Timelapse on Dune – Capturing Sets from Build to Strike

Working on the Dune Productions – Filming in Hungary

We were brought in as a timelapse provider on two Dune projects filmed in Hungary. The scale was significant: large exterior builds, multiple stages, and long production timelines. The brief came from Mobscene, a Hollywood-based agency, who needed long-term coverage of the set-building process across several locations. The first project involved Dune: Part Three, directed by Denis Villeneuve. Like the previous films, it continued the franchise’s strong link to Hungary, with earlier instalments shot at Hungarian film studios like the Origo Studios and the latest work moving into the NFI Film Studio. The choice of Hungary as a location comes as no surprise. The country’s highly experienced film crews and competitive tax rebate system have made Budapest and Hungary a favoured destination for large-scale international film productions such as Dune.

Long-Term Capture

For the first project, we installed three cameras across two locations. The main camera was mounted high inside a soundstage, running continuously for over five months. It captured the full lifecycle of a major set—preparation, construction, filming, and dismantling—for use in future electronic press kit (EPK) materials. To handle the conditions, each camera was set up for long-term operation. That meant weatherproof housings, extended battery systems, and remote connectivity via SIM cards  and onboard computers, allowing us to monitor everything in real time. Two additional cameras were installed at a second location, mounted on custom scaffolding. These ran for over six months, capturing the day-to-day progression of the build and shoot.

Scaling Up the Setup

The second project expanded the setup further. This time, we installed five cameras: one inside a stage and four outdoors. Two of the exterior units were mounted on scaffolding reaching 14 metres high to cover the scale of the set builds. Despite the height and exposure, the systems held steady throughout. Even summer storms didn’t interrupt the recording.

Keeping It Running

Long-term timelapse comes with its own special challenges. Although the systems were designed to run continuously, we still needed to revisit locations to swap batteries and make occasional adjustments. At times, power cables were accidentally disconnected by crew or studio staff, so we had to step in quickly to get everything back online. In each case, the response was fast, and we didn’t lose any material.

From 300k Frames to Final Delivery

Once filming in Hungary wrapped, we processed the captured material into finished timelapse sequences. In total, we recorded over 300,000 individual frames, which were compiled into eight short films delivered in both Full HD and 4K. The result is a complete visual record of how these large-scale sets were built, used, and taken apart.

Need to document a build or long-running production? Get in touch. We can help you capture it from start to finish.