 The models were then attached to a six-axis gimbal on a motion control system that allowed an operator to manipulate their movements, which were filmed against background plates of space using VistaVision cameras on a smaller motion control rig.New Deal Studio's miniatures were used in 150 special effects shots.The director was influenced by what he called "key touchstones" of science fiction cinema, including "Metropolis" (1927), "" (1968), "Blade Runner" (1982), "Star Wars" (1977) and "Alien" (1979).