The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
Tue Dec 09 2025
Movie Prop Fabrication — Tent Village for The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe
For the feature film The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe, our team was commissioned to design and manufacture an extensive medieval-style tent village. The project required the creation of 83 unique, high-quality, and visually authentic tents that would serve as key elements of the film’s set design. Each tent needed to withstand outdoor conditions during an extended shoot while maintaining a refined, historically inspired appearance.
Client Brief
The film’s Set Design team required:
- A complete tent village of 83 individually designed tents
- High authenticity based on medieval references
- Materials and construction that adhered to period accuracy
- Tents durable enough to hold their appearance throughout filming
- A premium aesthetic consistent with the visual tone of the story
Project Challenges
1. Achieving Historical Authenticity
The tents were central to several cinematic scenes, making authenticity essential. Designs were developed collaboratively with Set Designers, using visual and textual references from medieval encyclopaedias and other historical sources. Each tent needed to appear unique yet cohesive within the village environment.
2. Material Requirements
To achieve the desired look of luxury and elegance, Set Designers specified that the tents be constructed from silk with hemp rope—materials that were historically accurate but not typically used for structural tenting.
- Sourcing Silk: Authentic silk was sourced from India after an extensive search.
- Reinforcing the Fabric: Because silk is not structurally suitable for tents, we partnered with an OFPANZ member to back the silk with medium-weight canvas. This solution preserved the authentic appearance while providing the required durability.
3. Complex Design and Fabrication
Each tent was:
- Individually modeled in 3D, fully rendered with colour, textures, and graphic elements for Set Designer approval
- Cut using computer-guided cutting systems
- Screen-printed with gold ink for ornate detailing
- Fully assembled and quality-checked before shipment
4. Special Features
Some tents required dormer windows incorporated into the roof structures. Achieving these while preserving the medieval aesthetic required custom engineering and meticulous craftsmanship.
Project Execution
The workflow included:
- Detailed 3D modelling and iterative design reviews
- Precision cutting and fabrication of reinforced silk panels
- Custom screen-printing using gold inks
- Full in-factory assembly and inspection
- Packing and shipment to remote film locations
- Supervised installation and handover
Project Outcome
Despite the challenges—tight deadlines, shifting schedules, adverse weather, and the unique complexities of working with non-traditional materials—the project was delivered successfully and on schedule. The tent village performed exceptionally on set and contributed significantly to the film’s immersive visual environment.
The result stands as a testament to our team’s adaptability, craftsmanship, and collaborative design approach.
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