NOW TV | DIE HARD ON ICE

The Details

How could you possibly improve upon Die Hard? uhhhh?..Put it on ice! 

NOW TV’s 2019 promo teaser asks “Yippee Ki Yay or Nay?” to a full feature.

Shot at Streatham ice rink, we provided replica props and set-pieces recreating Nakatomi Plaza.

HOW WE DID IT

Apart from being cold underfoot there are practical issues with working and putting a set on an ice rink. Beneath the ice, embedded in the concrete, is a matrix of pipes similar to an underfloor heating system. Instead of pumping hot water, they carry Glycol chilled to -5C, which freezes the water above and maintains its sub-zero temperature.

In nature, temporal freezing is driven by atmospheric temperatures, i.e. the air above it. In the artificial environment of an ice rink materials placed on top melts a thin layer but within a few minutes will refreeze and grab hold and bond that material in place. Amazingly, one of the few materials which does not respond in this way is woven backed carpet placed backing side down on the ice. Simple and cost-effective, we applied this to the base of all the set pieces.

The unexpected advantage of working on ice was we were able to slide and move heavy pieces around into position easily… but yes, i also fell over lots.