Client: Legendary Pictures & Warner Brothers
Year: 2023-24
Working under: Territory Studio
Harkonnen war table
The Harkonnen war table, featuring a highly detailed 3D holographic projection display, serves as a pivotal narrative prop in the situation room which features in the opening scenes and throughout. The scenes in this set operate to inform the audience on the status of the ongoing war between the Fremen and the Harkonnen. Powered by Mentat chant vibrations, Rabban’s command centre presents his army’s movements in real-time.
The Harkonnen are a ferocious and resource-laden faction in Dune. This consideration was key to helping us form our hologram designs and ensure they were narratively and visually appropriate within this world. We were inspired by the strict formations of their armed forces contrasted with the curved H.R. Giger-style organic forms of their ships and structures that create an visual system that feels both informative and organic in its detail but robust and physical in its structure. Though made of light, the physicality of the projected visuals evoke the distinct impression of the arid and karst landscape of Arrakis.
Delighted by the brief and opportunity to build in this world, we enjoyed exploring a wild amount of concepts before landing on a direction that we confidently felt would align with the director’s vision. We were eager to present the harsh character qualities of the Harkonnens, leading us to a more physical design for the globes inspired by karst landscapes. This process ensured every design felt at home in his world.
