Stardome Studios: An Age of New Beginnings
by Jack McAdam
drawings provided by Jack McAdam
October 23, 2002
The Motion Picture Industry in America has never experienced the likes of such unique sound stage concepts. The Monolithic Dome has arrived. The most innovative studio complex, on the very cutting-edge of technology, and years ahead of any other sound stage. The dome offers a virtual seamless interior with state-of-the-art support systems. A clear open span of any size that allows for total flexibility in a covered sound-proof structure that demands the attention of anyone involved in the entertainment industry. Two 150-foot sound stages, covering an area over 35,000 square feet, with a center height of 40 feet, offer an environment never before imagined, along with a 200 foot stage, with a center height of 60 feet, for a total of 66,762 square feet. These eye-catching sound-resistant domes will satisfy the most demanding requirements for film, television, commercials, music videos, industrial shows or the most distinctive convention facilities for all types of venues.
These large stages also meet the most stringent building codes. The dome's fire rating is so good that a sprinkler system is not necessary, depending on some local codes that still require such. By meeting or exceeding FEMA's design and materials specifications the dome can provide near-absolute protection from natural disasters, such as tornadoes, hurricanes and earthquakes. These super-insulated concrete structures are also energy efficient and can save up to 50% or more on heating and cooling costs, compared to other structures. These multi-functional structures can be built at a fraction of the cost of a building of the same area, and in a much shorter time, with little interior finish.
Lighting grids, walkways or greenbeds and special-effect needs can be easily installed with tonnage loads far beyond the ordinary studio because of the symmetrical steel-reinforced concrete dome shape. A watertank or special settings against a seamless green-screen backdrop may be obtained for one of the largest formats ever created for stage lighting and scenic effects. Acoustic panels and wall treatments will serve to enhance the sound and audio levels when necessary. Each 150' domed stage is joined by a 75 foot production dome easily accessible through a short 24 foot tunnel, that will also serve as a sound-lock to the main stage. Each 24 foot high dome contains 5 dressing rooms, makeup and hair, wardrobe, laundry, green room, lunch room, 6 offices and Xerox room. Along with this, the post production dome contains a screening room, 5 post edit bays, 2 mixing and dubbing bays, along with audio and foley areas. It also includes a boardroom and reception. And for those moments of needed relaxation there is a tropical garden and waterfall adjacent to the two stages, just behind the administration offices.
The remaining 11 domes complete the studio facilities. The largest of this group is the two story theatre dome, situated on the corner of the 20 acre facility. With a large lobby for special gatherings this 400 seat theatre has the latest state-of-the-art sound and projection equipment, both for film and video presentations, including on-stream technology for various satellite seminars. With parking facilities, within a short distance of the lobby, the parking area can also accommodate a 100' x 60' banquet tent when required for special events and motion picture premieres.
The other 10 domes contain a prop and costume facility, camera and video, grip and lighting, a mill, scenic and iron shop, a set storage area including production storage, with all stages rigged for video mobiles within easy access to all utilities. The two-story commissary is situated in a central location, between the three studios, with a second floor VIP area and a covered patio for outdoor dining, among lush hedges and herb gardens.
The administration offices happen to be inside the only structure that
is not a dome. As a central building, or welcoming center, it joins the
two production domes and serves as the nerve center for the entire 20
acre complex with offices to serve the studios and all support units,
including the advertising and promotion department, along with a large
boardroom to accommodate a variety of daily requirements.
You may note on our studio plan that stage 3 contains a watertank.
This special tank is 100 feet by 60 feet with a depth of 5 feet and is
constructed with a semi-circular water trough for seamless green-screen
effects using the natural background curve of the dome for a variety of
images whenever required. The tank is also designed for quick-fill and
drainage uses and is supported with a silent air compressor, hurricane
fans and other special effects equipment that may be required for any
number of photographic settings.
This unique 20 acre complex, with a 20 acre backlot, can be used in a multitude of different ways, with endless possibilities, while an investment in StarDome Studios offers excellent potential for very attractive returns. Market conditions are excellent for the development of this world-class motion picture and television facility. Numerous film and television producers from all parts of the United States and Europe find Las Vegas a perfect place to shoot features, television programs, commercials and music videos, in a town unlike anything else in the world. Now Las Vegas can also boast for the best film studios in America.
About Jack McAdam:Jack McAdam's extensive background in production design encompasses more than thirty years experience in all phases of conceptual and creative production for television, feature film, theatre, and sound stage designs, along with many theme park designs in a variety of international locations. Jack began his professional career with the Design Department of the Canadian Broadcasting Network (CBC) in his native city of Toronto, Canada, in the Design Department as a production designer. After ten years with the CBC he resigned to establish his own production company, Jack McAdam Associates (JMA). In a warehouse facility he designed and constructed a sound stage complex, with a staff and support systems that successfully serviced a number of feature films, theaters and television studios in Toronto, Montreal, Chicago, New York and Los Angeles for well over ten years. Jack was also a design consultant for the CTV Network during the construction of new television studios, including network news centers in Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver. In 1976, he moved his company to Los Angeles to design the award-winning "Dick Van Dyke Comedy Hour" at CBS. Since that time, Jack has consulted, produced and designed for network television, feature films, theatre productions, film studios and international theme park concepts Jack was the General Manager of the Mediterranean Film Studios in Malta over a two year period where he was responsible for developing new business in the UK, Europe and the Middle East. While at the studio he had the opportunity of refurbishing the largest seatanks in the world while designing and rebuilding the studio infrastructure. Jack was instrumental in securing contracts with the Dino DeLaurentiis feature, "U-571" filmed at the studio. He also co-coordinated the Malta locations with Ridley Scott for his epic "Gladiator," before returning to his home in California. He is presently involved in designing a theatre center in Aqaba, on the Red Sea, in Jordan that opens in January of 2003, and a new studio complex of Monolithic sound stages and post production facilities in Las Vegas. Jack is a founding member of the Writers Group with the Hollywood Academy of Television Arts and Sciences who has lectured on screenwriting, producing and production design at UCLA, Loyola University, the Hollywood Screen Actors Guild, and the University of Malta, along with film workshops at the International Summerschool for Film, Television and Music Academy in Munich, Germany. Jack resides in Santa Clarita, California. |
Related Links:
- Monolithic Domes -- The Future of Entertainment
- The Sound of Music in a Monolithic Dome: Ideal for Recording Studios
- Now Playing: The 21st Century Movie Theater
- First Collegiate Monolithic Performing Arts Center
- LASERDOME
- Convention Centers: Losers or Producers
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