DUNE

Territory Studio joined the Art Department for Denis Villeneuve's adaptation of Frank Herbert's Dune, working closely with Production Designer Patrice Vermette. Unlike most sci-fi settings, the universe of Dune has virtually no digital technology — importance is placed on the mind over machines. Territory was tasked with two small yet key elements: the gyro controls of the Ornithopters (including Atreides Models 1 and 2, as well as Harkonnen) and the Sonic Probe device.

Having previously worked with Denis on Blade Runner 2049, it was a privilege to return. The key challenge was designing interfaces that feel entirely physical and analogue — absolutely in tune with a world where computer technology doesn't exist. Territory looked backward for inspiration: to WWII fighter plane targeting systems, gauges, dials, and early gyroscopic instruments.

For the Ornithopter gyro controls, Territory started from flat designs provided by the Art Department and developed them in 3D, exploring light and texture. The Atreides Model 1 is the newer, more advanced version of Model 2, requiring the design challenge of evolving the same gyroscopic principles forward by 80 years — maintaining the laws of physics while exploring physical qualities such as light, magnetism, and chemistry.

Working from pre-vis and storyboards, the studio developed a process that replicated authentic gyroscopic motion by applying real-world physics and simulating the effects of the flight sequences onto the Ornithopter cockpit itself — an approach entirely determined by optics and real-world physical behaviour.

Client: Legendary Pictures