Photographer's Two-Year Effort Pays Off: Recreating the Iconic ET Scene
Michael Meighan, a photographer from Cardiff, has achieved a remarkable feat after nearly two years of dedication. He, along with his friend Nathan Edwards, successfully recreated the iconic scene from the beloved 1982 film ET. The scene, where Elliott's BMX with ET in the basket flies past the Moon, was captured on Eglwysilan Mountain in Rhondda Cynon Taf.
The challenge was not just about timing; it required precise planning and execution. Meighan and Edwards had to consider the Moon's position and weather conditions, which can vary significantly over the course of a year. They faced setbacks due to the Moon's changing alignment and unpredictable weather, but their persistence paid off.
On the day of the shoot, Edwards, a plasterer from Cwmbran, Torfaen, positioned a plastic wash bowl with a teddy bear wrapped in a blanket, mimicking ET's bike. Meighan, positioned 1.4 miles away in Treforest, Pontypridd, captured the scene through his camera lens. The pair coordinated their efforts via phone, attracting curious neighbors who witnessed the setup.
Meighan expressed his excitement, stating, 'We were over the Moon to finally get this one.' He and Edwards had attempted this shot multiple times, but the perfect alignment and weather conditions eluded them until last Saturday night. Meighan credits the success to careful planning and Edwards' unwavering dedication.
'The enthusiasm and dedication he showed, driving to random locations for this image, are truly remarkable,' Meighan said. The pair celebrated their achievement with a heartfelt embrace and a visit to a nearby pub, marking the culmination of their two-year endeavor.
