeles, CA.
The airplanes that are tearing across movie screens around the world are replicas of Hughes' infamous XF-11 reconnaissance plane, the sleek H1-B Racer, and the gigantic H-4 Hercules or Spruce Goose. To re-create the Spruce Goose flight, the 25-foot-wingspan, 375-lb. Spruce Goose model airplane had to take-off from the water in the same location where the original Spruce Goose made its famous one and only flight in Long Beach Harbor, CA using actual vintage boats as extras!
The planes were commissioned by Producer Chris Brigham and brought to life by Joseph Bock. Designed and built during a strenuous three-month period, they have set a new standard for filming "real" special effects, giving audiences more than just computer-generated graphics to look at.
Joseph Bock and his company, the Aero Telemetry Corporation, are used to mission-critical jobs. Bock's aerial effects team has a successful record of building large, unmanned air vehicles and components for commercial aerospace and United States military programs. Because of his innovative spirit and pursuit of excellence, many consider him to be the Howard Hughes of the Unmanned Air Vehicle world.
Flying the giant airplanes was as spectacular as it was dangerous. The dramatic story of how the planes were built and flown by Joe and his team along with the reality of human drama during the project may be the subject of an upcoming TV series.
The flying scenes in "The Aviator" have proved to be some of the best ever captured on film. The planes appear not only in the movie alongside of the main characters but also in the movie trailers that are the primary advertising for the film, now in worldwide release. They are a lasting tribute to Howard Hughes' aviation accomplishments and to the efforts of Joseph Bock's team in overcoming the challenges they faced.
The story of the record-setting airplanes and the personalities that built them is simply fascinating and will not only thrill audiences, but also affect the way in which movies are made. Please contact Marco Barla, Warner Bros. Publicist to find out details on Aero Telemetry, Joseph Bock, and the full story on how these airplanes grew from imagination to silver screen.
