About the Time Machine

Process

During design developement and documentation, Dana and Andrew would build a physical model, easier to interact with and change, based on the presentation 3D geometry. We then refined the model according to design needs, figureing out proportions, how the wheels would retract, the panel mechanics could work etc. During this time the physical model constantly changed and the computer model was updated accordingly. Darell meticulously and beautifully drafted the geometry, added the necessary period detailing and flair.Consistant 3D files and physical blueprints went to Matt Sweeny, where they were used for different parts of the machine.

Concept

My initial starting point for the time machine shape was to use an "hourglass".
By setting it to a slant it creates a front/ back to indicate a direction of movement. Even though we're moving through time, not space
this seemed necessary to me.
Simon and I loved the original machine. We wanted to have a rotating disc and simon thought it would be great do something with
fresnel lenses. They are one of the elements that we used to ground the machine in it's period.
At the same time I had started thinking about the VFX to create the time field. We liked a petal idea for additional buildup and
movement. But it occurred to me that the "interesting" stuff is all happening behind this central body, and it would be nicer to lose
the hull for something more akin to nautical and astronomical period instruments we had found in our research.

here are the panels showing the time field concept with the hourglass shape:

Initial generation of electro-magnetic/gravitational field	Amplification and emission of field, deflected by cone mirrors
First stage focusing, center shield lenses start rotating and slide outward	Second stage focusing- main shield lenses over extend into field flare while rotating around central axis
Third stage focusing-main shild lenses draw field flare into spherical laminar flow	Time Sphere complete

final concept sketch:

My own 3d sketch model of the machine concept, Mr Wilcox provided the figure.

You can see more of Oliver Scholls production art, stills
and lot more on his website at:
http://www.oliverscholl.com