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30. Screen-Matched Batman's (Michael Keaton) Batwing Six-Foot Motorized Filming Model ### BATMAN (19

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:125,000.00 USD Estimated At:250,000.00 - 500,000.00 USD
30. Screen-Matched Batman's (Michael Keaton) Batwing Six-Foot Motorized Filming Model ### BATMAN (19
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BATMAN (1989) - Screen-Matched Batman's (Michael Keaton) Batwing Six-Foot Motorized Filming Model - The screen-matched, six-foot motorized filming model of Batman's (Michael Keaton) Batwing from Tim Burton's Batman. This highly detailed model features practical lighting and functional motorized components used for specific shots in the film, such as the Gatling gun and balloon clippers. It was the only model built at this size and was used for the Batwing's close-up shots, matching both film shots and production photos. The model was built large-size, with a wingspan of just over six feet, to withstand scrutiny when seen in close-up. After filming, the model was given an inaccurate repaint. It has since been updated with a revised, highly-accurate paint scheme based on all available archival reference photos, and all of the mechanical and electronic elements have been restored. Batman's visual effects were overseen by Derek Meddings of the Meddings Magic Camera Company, a UK effects legend, who specifically oversaw this model's filming.

This model is primarily cast fiberglass with an internal metal armature that includes a structural mounting bar at the craft's rear. It features a detailed cockpit interior and a miniature Batman figure with an acrylic cockpit cover. It is also outfitted with numerous practical elements that were utilized in filming, including rotation of the Batman figure's head; nose-mounted clippers with extend/retract and close/open capability, and associated saw-blade, featured in the memorable shots where the Batwing steals the Joker's (Jack Nicholson) balloons; Gatling gun with deploy/retract and spin capability; deployable missiles; steering flap with open/close functionality; running lights; and strobes in the nose cannon and near the Gatling gun. The mechanisms were originally pneumatic, and there is an opening cut into the back of the body where the hoses and electrical wires exit the body, as the cutout and mounting bar were always framed out of the shot during filming.

The six-foot model is one of several Batwings built for the film: a two-foot model was created for wider shots where the craft moves significantly in the frame, and an even smaller model was used for the shot of the Batwing in front of the moon. An insert cockpit was also built for filming Keaton. The six-foot version is the one most prominently featured in the film and is seen in the Batwing's close-ups. Production blueprints and canon sources place the in-universe width of the Batwing at between 27' or a bit over, meaning the model is approximately 1/4 or 1/5 scale. The Batman figure in the six-foot model was made slightly undersized to this scale, making the craft feel larger in the close-ups.

Like the 1989 Batmobile, the design of the Batwing is considered one of the most successful in any Batman film. It is credited to director Burton, production designer Anton Furst, and concept artist Julian Caldow. Caldow did several concept illustrations of the Batwing and Batmobile based on instruction from Furst. Caldow's concept illustrations for both of these now-legendary vehicles are well-known, having been published on lobby cards, magazines, books, and trading cards. Formal blueprints were drawn up from the concepts, and the construction of the six-foot model began at Model Effects Ltd, headed by Peter Aston. Model makers Brian Cole and Garry Hood began the build, before expert technician Greg Morgan took over and completed most of the work. Jose Granell sculpted the Batman figure in the cockpit separately. In addition to the build, Morgan was on stand-by with the model through the shooting at Shepperton Studios, alongside Derek Meddings himself. Meddings and Morgan did the final weathering, and Letraset did the detailing work at Shepperton just before the model was filmed.

After a prior, lesser-quality attempt to update the model's paintwork, a high-quality restoration was performed more recently to restore the model as closely as possible to its original filming appearance. It was repainted with graphite metallics and weathered down to match the original finish based on all existing photo references. During the repaint process, original stencil markings were uncovered below layers of paint, traced, and recreated precisely. Some remain original as they were never repainted, such as the cannon and dashboard markings. The Batman figure was also repainted, and a replica cape was created, the original having been lost. The mechanical components that were originally pneumatic were updated to run on linear actuators and servos, meaning the functionality could be demonstrated without compressed air. The mechanisms themselves remain original. Running lights were updated to LEDs, and modern strobes replaced the original damaged ones. A new control box was fabricated to drive the mechanical functions. The upper fin on the Gatling gun side had been lost to time and was patterned off the remaining fin and recreated. The cockpit's side rails were also recreated. All other detailing, including the cockpit itself, remains original.

The Batwing sequence was frequently cited as an audience favorite when Batman was released. The memorable shot of the Batwing in front of the moon was used for the film's soundtrack album cover, and the Batwing found its way onto all forms of consumer products. The craft is known to film fans worldwide, and its success as a design mirrors the wider success experienced by the film both in 1989 and beyond. Batman's blockbuster success is regularly cited as being the best of all Batman films. It was the fastest film to ever gross $100 million and ignited a wave of "Batmania." The film won an Academy Award& reg; for Art Direction, amongst numerous other awards and nominations.

The six-foot Batwing model is presented on a custom-fabricated display stand to support its substantial frame, with adjustments possible for display height, rotation, and tilt angle. It is the only six-foot Batwing built for the film and matches shots in the film as well as production photos. The model is in excellent restored condition and is one of the most significant Batman-franchise artifacts we have offered at auction. Dimensions: 6 ft. 3 in. x 4 ft. 10 in. x 1 ft. 6 in. (1.9 m x 1.5 m x 0.5 m)

Contains electronic and mechanical components; see notice in the Buyer's Guide.

Special shipping required; see notice in the Buyer's Guide.

Estimate: $250,000 - 500,000

Bidding for this lot will end on Thursday, August 15th. The auction will begin at 9:30AM PDT and lots are sold sequentially via live auctioneer; tune in to the live streaming broadcast on auction day to follow the pace. Note other lots in the auction may close on Friday, August 16th, Saturday, August 17th or Sunday, August 18th.