Behind the Scenes of LEGO Masters Norway
/Earlier this week, I introduced you to the cast of LEGO Masters Norway. Now that the season is premiering, I am excited to share with you a bit of the “backstage” area and studio scenery.
Filming Challenges
The filming started during the COVID-19 pandemic and there were certain rules that had to be taken into place, as for any shows in the industry. That meant quite strict and necessary usage of disinfectants and masks whenever (always) inside the studio or accompanying rooms. Teams were designated so that the risk of infecting the whole crew was put to a minimum. Also, as a precaution for the whole project, testing took place twice a week. For everyone’s safety of course—but also to not jeopardize the whole series. Everybody in Norway was used to the “new normal” but still, that wasn’t a reason not to have fun and enjoy the LEGO magic!
Sorting Bulk LEGO
Before everything else, the show needed the bricks! And it was a lot—it was overwhelming looking at all the boxes on pallets, just waiting to get out and become something beautiful and inspiring.
Everything had to be checked and pre-sorted before getting to the next stage of sorting and getting its own place inside the Brick Room.
The Studio was in the setup mode, which meant that everything needed to happen simultaneously—light effects, cameras, scenography, and the Brick Room… There were some hectic times and moments during the whole setup, as you can imagine. Especially with keeping distance from others when there is something urgent to be done.
The crew in the studio was top-notch, sometimes handling even more than you would think is possible. There were no teleprompter screens around for the “Knusemester” host as he was always prepared and ready for the challenges at hand. Although, sometimes accidents happen that included LEGO bricks…
The Brick Room
Getting to the most interesting part(s) in the studio in my opinion, I present to you the Brick Room! Unlike some international versions of the show, LEGO Masters Norway has a separate room for all the LEGO. Looking through the studio door, you saw the prettiest sight of them all. Like a dream come true with the lovely colours, parts, mini-figures, Technic pieces, animals… About 2,5 million LEGO parts. You name it, it was there! (Well, actually… There was a mix up with the order and there weren’t enough Powered-Up motors (M, XL) and lights. That was immediately re-ordered, but for the time being, one of the contestants borrowed a few from his own collection. Saved the day!)
Everything was in its place, neatly and tidy. Plates, modified plates, bricks, modified bricks; all the colour variations, left/right wedges, bars of many types and the dominant “rainbow wall” – a collection of various LEGO colours from black to earthy; and “centrepiece” with a pyramidal crossing of various colours in 2x 2/3/4 brick sizes. Our Nerdly mascot had a blast swimming and skiing in it all. A feast for the eyes!
The contestants had full liberty to create whatever they wanted and imagine anything, even mashups and builds inside the Brick Room. Of course, the main build area in the studio was the primary area, but when the clock is ticking away and an idea just came to mind, you have to be fast and build wherever you are! The contestants even managed to get the production to change the rule of allowing bigger boxes in the studio to carry bricks back and forth. Sometimes it was really unpractical to go from the Brick Room to the studio with small boxes constantly—especially if their parts selections contained some bigger elements.
Sorting Aftermath
What happened to the models and used bricks after filming was done? There was a designated team, like previously mentioned, which handled only LEGO bricks. Nobody else. So, if it was something with LEGO models that needed to be handled in the studio, it was the LEGO team’s job. All the sorting, refilling the Brick Room, assisting in the studio with various tasks for the contestants’ workplace, over and over again. If something was handled by an “outsider” it went into a mandatory quarantine before it got back to the system.
With all the fun, stress and work, there was also time to enjoy some snacks and food. And cake! There was even time to take a break too, if you were a contestant or not!
That’s a wrap on the behind-the-scenes tour of LEGO Masters Norway. Even Nerdly needed to head home after all the excitement. But stay tuned as we talk to some of the people involved in the show, coming soon!
How would you organize such a big collection? Do you prefer a separate Brick Room? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
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