Stage Three

Stage Three. The Walt Disney Studios. , Stage three was built from 1953-1954 specifically for the scene in “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” in which “Nautilus” was attacked by a giant squid. The complex filming involved using wind, rain and waves to create a storm. , The stage contains a unique water effects tank that is divided into two parts, for underwater and special effects filming. The deepest section is 60'W x 60'L x 8'D with the shallow section measuring 60'W x 20'L x 3½'D. A separate camera pit is located on the south side of the tank to shield camera equipment. Water is held back by a steel bulkhead containing three photographic ports and three viewing ports, all at different levels. The tank is equipped with a water effects pumping and filtration system designed to handle up to 4,000 gallons of water per minute. , The tank area was also used heavily beginning in the 1960’s as Disney pioneered the use of the sodium screen process. In the 1970’s Stage 3 was equipped with the first computerized motion control system. The ACES (Animated Camera Effects System) was designed by Disney engineers and broke new ground with technology which has become one of the foundations of current special effects photography. , In addition to underwater photography projects, Stage 3 projects have included “Island at the Top of the World“, “The Black Hole“ and special effects photography for the Disney/MGM Studios Theme Park. , Height: 39 ft. , Length: 193 ft. , Width: 102 ft. , Other Features: Underwater Tank.